The pop star will perform a medley of her biggest hits
Global sensation Katy Perry will receive MTV’s coveted Video Vanguard Award and perform a show-stopping, career-spanning medley of her biggest hits live at the 2024 VMAs on Wednesday, September 11th at 8 pm ET/PT from New York’s UBS Arena.
The five-time VMAs winner will make an epic return to the MTV stage for the first time since 2017 when she pulled double duty as both host and performer, delivering an unforgettable grand finale performance of “Swish Swish” with Nicki Minaj that included larger-than-life props and Katy flying over the crowd.
One of the best-selling musical artists of all time, she has amassed a cumulative 115 billion streams, worldwide sales of over 70 million adjusted albums, 143 million tracks and over 27 billion video views. She’s one of only five recording artists in RIAA history to gain entry to the elite 100 Million Certified Songs club, and she now has six singles and one album for a total of seven diamond-certified titles.
Perry unveiled her new single, “Lifetimes,” on August 8th, a shimmering, high-octane reflection on the infinity of love. The song is from her new album, 143, which will be released on September 20th via Capitol Records.
“Katy is a musical powerhouse and true pop culture icon. With her game-changing creative vision, she has become a global phenomenon and taken over the world’s biggest stages. Katy’s prowess will be on full display live on the VMAs with a can’t-miss, career-encompassing performance celebrating her biggest moments and chart-topping hits,” states Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+.
Previous Michael Jackson Vanguard Award recipients include Shakira, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Missy Elliott. David Bowie, The Beatles and director Richard Lester shared the honor at the first-ever VMAs in 1984.
Perry joins Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Rauw Alejandro and Sabrina Carpenter as global music stars slated to perform. Additional names are to be announced soon.
Taylor Swift leads with ten nominations, followed by Post Malone with nine, Ariana Grande, Eminem, Sabrina Carpenter six each, Megan Thee Stallion and Sza five each, and Lisa, Olivia Rodrigo and Teddy Swims with four apiece.
Fans can vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories, including the highly-coveted Video of the Year, Presented by Burger King, by visiting vote.mtv.com through Friday, August 30th thanks to The General Insurance. Voting for Best New Artist, Presented by DraftKings will remain active into the show. Social categories are to be announced soon.
In observance of the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, MTV will again support the nonprofit 9/11 Day, which organizes the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, and Tuesday’s Children, which serves the families of 9/11.
