The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards are fast approaching, and the excitement in the air is palpable. As avid music enthusiasts, my girlfriend and I couldn’t resist diving into the nominees to share our predictions and personal picks for this year’s top honors. Without further ado, here are our picks!

Video of the year

Cooper: Ariana Grande (we can’t be friends) 

To me, this category should be intended to serve as the video with the best story. While the other nominees do have very good videos, it’s hard to ignore the story in Arianna Grande’s “we can’t be friends”. Paired with captivating visuals, and great acting from Even Peters without even saying a word, this pick should be a slam dunk. 

Piper: Ariana Grande (we can’t be friends)

Ariana Grande is no stranger to the spotlight. After a very publicized divorce of her husband Dalton Gomez, whom she had been with since early 2020, Grande started officially dating Ethan Slater, her Wicked co-star. Fans speculate the song, “we can’t be friends” could be about her affair/relationship with Slater or the way the media relates to her. The video pays homage to the 2004 movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” with the main storyline being a medical procedure to remove her memory. With outstanding visuals, fantastic plotline, and Evan Peters, Grande’s video is the obvious VMA pick.

Artist of the year

C: Sabrina Carpenter

When it comes to the pop music scene in 2024, nobody has dominated the scene more than ex-disney channel star turned music sensation Sabrina Carpenter. From having two chart topping singles in “Espresso” and “Please Please Please”, to releasing a brand new album that is bound to have even more hits, Carpenter has made 2024 her year. 

P: Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter has always been on the scene, but 2024 has been the year where she has truly stepped into the spotlight. From finishing her own tour for the widely successful album “Emails I Can’t Send”, to joining Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour, and then releasing the hit songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please”, followed by her sixth studio album, “Short n’ Sweet”, Ms. Carpenter has been busy proving that she has always been ‘that girl’, and 2024 did nothing but prove it. 

Song of the year

C: Not Like us- Kendrick Lamar

It’s hard to even speak the words Kendrick Lamar nowadays without thinking of Not Like Us. Everything about this song was incredible. From the lyrics throwing even more and more shots to Drake (coming off the heels of arguably the best diss track of all time in ‘meet the grahams’), to the music video being released almost two months after the song and still reigniting the fire that these two had months ago, to having a record breaking 16 weeks (and counting) on the Billboard top 100, Not Like Us is the clear choice in my opinion. 

P: Not Like Us- Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar is arguably one of, if not the best rappers of the 21st century. His ‘love letter’ to Drake solidified that belief. “Not Like Us” from start to finish, jaw dropping. With references to Drake’s discography and other rappers on the scene, nobody is safe from Kendrick. With a historic run on the charts, “Not Like Us” is the obvious choice for Song of the Year.

Best New Artist

C: Shaboozey

This was an incredibly hard choice, given Chappell Roan made her magnum opus with “Good luck babe!” this year. But Shaboozey’s success not just with “Tipsy” but with his 3rd studio album “Where i’ve been isn’t where i’m going”, is the difference maker here. Roan is a very close second place, but Shaboozey’s success and rise to fame in 2024 simply cannot be ignored

P: Chappell Roan

Where to begin. Chappell Roan, the woman you are. From performing small gigs to bringing in a record-setting daytime crowd at Lollapalooza, Chappell Roan is the best new artist. Her album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”, explores a heavy ‘80s synth inspired sound with a heavy pop influence, reminding fans of other iconic artists such as David Bowie. Roan’s most notable hit’s “HOT-TO-GO!” and “Good Luck Babe!” about one-night stands and a longing for someone in emotional denial, her music resonates with a variety of audiences and brings people together through shared experiences.

Push Performance of the year

C: Red Wine Supernova. (Chappell Roan)

There have been some legendary performances on late night comedy shows in the past. Radiohead on SNL, Father John Misty on David Letterman, and even Sabrina Carpenter on SNL more recently. One of the year’s best lies with rising star and pop music phenomenon (or femininomenon), who performed one of her best songs, Red Wine Supernova on the late show with Stephen Colbert. This performance captivated the audience as it came off the rocketship of hype from her last album, but also served as a display to Roan’s creativity with a heart seat right in the middle of the stage, and her guitarists and backup vocalists being dressed up as angels. Safe to say this performance should take home the award. 

