2024 MTV VMAs: A Night of Latin Excellence and Historic Wins

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) was a night of high energy, cultural pride, and unforgettable performances. It was the 40th anniversary of the iconic award show and it was held at the UBS Arena in New York, this year’s VMAs placed a strong spotlight on Latin representation, with several of the night’s biggest moments and honors going to Latino artists. It was a celebration of the power and influence of Latin culture in the global music scene.

One of the most memorable performances of the night came from Colombian superstar Karol G. She electrified the crowd with her performance of “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Karol, known for her dynamic stage presence and captivating charisma, had the entire arena on their feet, including celebrity like Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello, who danced along to her song. Karol G has had a remarkable year, and her performance at the VMAs further solidified her status as one of the top Latin artists in the world.

Here to show all my besties this clip of @taylorswift13 dancing to @karolg‘s #VMAs performance #poVMA pic.twitter.com/mq1ADe3uG3

— MTV (@MTV) September 12, 2024

Anitta, another Latina powerhouse, also had her moment in the spotlight. The Brazilian singer took home the award for Best Latin for her song “Mil Veces,” and during her acceptance speech, she took the time to praise her peer Karol G. “What an amazing year for the Latin culture,” Anitta said. “I need to acknowledge that Karol G had an amazing, amazing year.” It was a touching moment that showcased a sense of unity and camaraderie within the Latin music community.

Anitta para Karol G :

Tengo que reconocer que Karol tuvo un año increíble. Fue una gira increíble, todo el mundo lo estaba viendo !
Felicidades @Anitta por tu galardon a Best Latin en los #VMAs pic.twitter.com/yqDAwAKUDq

— KAROL G COLOMBIA (@ColombiaKarolG) September 12, 2024

Rauw Alejandro, a first-time VMA nominee, also brought the Latino flair to the stage with a medley of his biggest hits. His performance was a spectacle of dancers, vibrant costumes, and live musicians playing the bongos. The Puerto Rican star’s unique blend of reggaeton and Latin pop had the audience buzzing and cemented him as one of the rising stars to watch.

rauw making a diluvio version with bomba y plena, a music genre and dance native to puerto rico, while our flag hangs high from the ceiling, all of this aired on american television.. i’m genuinely cryingpic.twitter.com/GrQV8tM4A9

— (@chuujsy) September 12, 2024

A major highlight of the night was the premiere of a new song by Anitta, Fat Joe, and DJ Khaled. “We the best music!” Khaled shouted as the trio took the stage for their highly anticipated collaboration, blending Latin beats with hip-hop rhythms, creating a moment that perfectly captured the essence of the evening: a celebration of collaboration, diversity, and Latin excellence.

If you hear me talking about wanting to go to “Paradise”, just know that I mean going back to @Anitta‘s #VMAs performance with @djkhaled, @fatjoe, @tiagopzk pic.twitter.com/87XArnGK0F

— MTV (@MTV) September 12, 2024

Camila Cabello also delivered a hauntingly beautiful performance that many speculated was directed at her ex-boyfriend, Shawn Mendes, who was in attendance. The Cuban-American singer performed “Godspeed” in a dramatic fashion, with masked dancers wielding baseball bats surrounding her on stage. The emotional performance left fans buzzing about the song’s personal connection to her on-again, off-again relationship with Shawn Mendes who fans have also linked to another VMA performer in attendance, Sabrina Carpenter.

I don’t lie @Camila_Cabello‘s #VMAs performance of “June Gloom” and “God Speed” was the best, ICONIC pic.twitter.com/D0Yb2jwiaR

— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2024

While Latin artists dominated the stage, it was Taylor Swift who emerged as the night’s biggest winner. The pop icon took home seven awards, including Video of the Year for “Fortnight.” With these wins, Swift surpassed Beyoncé to become the most awarded artist in VMA history. It was a historic achievement that added even more excitement to an already thrilling night.

“My boyfriend, Travis. Everything this man touches turns to happiness, fun and magic, so I want to thank him for adding that to our shoot.” — Taylor Swift pic.twitter.com/jFv0rBGiha

— Taylor Swift Charts (@chartstswift) September 12, 2024

The 2024 VMAs were a true celebration of music, culture, and diversity. With Latino artists shining brightly and making history, the night proved that Latin music has taken its rightful place on the world stage. From Karol G to Anitta to Rauw Alejandro, Latin artists not only performed but also celebrated their heritage, leaving a lasting mark on the VMAs and continuing to push the boundaries of global music.