The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards saw Katy Perry and Chappell Roan deliver standout performances, while Taylor Swift cemented her place in VMA history as the most-awarded artist of all time.

Katy Perry was honored with the Video Vanguard award, often considered MTV’s equivalent of a lifetime achievement prize. To mark the occasion, Perry performed a spectacular medley of her career-defining hits, including “Roar,” “Dark Horse,” and “Firework,” earning thunderous applause from the audience.

Rising star Chappell Roan, who was performing for small audiences just a year ago, took home the Best New Artist award. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Roan dedicated the win to “all the drag queens who inspired me,” highlighting her connection to the LGBTQ+ community and its influence on her art.

The night also belonged to Taylor Swift, who walked away with a staggering seven awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year and Video of the Year. With her latest victories, Swift now holds a record 30 MTV trophies, surpassing Beyoncé as the most-awarded artist in the event’s history.

During her acceptance speech, Swift used the moment to encourage her fans to participate in the upcoming U.S. Presidential election, referencing her recent endorsement of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.