Katy Perry joins VMA elite; to receive Video Vanguard Award
What's the story
Katy Perry is set to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the 2024 MTVVideo Music Awards (VMAs). The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 11, at New York's UBS Arena. Perry will also perform a medley of her hits live during the event. To note, this award places her in an exclusive group of artists who have received both the Video of the Year and Vanguard awards.
Award history
Perry becomes 10th artist to receive both top VMA honors
In 2011, Perry's Firework won the Video of the Year award at the VMAs. With this latest recognition, she joins a select group of artists who have received both top honors. Previous recipients include Madonna, Peter Gabriel, R.E.M., Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Rihanna, P!nk, and Missy Elliott. Perry is also the first person to host the VMAs and receive both awards in her career.
VMA journey
Perry's history with the VMAs
For those unaware, Perry made her VMA performance debut in 2009 with a rendition of Queen's We Will Rock You, accompanied by Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry. She hosted the awards in 2017 and delivered a grand finale performance of Swish Swish with Nicki Minaj. This will be Perry's sixth VMA Moonperson award, having previously won for Firework, E.T., Wide Awake, and Dark Horse.
Recent work
Perry's new single and upcoming album
Perry recently released her new single, Lifetimes, on August 8. The song is part of her sixth major-label studio album, 143, which is set to be released on September 20 via Capitol Records—just nine days after the VMAs. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift leads the VMA nominations with 10, followed by Post Malone with nine. Other top nominees include Ariana Grande, Eminem, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Megan Thee Stallion, Lisa, Olivia Rodrigo, and Teddy Swims.