VMAs poll: which performance stole the show?
The MTV Video Music Awards have always been about the performances as much as the trophies. The night hosted by Miley Cyrus was no exception: a mix of big pop moments, emotional comebacks, surprise guests and the kind of chaos only the VMAs can deliver. Now that the confetti has settled, we want to know which set you think was the strongest of the night.
The contenders
Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. The show opened with Nicki tearing through her own material before Taylor Swift appeared for a joint performance of Bad Blood. After weeks of headlines about a supposed feud between the two, the sight of them sharing the stage was a statement in itself, and the crowd went wild.
The Weeknd. Riding the success of Can't Feel My Face, The Weeknd delivered a slick, confident performance that confirmed his transition from mysterious R&B figure to full-blown pop star. His falsetto and showmanship made it one of the most polished moments of the evening.
Justin Bieber. Bieber's return to the VMA stage was one of the most anticipated moments of the night. Performing his new material, including What Do You Mean?, he showed off his dance moves and ended visibly emotional, overwhelmed by the response. For many fans it marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Tori Kelly. With her powerhouse voice and effortless runs, Tori Kelly reminded everyone that a VMA moment does not need giant props or shock value. Her vocals were among the strongest of the night, and plenty of viewers left convinced she deserved more airtime.
Miley Cyrus. The host closed the show with a performance that was every bit as unpredictable as the rest of her night, surrounded by a parade of colourful costumes and dancers. Love it or hate it, it was impossible to look away.
What makes a great VMA performance?
- Vocals: can the artist actually deliver live?
- Staging: does the production add something memorable?
- Surprise: a guest, a mash-up or a moment no one expected.
- Conversation: is everyone still talking about it the next morning?
Our take
Picking a winner is tough. Nicki and Taylor brought star power and a storyline, The Weeknd brought polish, Bieber brought raw emotion and Tori Kelly brought the voice. Each performance appealed to a different kind of fan, which is exactly what makes the VMAs fun to argue about.
Vote now
Who delivered the strongest performance of the night? Was it the headline-grabbing opener, the vocal showcase or the emotional comeback? Cast your vote and tell us in the comments which moment you have already watched again more than once.