Honestly, the internet has a short memory. We see a picture of a celebrity in a red dress and we move on in three seconds. But what went down with Selena Gomez at the VMAs during her big return in 2023 was a lot weirder, cooler, and more chaotic than the headlines let on. She hadn’t been to the show since 2015. Eight years. That’s a lifetime in pop music. When she finally stepped onto that pink carpet at the Prudential Center, she wasn't just there to fill a seat. She ended up becoming the main character of the night, and not always for the reasons she wanted.
She won. She trended. She became a meme (again). And then she basically swore off award shows because of it.
The Dress That Almost Broke the Internet
You probably saw the Oscar de la Renta. It was this fiery, crimson halter gown covered in hand-beaded floral appliqués and a fringe hem that looked like it was made of vines. It was a massive moment for her and her stylist, Erin Walsh. They were going for "sultry but sophisticated," and they nailed it.
But here is the thing people forget: Selena actually broke her hand just a few weeks before the show. She’d tripped over a long summer dress walking from her car to her house—talk about a relatable nightmare—and had to have surgery. By the time the VMAs rolled around, she was out of the cast, but you could tell she was being careful. She paired the gown with these incredibly strappy red heels and diamond flower earrings from Pasquale Bruni. It was a "Rare Beauty" showcase, literally. Her makeup artist, Hung Vanngo, used every viral product in the line, specifically the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in 'Worth.'
The Rema Connection and the Historic Win
Winning an award is cool, but winning the first-ever award in a new category is a legacy move. Selena and Nigerian superstar Rema took home the Moon Person for Best Afrobeats for their remix of "Calm Down."
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People were obsessed with their chemistry. They were caught on camera sitting together, Selena resting her head on his shoulder, looking genuinely happy. When they got to the podium, Selena stepped back. She let Rema take the lead. "Thank you so much, Rema, for believing in me," she said during her speech. It was her second VMA win ever—the first being way back in 2013 for "Come & Get It." Ten years between trophies is a wild stat for someone who is constantly on the charts.
Why the Internet Turned Her Into a Meme
This is where things got a little messy for Selena Gomez at the VMAs. Award shows are basically a giant "reaction cam" now. If you blink wrong, you're a GIF.
During the night, a few clips of Selena went nuclear on X (formerly Twitter):
- The Chris Brown Reaction: When Chlöe Bailey and Chris Brown’s nomination for Best R&B was announced, the camera cut to Selena. She had this specific, nose-scrunching "ew" face that everyone immediately interpreted as shade toward Brown's controversial past.
- The Olivia Rodrigo Scare: During Olivia’s performance of "Vampire," the stage started "falling apart" as part of the production. Selena looked genuinely terrified, covering one ear and looking around like the building was actually collapsing.
- The SZA Bummer: When SZA won Best R&B but wasn't there to accept it, Selena looked visibly disappointed.
She didn't take the viral fame well. The next morning, she posted on her Instagram Story: "I will never be a meme again. I’d rather sit still than be dragged for being myself. Much love." It was a reminder that while we’re all laughing at the "relatable" faces, there’s a real person there who feels like she’s being picked apart for just existing in a room.
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The Afterparty Shift
After the show, she didn't stick around in the red lace. She swapped the Oscar de la Renta for a vibrant purple corset mini dress and headed to Diddy’s afterparty.
Later that same night? She was spotted in a full-on oversized gray tracksuit and chunky black boots. It was the ultimate "I'm done with being a celebrity for today" move. Seeing her go from custom couture to a sweat-suit in four hours is probably the most Selena Gomez thing that could have happened.
What’s the Current Status?
Fast forward to late 2025 and early 2026, and Selena’s relationship with music and award shows is... complicated. She’s been focusing heavily on her acting career with Only Murders in the Building and the film Emilia Pérez. In fact, she’s even mentioned that she might only have one more album left in her before she retires from music for good.
However, her 2025 collaboration with Benny Blanco, "Sunset Blvd," has kept her name in the VMA conversation. Even if she skips the carpet, her influence on the show is permanent.
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How to Channel That VMA Energy
If you're looking to recreate that "Calm Down" era vibe, here’s how you actually do it without needing a billionaire's budget:
- Monochromatic Red: Don't fear the bold color. Matching your lips, nails, and dress in the same shade of scarlet is a classic power move.
- The Rare Beauty Glow: Use a liquid highlighter under your foundation for that "lit from within" look Selena always has.
- Authentic Reactions: Honestly? Stop worrying about how you look in photos. The reason people love Selena is that she wears her heart on her sleeve (and her face).
The 2023 appearance was a turning point. It showed a woman who was successful, decorated, and beautiful, but also a bit tired of the "show" part of show business. Whether she shows up to the next one or watches from her couch in her tracksuit, she’s already left her mark on the Moon Person's history.
To keep up with her latest moves, check out her official Rare Beauty updates or follow the Only Murders production news, as that’s where her heart seems to be lately.