MTV’s 2023 Video Music Awards on Wednesday night celebrated the biggest achievements in the music industry, with Taylor Swift emerging as the evening’s ultimate victor.

The 40th annual VMAs included must-see performances, an unexpected guest visit and victories that broke records.

Swift, the undisputed queen of pop, once again stole the show by sweeping nine awards, including the coveted Video of the Year for her hit track “Anti-Hero” from the album Midnights. This achievement ties her for the most wins in a single night and establishes her as the second-most-awarded artist in VMAs history.

The 33-year-old singer-songwriter, currently on her historic billion-dollar stadium tour, was beside herself when presented an award by ‘NSync, who came together again for the first time in more than 10 years for the occasion.

Nicki Minaj was the sole host for the evening, ably leading the event while also securing the Best Hip-Hop prize with her song “Super Freaky Girl.”
Hip-hop’s 50th anniversary was highlighted by a large chunk of the VMAs showcasing performances by Lil Wayne, Metro Boomin and a finale medley featuring hip-hop legends like Doug E Fresh, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC, Lil Wayne and Minaj herself.

The night was not only about Swift and hiphop, as it also acknowledged the global influence of Latin music. For their contributions, artists like Anitta, Peso Pluma and Karol G were recognized.

With her album Maana Será Bonito, Karol G in particular created history by becoming the first female artist to reach the top spot in the Spanish-language album charts. She also won Best Collaboration with fellow Colombian Shakira, who was the night’s special guest.

Shakira was given the Video Vanguard Award by Wyclef Jean for her significant contribution to world music. In her victory speech, Shakira honored her sons, her devoted fans and the “amazing women” who broke down barriers in the music industry.

The VMAs highlighted the dominant presence of female acts, with exciting performances from Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat and Anitta.

Some of the other standout accolades included SZA taking home the Best R&B award, rapper Ice Spice claiming the title of Best New Artist and Stray Kids being honored for the first time with the Best K-pop award.

Tomorrow x Together also made their VMAs debut, winning “PUSH Performance of the Year.”

Rema and Selena Gomez received the first-ever televised award for Best Afrobeats from Tiffany Haddish for their work on the song “Calm Down.”
However, Swift ultimately outdid herself by winning another Video of the Year award to cap off the evening, a year after announcing the release of her 10th studio album, Midnights.

Swift was profuse in her appreciation, saying, “The fact that this is a fan-voted award means so much to me. All I have to say tonight is thank you. I’m blown away.”

After the show, BTS’ Jungkook was named the Song of Summer winner for “Seven,” BLACKPINK won the Group of the Year award and “Pink Venom” scored Best Choreography.