- MTV Video Music Awards have to give way
The originally scheduled MTV Video Music Awards 2024 (VMAs) for September 10th have been postponed by one day. This move allows the prestigious awards ceremony to avoid clashing with the first TV debate between US presidential candidates Kamala Harris (59) and Donald Trump (78), as reported by outlets like Billboard. The highly anticipated debate between the US Vice President and former President would have otherwise overshadowed the VMAs.
Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello, and more on stage
In addition, MTV, since the US presidential election in 1992, has made it a mission to encourage and promote voter participation and political engagement among younger people. For MTV, it would have posed an image problem to divert attention away from such an important political debate. Instead, the VMAs will now fall on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Taylor Swift leads in nominations
A lineup of notable performers has also been confirmed for this year's MTV Video Music Awards. Singers Sabrina Carpenter (25) and Chappell Roan (26), two of the hottest music stars of the moment, will take the VMA stage in New York for the first time. Singer Camila Cabello (27) will be performing for the third time. Rappers GloRilla (25) and Rauw Alejandro (31) have also been officially announced as performers by MTV. All five artists are also nominated for VMAs, with Carpenter receiving six nominations.
It comes as no surprise that superstar Taylor Swift (34) is leading the nominations with a total of ten, including "Artist of the Year" and "Video of the Year" for her song "Fortnight" featuring Post Malone (29). Last year, the American singer won a total of nine awards at the VMAs.
Despite the shift in dates, Sabrina Carpenter, ♪ I'm not going to lie ♪ during her performance, is still expected to create a memorable moment at the now postponed MTV Video Music Awards. The new date also allows for a more focused audience attention, avoiding potential clashes with political debates.
