Honestly, the energy at the UBS Arena was just different. On September 11, 2024, the air felt heavy because of the anniversary, but also electric. Everyone knew they were about to witness history, even if they didn't know exactly how many Moon Persons would be stuffed into a SUV by the end of the night.
Taylor Swift didn't just show up; she basically redecorated the record books.
By the time the lights dimmed, she had scooped up seven awards. Seven. That brought her career total to 30 VMAs. If you’re keeping score at home, that officially moved her past Beyoncé for the most wins as a solo artist. People like to argue about who’s the "Queen of the VMAs," and while Beyoncé still has those Destiny's Child trophies in her cabinet, Taylor now holds the crown for the most individual hardware.
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The Record-Breaking Run of Taylor Swift VMAs 2024
Most people expected a win or two, but five Video of the Year awards? That’s uncharted territory. Winning for "Fortnight" wasn’t just a victory for a song; it was a victory for Taylor the director. She's becoming as obsessed with the lens as she is with the lyric sheet.
She won Artist of the Year. Again. She won Best Collaboration. She won Best Pop. It was a sweep that felt both inevitable and somehow still surprising because of the sheer scale.
The "Fortnight" video was everywhere this year. It's grainy, it's black and white, and it features Post Malone looking surprisingly comfortable in a Victorian-goth aesthetic. When Taylor took the stage to accept the night’s biggest honor, she didn't just do the standard "thanks to the fans" routine. She got specific.
That Travis Kelce Shoutout
You've probably seen the clip. It was the first time she’s actually said his name, "Travis," in a major televised acceptance speech. She told this story about how, whenever she’d finish a take on the "Fortnight" set and yell "Cut," she’d hear this loud "Wooo!" from across the studio.
That was Travis Kelce.
She told the crowd that "everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic." It was a rare, unscripted-feeling moment that made the room go absolutely wild. Megan Thee Stallion was hosting, and even she looked like a fan girl for a second. It’s kinda wild to think that while she was breaking all-time records, the thing she wanted to talk about was her boyfriend cheering from the sidelines of a music video shoot.
Decoding the Reputation Red Carpet Look
Can we talk about the outfit? Because the Swifties are still spiraling. Taylor showed up in this yellow-and-black plaid Dior corset dress that felt very "Highland Warrior" meets "Punk Princess."
It was daring. It was edgy.
- The Details: She wore black velvet hot pants under a floor-length open skirt.
- The Boots: Thigh-high Stuart Weitzman boots that looked like they could kick down a door.
- The Bling: 30-carat canary yellow diamond earrings from Lorraine Schwartz.
The internet immediately started screaming "Reputation (Taylor's Version) is coming!" The plaid was a riff on Dior's Resort 2025 collection, which was shown in Scotland, but the vibe was pure 2017 revenge-era Taylor. She even ditched her signature bright red lip for a more muted, neutral shade and went heavy on the smoky eyeliner.
Usually, when she changes her makeup, a New Era is about five minutes away. But in typical Taylor fashion, she didn't announce the re-record. She just let the outfit do the talking and then changed into a UFO-themed sequin mini dress for the after-party.
More Than Just Trophies
The night wasn't all about Taylor, though it certainly felt like it at times. Sabrina Carpenter took home Song of the Year for "Espresso," and her performance was a whole fever dream involving an alien and a moon man. Chappell Roan won Best New Artist and gave a speech straight out of her diary while dressed in full chainmail armor.
But the Taylor Swift VMAs 2024 narrative stayed centered on her longevity. Think about it: she won her first VMA in 2009. That was the year of the infamous Kanye interruption. Fast forward 15 years, and she’s still the most relevant person in the room. That kind of staying power is basically unheard of in pop music.
She also took a moment to acknowledge the weight of the date. Since the show fell on September 11, she started her first speech by remembering the lives lost 23 years ago. It was a grounded moment in a night that is usually known for being over-the-top and chaotic.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
If you’re looking for what to do next with all this info, keep your eyes on the "Fortnight" collaborators. The Best Editing win for Chancler Haynes and Best Direction for Taylor herself shows she’s gunning for more than just Grammys—she wants to be taken seriously as a filmmaker.
Take Action:
- Watch the "Fortnight" video again: Now that you know Travis Kelce was there cheering behind the scenes, you’ll probably look at the vibe of the set differently.
- Check the Dior Resort 2025 collection: If you want to predict her next red carpet, look at the Scottish influences she pulled from this time.
- Track the "Reputation" Easter eggs: Keep an eye on her website and social media headers. The VMA look was too specific to be a random choice.
She's officially the G.O.A.T. of the MTV stage. Whether you love the "Traylor" romance or you're just here for the records, there's no denying that the 2024 VMAs belonged to her.