This year’s MTV Video Music Awards had a star-studded lineup, as usual. Awards went to the likes of Taylor Swift, BTS and even Nirvana! But my favourite part is always watching the live performances, and if you missed the show, here are my top 3 performances that I think are definitely worth a watch.
GENER8ION feat. Yung Lean ‘STORM’
If you haven’t seen the choreography for this song yet, it’s a must. Swedish rapper Yung Lean storms onto the stage (see what I did there), throws a chair onto the ground, then takes a VMA trophy and smashes it onto the stage – if this isn’t a bold entrance to an awards show, I don’t know what is!
They’ve recreated the viral music video: on a structure like those used to take school photos, Yung Lean stands, unmoving, in a white shirt, surrounded by a sea of synchronised dancers dressed in dark school blazers. It almost creates the effect that the dancers are one body, moving together like waves. It gives the impression of hope, unity and solidarity, especially when they all throw their blazers off simultaneously, like a magic trick.
The vocals aren’t perfect, but I think this is the point: intentionally out of tune, it sounds raw and real. Licking an ice cream, though, Yung Lean is not even trying to pretend he’s singing along to the backing track – and it’s weirdly refreshing!
It’s a bold statement and an addictive performance – I just want to watch it over and over again, so I can see why it’s become so viral. It also seems to be following a recent trend of artists using a group of dancers to bring their music to life, like Jungle (check out the amazing music videos for their album Volcano). It adds a whole new dimension to the music and lets you experience it in a way you might never have considered otherwise. Check it out below!
Raye – ‘I Will Overcome’ & ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’
You don’t get much more dramatic than the opening of this performance: Raye dressed in a flamboyant fur coat surrounded by a circle of serious-looking violinists – and the rest of the performance does not disappoint! After her staggeringly powerful high note, the transition from ‘I Will Overcome’ into the next song is flawlessly smooth.
‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’ is such a fun song, and she switches it up by slowing it down then speeding it up again, and even throwing a little Funkytown by Lipps Inc. reference in there. Her talent, as always, is mind-blowing, and she fills the stage with incredible musicians too. Backup singers who accompany her in a style reminiscent of 60s girl groups, a brass ensemble, saxophones, guitars and drums – what more could you ask for? I don’t know how Raye manages to make it look so effortless, but her vocals, dancing and general stage presence give off such joy and energy, which are infectious – and the crowd soaks it up!
Sienna Spiro, ‘Great Expectation’
Sienna Spiro is one of my favourite new artists at the moment – her voice is so emotive, powerful and easy to listen to, and it has such a gorgeous husky tone. The performance opens with her on the stage alone, standing in the middle of a giant record player (as you do). I’ll admit that she does seem slightly nervous initially, but I can’t imagine many of us would be able to perform by ourselves at the VMAs – especially at just 21 years old!
The choreography (unlike the other joyfully chaotic performances) is simple, with her remaining by the microphone whilst the band plays behind her, but her vocals alone are enough to capture the audience. She nails the high note after the bridge – which gave me goosebumps – and seems to relax into the performance afterwards. The live performance is just like the studio recording, if not better – I love the added details and vocal runs, making it a really special performance. I’m excited to see what’s next for her!
COMMENT what you think and let me know which were your favourites!
