The ultimate party! The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards was jam-packed with music moments that fans can’t stop talking about.
LL Cool J, Nicki MinajAnd Jack HarlowThe hosting duties of the star-studded event were shared by the host, who was broadcast live from the Prudential Center, New Jersey. From the moment the awards show began, viewers were treated to a fun-filled concert experience — and Us WeeklyBelow is a breakdown highlighting the best moments.
Harlow, 24, kicked off the show — and after rocking out himself — he surprised fans by announcing Fergie, who helped him sing “First Class.” The California native, 47, then transitioned to her iconic 2007 hit “Glamorous” to a roaring crowd.
Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock; Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Fergie’s exciting collaboration caused a stir in the audience and prompted Taylor Swiftto dance in the stands Dylan O’BrienAnd Sarah Ramos, who attended the event with the “Lover” songstress, 32, also joined in on the fun.
The “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” singer’s dance moves didn’t stop there. Throughout the evening, Swift — who won the Moonperson for Best Longform Video — stole the show as she sang along to multiple performances, including Lizzo and Minaj’s acts.
The “Exile” musician’s reactions during the awards show were hard to miss — but after winning Video of the Year she made an even bigger splash. Swift announced during Swift’s acceptance speech that she will be releasing a new album on Friday, Oct 21.
Minaj, for her part, demanded the audience’s full attention when she took the stage, earning a standing ovation from Swift. The “Anaconda” rapper, 39, performed a medley of her greatest hits and showed off her own sexy moves that pulled viewers in from the first word.
The Trinidadian musician hit the stage before being honored with the VMAs’ Video Vanguard award, joining the ranks of Missy Elliot, Jennifer Lopez, Pink, Rihanna, BeyoncéAnd Britney Spears, who all share that title.
Minaj accepted the award with a smile after her mini-concert. However, she broke down in tears when her fans cheered for her so loud that it was hard to hear her speaking.(She later won Best Hip Hop Video for “Do We Have a Problem?” featuring Lil Baby.)
“Thank you so much. You guys are my baby, but I have a new baby,” she said, referring to her 22-month-old son, whom she shares with husband Kenneth Petty. “His name is Papa Bear. Mommy loves you so, so, so much.”
The Red Hot Chili Peppers also received one of the night’s biggest awards with the Global Icon Award, which they accepted after putting on their own rock show. The band — which later earned the Best Rock Video trophy — honored the late Taylor Hawkins in their speech following the Foo Fighters’ drummer’s death earlier this year at the age of 50.
“There’s another musical icon, global icon — his name is my brother Taylor Hawkins,” Chad SmithFor his bandmates Anthony Kiedis, FleaAnd John Frusciante. “I want to dedicate this to Taylor and his family. I love them and miss him every single day. Fly on Hawk. Fly on, brother.”
Check out Us Weekly’s video above to relive the best 2022 VMAs moments — — including Lizzo’s epic clapback against body-shamers while accepting the Moonperson for Video for Good.