P: In the Stars -Benson Boone

Although not the most popular, Benson Boone’s performance of “In the Stars” felt the most authentic compared to the other nominees in this category. As an avid Chappell Roan fan, I would argue that her performance of “Red Wine Supernova” was captivating and creative (per usual), but not her best work. Boone’s on the other hand was raw and emotional which created a bond with the viewer. The set imitated pavement after it rains, with warm lights encompassing the artist and his fellow bandmates, adding to the overall visual aesthetic and emotional impact. This may be an unpopular vote, but it deserves the recognition.

Best Collaboration

C: Jessie Murphy feat. Jelly Roll (Wild ones)

The biggest critics of country music (myself included), have a uniform complaint when it comes to the genre. “It all sounds the same”. Murphy tore down that stereotype, releasing one of the best, most popular and more unique country songs. This song uses more Hip pop/RNB instruments, but the acoustic guitar and voices of both Jelly Roll and Murphy, really tie the song together and make their mark as 2024’s best collab. 

P: Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone (Fortnight)

Many of my VMA votes go to Taylor Swift and Post Malone’s “Fortnight”. This song is first on Swift’s album “The Tortured Poets Department” and truly feels like it belongs on the album, and seems true to Post Malone and his brand as well. Swift and Malone’s song is about the universal experience of “what could’ve been” and emotions that come with it, as it follows ex-lovers in a somewhat close proximity, forever longing for their past futures. 

Best Pop

C: Sabrina Carpenter

It’s hard to ignore the success that Sabrina Carpenter is having in the pop music scene. 2024 saw her renaissance, with hit singles “Espresso”, “Please Please Please” and “Taste”. Carpenter has crushed the pop music scene in 2024. This is not even mentioning the fact she recently released her 6th studio album Short n’ Sweet which is being hailed as some of her best work. Carpenter should run away with this award. 

P: Sabrina Carpenter

Between “Espresso” and “Please Please Please”, Sabrina Carpenter’s singles have been the epitome of pop music in 2024. Her bold and flirtatious style, as well as witty lyrics truly captivate listeners, and fans cannot seem to get enough. She is a twenty-five year old woman, exploring her ever-changing emotions, and keeps it real with listeners, all whilst maintaining her bubbly personality. Carpenter’s music makes you feel like her best friend. Often referred to on Tik Tok as a ‘Pop Princess”, Sabrina Carpenter is sure to be crowned at the VMA Awards.

Best Hip-Pop

C: Houdini -Eminem

With all due respect to Travis Scott’s “Fein” (as much of a hit as it is), Houdini has it beat. One of the greatest rappers of all time in eminem, made his triumphant return to music after a 4 year absence following his album “Music to be murdered by”. Houdini explores the beginning of the end for a legend, as he goes after everyone. I’m not kidding; everyone. (including his kids!). Make no mistake, Houdini is a hit. And it take the cake as best hip pop song for 2024

P: Fe!n -Travis Scott

I have to disagree with Cooper on this one. As iconic as Eminem is, it has to be acknowledged that Travis Scott’s “Fe!n” has become a hip-hop staple in just one year. Featuring Playboy Carti, it is the perfect song to bring up the energy in any room, and instantly recognizable. Peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, along with being played not once, not twice, but ten times at one of Scott’s concerts, Fe!n has proven to be an exceptional VMA pick.

Best R&B

C: Snooze -SZA

This song was nominated for best video and for good reason, but an underlying part of the video is the song itself. In layman’s terms, SZA created an all timer with this song. And im not the only one who agrees. The song went double platinum and even won a grammy, coming in with over 2,000,000 copies sold and over one billion streams on Spotify. 

P: Snooze -SZA

“Snooze” undoubtedly has to take home the VMA. The hit, having won a grammy and gone double platinum, highlights SZA’s talent and the authenticity she brings to her music, setting her apart from other artists nominated in the same category. 

