Katy Perry was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award on the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Earlier than introducing Perry to the stage for her video vanguard efficiency, Orlando Bloom shared a form message about his longtime associate’s accomplishments. “You fell in love along with her as Katy Perry; I fell in love along with her as Katheryn Hudson,” mentioned the actor. “You understand her as a world celebrity who brings love, gentle and her distinctive humorousness to each tune she writes and each music video she creates. I do know her as a mom, as a associate who brings that very same love and pleasure to our household.”
He continued, “In moments after we’ve most wanted it, her music and the exceptional world she creates have introduced a way of pleasure and laughter, inspiring generations of individuals from all around the world. She loves along with her entire coronary heart and it’s form of irresistible. I see it mirrored all over the place — in our residence, in her love for her work and particularly in her love for her followers. Congrats on this honor, child! I’m so pleased with you.”
Perry then emerged suspended from above the stage in a futuristic-looking ensemble, launching right into a medley of a few of her biggest hits, that includes “Darkish Horse,” “E.T.,” “Teenage Dream,” “I Kissed a Woman,” “California Women,” “Lifetimes” and “Fireworks.” She additionally included a preview of her upcoming single in collaboration with Doechii, “I’m His, He’s Mine,” accompanied by the rapper onstage.
Following her efficiency, Bloom made his approach to the stage carrying the golden Moon Individual statuette. The couple shared a kiss earlier than swapping the award for the prop mechanic butterfly Perry was holding on to from her efficiency. “Who’s taking care of our daughter?,” the singer quipped. Bloom responded, “I assumed you had been” earlier than strolling off the stage.
“Oh my God!,” Perry exclaimed. “I did that each one too on the primary day of my interval, should you can consider it!” She thanked MTV for “believing in [her] weirdness from day one and for serving to artists lengthen their worlds.”
“There are such a lot of issues that need to align to have a protracted and profitable profession as an artist,” she mentioned. “There aren’t any decade-long accidents.” She thanked her group, who has been along with her for “over 20 years” and her label, Capitol Information. “Belief me, it takes a village of robust individuals, quite a lot of wholesome discourse and quite a lot of group chats.”
The singer shared her appreciation for her household, noting they’re the “deepest roots” she is aware of. “We don’t at all times agree, however what a lesson that these disagreements can nonetheless be full of affection.” Perry additionally expressed her gratitude in direction of her beginnings on MySpace, the Warped Tour and “all of the bygone locations the place I discovered my voice, identification and a neighborhood so early on.”
Perry moreover thanked her buddies; followers; the LGBTQ neighborhood, who she acknowledged she “wouldn’t be right here with out”; and Bloom, for holding her “grounded and celebrated and doing the dishes.” She additionally gave a shoutout to her daughter Daisy, “the one flowers I’ll ever want.”
The pop star ended her speech with a strong message encouraging fellow artists to remain true to themselves. “I’m excited after I go searching music at this time and I see all of the wonderful, younger artists who’re working with confidence, company, vulnerability and authenticity,” she mentioned. “I’ve heard quite a lot of, ‘Do that. Don’t say that. Put on much less, put on extra now. Hey, don’t reduce your hair.’ One of many greatest explanation why I’m right here proper now could be I realized the best way to block out all of the noise that each single artist within the trade has to consistently battle towards, particularly ladies.”
Perry continued, “I simply wish to say with my entire coronary heart, do no matter it takes to remain true to your self and true to your artwork. Flip off social media. Safeguard your psychological well being. Pause. Contact grass. And do what you’ll do. Identical to I used to be born to do that.”
The singer completed her speech with a reminder that her upcoming album, 143, is out subsequent Friday, Sept. 20.
This marks the sixth time Perry has obtained a VMA and her first look on the awards present since 2017. Since breaking out in 2008, the pop star has scored 14 Prime 10 hits on the Billboard Scorching 100, with 9 reaching No. 1.