Taylor Swift and Shakira Shine at MTV Video Music Awards 2023

In a wonderful display of talent and celebration of music, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) 2023 took the world by storm. The night saw two incredible artists, Taylor Swift and Shakira, steal the spotlight with their outstanding performances and multiple wins.

Taylor Swift, who is currently on her historic billion-dollar stadium tour, swept the awards, taking home nine Moon Man trophies, including the prestigious Video of the Year for her self-directed music video, “Anti-Hero.”

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She also clinched titles for Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Show of the Summer.

Swift, humbled by her wins, dedicated them to her fans and the art of songwriting, saying, “I love making pop music, I love making pop music videos, I also love making country. I love slinking around different genres, and the only reason I’m allowed to do that is because you, the fans, gave me the opportunity to do this.”

The night was not just about Taylor Swift, as Latin music icon Shakira was honored with the Video Vanguard Award for her immense contributions to global music.

Wyclef Jean presented the award, emphasizing Shakira’s significance in the music industry: “Latin music would not be the global force that it is without Shakira.”

Shakira’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she treated the audience to a career-spanning medley of her hits.

She danced with knives, performed in a fake cave, and even played a fiery guitar solo during “Objection Tango.”

In her acceptance speech, Shakira expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for being my army and helping me fight all my battles.”

The VMAs also celebrated hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, with performances by legendary artists like Lil Wayne, Metro Boomin, Doug E Fresh, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, and Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC.

The global influence of Latin music was acknowledged, with artists like Brazilian sensation Anitta, Mexican breakout star Peso Pluma, and Colombian singer Karol G being recognized for their contributions.

Karol G won the award for Best Collaboration with Shakira for their song “TGQ.”

Karol G praised Shakira, saying, “She’s a legend. She represents our country and our Latina community.”

The night also highlighted the success of K-pop, with Stray Kids winning Best K-Pop and Tomorrow x Together receiving the Push Performance of the Year award.

The first-ever televised award for Best Afro beats was presented to Rema and Selena Gomez for their song “Calm Down,” symbolizing the genre’s global reach.

Throughout the night, female performers ruled the stage, with Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Anitta delivering electrifying performances.

In her closing remarks, Taylor Swift expressed her gratitude to her fans, 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.”