Did you watch the MTV Video Music Awards? Below is a cleaned and concise collection of the night’s live performances, featuring artists such as Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, Sam Smith, Maroon 5, Beyoncé and more. Each entry includes the song performed and a brief description to help you remember the highlights from the show.
Jesse J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj – Bang Bang
Jesse J joined Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj for a dynamic live rendition of “Bang Bang.” The collaboration showcased the combined vocal power of all three artists and blended pop and hip-hop elements in a single high-energy set.
Source: MTV Video Music Awards performance archive (video embed removed).
Taylor Swift – Shake It Off
Taylor Swift performed “Shake It Off,” offering an upbeat, dance-driven moment that emphasized catchy hooks and charismatic stage presence. The performance was a clear pop highlight of the evening.
Source: MTV Video Music Awards performance archive (video embed removed).
Sam Smith – Stay With Me
Sam Smith delivered a soulful performance of “Stay With Me,” focusing on intimate vocals and emotive delivery. The set emphasized the song’s lyrical vulnerability and the singer’s expressive range.
Source: MTV Video Music Awards performance archive (video embed removed).
Usher and Nicki Minaj – She Came to Give It to You
Usher teamed up with Nicki Minaj for “She Came to Give It to You,” combining smooth R&B grooves with rap verses for a contemporary, club-ready performance.
Source: MTV Video Music Awards performance archive (video embed removed).
5 Seconds of Summer – Amnesia
Pop-rock group 5 Seconds of Summer performed “Amnesia,” presenting an emotionally charged set that highlighted their guitar-driven sound and youthful intensity.
Source: MTV Video Music Awards performance archive (video embed removed).
Rita Ora and Iggy Azalea – Black Widow
Rita Ora and Iggy Azalea joined forces for “Black Widow,” blending pop melodies with rap elements. The performance emphasized dramatic beats and a strong collaborative energy between the two artists.
Source: MTV Video Music Awards performance archive (video embed removed).
Maroon 5 – Maps
Maroon 5 performed “Maps,” offering a polished live version of the single with the band’s characteristic blend of pop-rock instrumentation and frontman-led vocals.
Source: MTV Video Music Awards performance archive (video embed removed).
Beyoncé – Album Medley (Accepted Vanguard Award)
Beyoncé presented an album medley as part of a special moment when she accepted the Vanguard Award. The medley highlighted selections from her recent work and served as a showcase of her artistry and influence.
Source: MTV Video Music Awards performance archive (video embed removed).
The night’s lineup showcased a wide range of musical styles, from pop anthems and R&B grooves to hip-hop collaborations and rock-tinged performances. Each set brought its own energy and stagecraft, making the show a diverse celebration of contemporary popular music. If you missed the live broadcast, these performances remain memorable examples of the artists’ live capabilities and the variety that the MTV Video Music Awards aim to present.