Katy Perry to receive Video Vanguard award at the MTV VMAs

16 August, 2024

Katy Perry

Katy Perry will be this year’s recipient of the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Announced yesterday by MTV (August 16), Perry will perform a career-spanning medley of songs at the event, which takes place on September 11 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

Perry made her MTV VMAs debut in 2009, joining Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry for a version of ‘We Will Rock You.’ She later received her first three VMA awards in 2011 for her Kanye West collaboration ‘E.T.’ and her hit song ‘Firework.’ Perry’s hosted the VMAs in 2017, which was also her last appearance at the event.

Taylor Swift and Post Malone lead the nominations for the MTV VMAs this year with 19 nominations between them.

Swift leads with 10, while Malone has nine. Many of their nominations are for their collaboration ‘Fortnight’ from ‘The Tortured Poet’s Department’. Among the other artists to have multiple nominations are Sabrina Carpenter, Eminem, and Ariana Grande, who all have six each.

Both Swift and Eminem are up for the most prestigious award of the night, Video of the Year. Four-time winner Swift is the current award holder, for ‘Anti-Hero’, while Eminem has received a record seven nominations for the award over the years. Also up for the award are Grande, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat and SZA.

Artist of the Year, meanwhile, is between Swift, Eminem, Grande, SZA, Carpenter and Bad Bunny, while Song of the Year is between Swift, Carpenter, Beyoncé, Jack Harlow, Kendrick Lamar and Teddy Swims. You can see all the nominations here.

Meanwhile, Perry’s ’143’ album rollout has been far from smooth sailing. Last month, the music video for its lead single ‘Woman’s World’ was widely criticised for catering to the male gaze rather than challenging it, as seems to be the intention of the female empowerment-themed lyrics.

Perry later hit back at the accusations, saying that the video was intended to be satire. The song in question peaked at Number 47 in the UK, and Number 63 in the US.

Perry’s label also responded to reports that the pop star was under investigation over potential environmental damage caused during an “unauthorised” video shoot for her ‘Lifetimes’ video.

It was subsequently alleged that the video – directed by frequent Bad Bunny collaborator Stillz – contained unauthorised filming on Spain’s Balearic Islands, and an investigation was launched.

Katy Perry in 2024
Katy Perry in 2024. CREDIT: Julien Hekimian/Getty Images

In a statement, the Balearic Islands’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment said that the production company behind the ‘Lifetimes’ visuals had failed to seek “authorisation from the Regional Ministry to carry out the filming”. “That is why preliminary investigation actions have been initiated,” it continued.

Despite this, the statement went on to say that Perry’s actions were not a “crime against the environment” and instead an infringement – stating that general photography and filming “can be authorised” in the location.

A spokesperson from Perry’s label, Capitol Records, responded in a statement obtained by The Independent. “The local video production company assured us that all necessary permits for the video were secure,” they said.

“We have since learned that one permit was in process, although we were given verbal authority to go ahead. Our local crew on July 22 applied for a permit for this specific location with the Directorate-General For Coasts And Coastline.”

They continued: “Our crew received verbal approval on July 26 to proceed with the filming on July 27. We adhered to all regulations associated with filming in this area and have the utmost respect for this location and the officials tasked with protecting it.”

Additionally, Perry received backlash when it was revealed she had once again worked with Dr Luke on her forthcoming album. Kesha accused the producer of emotional abuse and sexual assault in a decade-long lawsuit.

Kesha tweeted “lol” after Perry’s latest collaboration was released, with fans believing the post to be in response to the track. Earlier this month, Kesha seemingly also dissed Perry during her set at Lollapalooza 2024.

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