Best Alternative

C: Eyes Closed -Imagine Dragons

Alternative music is supposed to be just that; alternative. Imagine Dragons does this style particularly well and I believe that “Eyes Closed” is a great representation of that. Although “Too Sweet” by Hozier is a fantastic song, i’ve noticed that it stays more around R&B and a country vibe. 

P: Too Sweet -Hozier

It’s going to be hard to disagree with Cooper on this one, as he does make a fair point. With that being said, “Too Sweet” should take home the VMA as it has Hozier’s classic indie rock and blues feel, and also incorporates a little country. It stays true to the artist and also reaches out to audiences who may not be as familiar with Hozier’s music.

Best Rock

C: feelslikeimfallinginlove -Coldplay

Coldplay has continuously put out great songs. “Sky full of stars”, “Viva La Vida”, “Paradise”, and “Yellow” just to name a few. While this song isn’t on the same level as the coldplay hits, it still is the same bread and butter that made coldplay famous. Memorable Love Songs with moody verses and intense chorus that lead to people remembering the song after one listen. 

P: feelslikeimfallinginlove -Coldplay

Coldplay is undoubtedly one of the greatest bands of all time, with hits such as “Clocks”, “Viva La Vida” and “Paradise”, “feelslikeimfallinginlove” needs to be added to the extensive list of all time favorites. The song has the classic Coldplay soft rock sound, and it is the perfect single to get fans excited for the new album “Moon Music” which will be released on October 4th.

Best Latin

C: MONACO -Bad Bunny

There’s not much I need to say about this. Bad Bunny is the king of Latin American Music and should run away with this award. Period end of discussion. 

P: MONACO -Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny proves once again that he does reggaeton best. “MONACO” is about the Grammy Award winner’s luxurious life, flaunting his riches, etc. MONACO screams wealth, as does he. Recognizable in the first few notes, this hit feels good and flows, its an expected winner.

Best Afrobeats

C: Water -TYLA

In my opinion, this song is head and shoulders above the field. It’s catchy, has good lyrics, and has an insane amount of replay-ability, as the song went viral on social media. Riding that wave, the song went platinum in several countries including the US and South Africa 

P: Water -TYLA

The hit by this South African, Grammy Award Winner is expected to win the VMA for Best Afrobeats. “Water”, Tyla’s biggest hit has fun pop elements combined with her usual amapiano music style. Having gone viral on Tik Tok, millions of fans love this song and can be sure to expect more from this artist in the future. 

Best K-POP

C: Super Shy -NewJeans

Super Shy is the kpop song of the year. Hands down. It’s not even that the other nominees aren’t good, it’s more of how Super Shy clears the field by a hefty margain. The vocals blend with the overall sound well (supporting it’s unique lyrics), and despite the lack of a strong melody, it keeps the listener locked in and audibly supported throughout it. 

P: Seven -Jungkook & Latto

To be completely transparent, I am not a huge kpop listener. However, “Seven” by BTS’s Jungkook and Latto grabbed my attention right away. Its kpop mixed with R&B and overall seductive lyrics make it a good pick for the VMA Award.

Video for good

C: Best for me -Joyner Lucas & Jelly Roll

This category is a dealers choice. All of the nominees have their own messages which are all important in their own way. However, this video hits home for me. And it deserves its recognition. 

P: What Was I Made For? -Billie Eilish

Although there were many great nominations, “What Was I Made For?” is the obvious choice for me. Used for the Barbie Movie, this song touched the hearts of millions of people, and even won Song of the Year at the Grammys. It’s a beautiful video, depicting the childlike activity of playing with Barbies before having to grow up, and deserves to win the VMA.

Best Direction

C: Please, Please, Please. -Sabrina Carpenter

Not only is Sabrina Carpenter a lyrical genius, she’s a creative one too! I have nothing but praises to say about Carpenter’s choice for a plot, cinematics, and visuals for this video. The video’s humor about the boy being beat up and getting into dogfight after dogfight, going in and out of prison, just adds that trademark Sabrina Carpenter wit and humor that sets her apart. 

