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Honestly, if you thought the Era’s Tour was the only thing Taylor Swift was going to dominate this decade, the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards just proved everyone wrong. Again. It wasn’t just about the awards, although she took home seven of those shiny silver Moon People. It was the vibe.
The UBS Arena in Long Island was basically vibrating.
Swift showed up looking like she stepped out of a high-fashion fever dream. We’re talking a yellow plaid Dior corset that looked like something straight out of Braveheart but with a punk-rock edge. She paired it with black velvet hot pants and thigh-high leather boots. People on X were joking that she raided Blake Lively’s closet from the It Ends With Us set, but let’s be real—it was pure Reputation coded.
Taylor Swift VMA 2024: Breaking Records and Tying Legends
She didn't just win; she rewrote the history books. By the time the night ended, Swift had racked up 30 career VMAs. That officially puts her in a tie with Beyoncé for the most-awarded artist in the show's 40-year history.
But there’s a nuance here.
While they are tied at 30, Swift is now the most decorated solo artist. Beyoncé’s count includes her work with Destiny’s Child and The Carters. Taylor? It’s all her. She also became the first person to win Video of the Year five times, and she’s won it three years in a row. "Anti-Hero," "All Too Well: The Short Film," and now "Fortnight." It’s an unheard-of streak.
Post Malone was there too, looking genuinely happy to be the "ma'am-ed" sidekick. He called her one of the most talented people he’s ever known. He watched her direct the "Fortnight" video while she was literally strapped to an operating table for a scene. That’s the level of commitment we’re talking about.
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That Travis Kelce Shoutout
Everyone was waiting for it. The "boyfriend" mention.
When she took the stage for Video of the Year, she didn't just thank the crew. She talked about the filming process for the "Fortnight" video. It’s a sad video, right? Grayscale, clinical, tortured. But she said the set was actually full of "happiness and fun and magic."
Why? Because of Travis Kelce.
She told the crowd that every time they finished a take, she’d hear someone "cheering and like woo-ing" from across the studio. "That one person was my boyfriend, Travis," she said. The room went absolutely feral. It was the first time she had ever used his name and the "boyfriend" title in a public acceptance speech.
Kelce couldn't be there because he had practice with the Kansas City Chiefs back in Missouri. He did like the video of her speech on Instagram though. Modern romance, I guess.
A Night of Respect and Responsibility
The show fell on September 11th, and Taylor didn't ignore that.
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Before getting into the thank-yous for her first award (Best Collaboration), she took a moment to acknowledge the 23rd anniversary of the attacks. She talked about waking up in New York and thinking about everyone who lost a loved one. She said everything happening at the awards fell "behind that" in importance. It was a grounded moment in a night usually known for being chaotic.
Later on, she pivoted to the fans.
She thanked them for voting for her, but then she dropped a reminder about a different kind of voting. She urged anyone over 18 to register for the upcoming presidential election. This came right on the heels of her endorsing Kamala Harris. She didn't get political on the mic, but she definitely used her platform to push for civic engagement.
The Fashion Shift
If you blinked, you missed the outfit change.
She started in the yellow plaid Dior, but later she switched into a sleeveless mini-dress covered in sequins and... UFOs? It was a custom Monse piece that looked very Midnights meets The Tortured Poets Department. It was playful, sparkly, and very much the "winner's circle" outfit.
The boots stayed, though. Stuart Weitzman for the win.
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What This Means for the Future
Some people think she’s reaching a saturation point. Others think she’s just getting started. The fact is, she’s managing to keep the public's attention while actually producing a massive volume of work.
Winning Video of the Year for a self-directed project like "Fortnight" isn't just a popularity contest. It’s a sign that the industry is respecting her as a filmmaker, not just a songwriter. She’s already lined up to direct a feature film for Searchlight Pictures, so these VMA wins are basically her building a portfolio in real-time.
She’s not just a pop star anymore. She’s an auteur.
How to Follow the Trail
If you want to keep up with what's next for Taylor after her historic VMA night, here is what you should actually do:
- Watch the "Fortnight" Behind-the-Scenes: Now that you know Travis Kelce was there "woo-ing" from the sidelines, go back and watch the making-of footage. You can see the technical direction Post Malone was talking about.
- Check Your Registration: She mentioned it for a reason. Regardless of who you're backing, make sure your voter registration is active if you’re in the US.
- Track the Beyoncé Tie: Keep an eye on the 2025 nominations. Both artists are still incredibly active. The "race" for the most VMAs isn't over; it’s just entered a new chapter.
- Analyze the Lyrics: If you haven't sat down with The Tortured Poets Department lately, do it. The VMA wins usually correlate with how much she's poured into the visual storytelling of an era.
Taylor Swift at the 2024 VMAs wasn't just a victory lap. It was a statement of longevity. She’s been doing this for nearly two decades, and she’s still finding ways to make the room stop and listen.