Who Dominated the MTV VMAs: Lady Gaga or Ariana Grande?

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) this year showcased a powerful celebration of female artists, with Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter taking centre stage as the standout winners. Gaga led the night with four awards, including the prestigious Artist of the Year, while Grande and Carpenter each secured three awards, highlighting their artistic contributions over the past year. The event, held at New York's UBS Arena, was marked by emotional speeches, memorable performances, and a strong message of empowerment for aspiring artists.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the 2023 MTV VMAs

• Lady Gaga won four awards, including Artist of the Year.
• Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each took home three awards.
• The ceremony highlighted the achievements of female artists in the music industry.
• Megan Moroney won for Best Country with her single "Am I Okay?".
• Mariah Carey received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lady Gaga's Triumph at the VMAs

Entering the ceremony with a record 12 nominations, Lady Gaga emerged as the big winner of the night, taking home four "moon person" trophies, which increased her total wins to 22. This impressive tally places her third on the all-time list, trailing only Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, who each have 30 wins. In her acceptance speech for Artist of the Year, Gaga expressed profound gratitude, stating, "I cannot begin to tell you what this means to me. Being an artist is an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world."

A Night of Celebrating Women in Music

The 2023 VMAs distinctly focused on female artists, making it a memorable occasion for many. Notably, Ariana Grande secured the coveted Video of the Year award for her song "Brighter Days Ahead", alongside accolades for Long-Form Video and Best Pop Video. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she emphasised the importance of healing through art, inviting others to continue their journeys of self-discovery and resilience.

Sabrina Carpenter's Impressive Wins

Sabrina Carpenter also had a remarkable night, winning three awards, including Album of the Year for "Short n' Sweet". She was also recognised as the inaugural Best Pop Artist and took home the award for Best Visual Effects for her song "Manchild". Carpenter's performance of "Tears", accompanied by a group of drag queens and trans dancers, sent a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance, underscoring the event's celebratory tone.

Other Notable Winners

The night was not solely about Gaga, Grande, and Carpenter. Megan Moroney made history as the first winner of the Best Country category with her single "Am I Okay?" Meanwhile, Mariah Carey was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, marking her significant contributions to the music industry. In her video message, she quipped, "This is amazing MTV, I don't know why it took you so long!" Her performance later in the evening, featuring a medley of her classic hits, reminded fans of her timeless appeal.

Memorable Performances and Highlights

The VMAs offered a variety of live performances that captivated the audience. Artists such as Doja Cat, J Balvin, and the best new artist Alex Warren delivered show-stopping numbers that kept the energy high. One of the standout moments included Ricky Martin, who performed a medley of his hits, celebrating his 40-year career in the music industry. He expressed gratitude to his fans, stating, "This is for you all. I am addicted to your applause, that's why I keep coming back."

Tributes and Remembrances

A poignant moment during the ceremony was the tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July. His son Jack introduced a special performance featuring Yungblud and members of Aerosmith, showcasing a collection of Osbourne's iconic tracks. This tribute served as a reminder of Osbourne's lasting impact on rock music and the legacy he leaves behind.

Insights on the Future of the VMAs

As the music industry continues to evolve, the VMAs serve as a barometer for trends, talent, and the cultural landscape. The heavy focus on female artists at this year’s ceremony underscores a growing recognition and celebration of women's contributions to music. With artists like Gaga, Grande, and Carpenter leading the charge, it is evident that the future of the music industry is bright and full of potential.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards not only highlighted the achievements of prominent female artists but also set the stage for future generations of musicians. The evening was filled with powerful speeches, stunning performances, and a strong message of empowerment. As the industry continues to change, events like the VMAs will play a crucial role in recognising talent and celebrating creativity. What can we expect at next year’s ceremony? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the music world is in good hands.

#MTVVMA2023 #LadyGaga #WomenInMusic

FAQs

Who won the most awards at the 2023 MTV VMAs?

Lady Gaga was the biggest winner at the 2023 MTV VMAs, taking home four awards, including Artist of the Year.

What awards did Ariana Grande win?

Ariana Grande won three awards at the ceremony, including Video of the Year, Long-Form Video, and Best Pop Video for her song "Brighter Days Ahead."

Did Sabrina Carpenter win any awards?

Yes, Sabrina Carpenter won three awards: Album of the Year for "Short n' Sweet," Best Pop Artist, and Best Visual Effects for "Manchild."

What was the highlight of Mariah Carey's appearance?

Mariah Carey received a Lifetime Achievement Award and performed a medley of her hits, celebrating her significant contributions to music.

Was there a tribute to any late artists during the ceremony?

Yes, the ceremony included a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, featuring performances of his iconic songs by Yungblud and Aerosmith members.