P: Please, Please, Please. -Sabrina Carpenter

“Please Please Please” is one of Sabrina Carpenter’s newer hits, which immediately skyrocketed to popularity, becoming the singer’s first single on the chart. Carpenter’s video follows Barry Keoghan, her real life boyfriend, and all of his (fictional) mishaps, while she prays that he won’t embarrass her again. The singer’s witty humor and entertaining storyline is sure to take home the VMA. 

Best Cinematography

C: We can’t be friends (wait for your love)–Arianna Grande

Again, Arianna Grande out-did herself on the cinematography with this video. The focus changes as she’s reading, the visions into the past, the changing scenery as he becomes more and more erased from her memory, all of it is just incredible. 

P: Fortnight –Taylor Swift & Post Malone

I cannot reiterate how much this video deserves to win. As much as I love Ariana Grande’s video, Taylor Swift and Post Malone’s black, gray, and white, monochromatic visuals and highlights of color showcase the heart touching story told by “Fortnight”. The asylum, the road, the typewriter, and the phone booth, all represent pivotal moments in falling out of love with a relationship but staying in love with a person. Ms. Swift is a genius, and that is a fact I will stand by. 

Best Editing

C: Fortnight -Taylor Swift & Post Malone

Now it’s hard for me to deny this song a win. I wouldn’t consider myself a Taylor Swift fan, but even I have to acknowledge that the editing team killed it here. The optical illusion of the room, to the appearing face tattoos with a wipe, to the typewriters, and everything in between, Taylor and CO. Crushed it. 

P: Fortnight –Taylor Swift & Post Malone

Even Cooper admits that “Fortnight” deserves to win! Its changing scenery and intricate artistry stands out, even amongst a dull color palette. It alludes to Taylor Swift’s past relationships and, in a very Taylor way, contains many easter eggs she leaves for her fans. Every detail is perfectly executed. Personally, I would be surprised if this did not win the award. 

Best Choreography

C: Houdini- Dua Lipa

Again, this shouldn’t be a surprise. Charm La’Donna worked absolute wonders on that entire team. From Dua herself to the very last backup dancer, they crushed the choreography on this song and should take home the award with very little resistance. 

P: Houdini- Dua Lipa

I cannot name a better artist with better choreography than Dua Lipa. After reclaiming a meme of herself with an iconic twist, she has proven that she is a woman of many talents. Lipa worked with Charm La’Donna, who has choreographed for celebrities such as Kendrick Lamar and Selena Gomez. La’Donna has a unique choreographic style she says comes from instinct, and her work will hopefully be acknowledged with a VMA win. 

Best Visual Effects

C: Houdini- Eminem

This team truly did capture the perfect send off for one of Hip-Pops all time greats. The style used in Houdini was a direct callback to arguably the most popular song of his, “Without me” where Eminem dawned a robin themed outfit under the persona “Rap Boy”. An all time callback for an all time great. 

P: Fortnight -Taylor Swift & Post Malone

If you do not know, I love everything about this song and music video. Although “the boy is mine” and “houdini” are my close seconds, Parliament’s visual effects are pleasing to the eye and Taylor Swift’s direction adds the ‘Swiftie’ touch fans love so much. The references to what Swift anticipating her future looking like compared to what it was 

Best Art Direction

C: Bad Idea Right? -Olivia Rodrigo

Closing out my predictions, I believe that Olivia Rodrigo will take home Best Art Direction for her work on “Bad Idea Right?”. The 1990s halloween themed video, stars fellow ‘Bizzardvark’ co-stars Madison Hu, and Iris Apatow as well as fellow pop artist Tate McCrae. So safe to say it has some star power. The video itself, in my eyes should’ve taken home the best video award, but nonetheless, I do think it should take home the best art direction VMA. 

P: Bad Idea Right? -Olivia Rodrigo

“Bad Idea Right?” is a ‘90s themed music video, featuring Olivia Rodrigo’s famous friends. It is perfect for young fans and people looking for a dose of nostalgia. The director, Petra Collins has a very dreamlike and feminine directorial approach which can be seen in Rodrigo’s video.