The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) returned to the UK to celebrate its 30th anniversary in style, hosting some of the biggest names in global music at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Sunday, November 10. From surprise wins to powerful performances, the night captured the best of international music, with fan-favorite stars like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter taking home top honors.
Taylor Swift Takes Center Stage
Taylor Swift led this year’s nominations with seven nods, including best artist, best video, best pop, and biggest fans. True to form, Swift walked away with the evening’s biggest prizes, including Best Artist and Best Video for her Post Malone collaboration, “Fortnight.” Her multiple wins not only highlight her global fan base but also mark another impressive milestone in Swift’s extensive career.
Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande Shine in Key Categories
Sabrina Carpenter made headlines by winning Best Song for her track “Espresso,” a nod to her unique style and storytelling that resonated widely with fans. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande secured the Best Pop award for her hit “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” underscoring her lasting impact on the pop genre.
New Artists and Notable Collaborations
The EMAs are also known for spotlighting breakout talent and impressive collaborations, and this year was no exception:
Best New Artist went to Benson Boone, whose emotional track “Beautiful Things” captivated audiences.
The highly competitive Best Collaboration category saw LISA and Rosalía’s hit “NEW WOMAN” take home the prize, blending K-pop and Latin influences in a way that thrilled fans around the world.
Genre Awards: Rock, K-Pop, Latin, and More
From rock to K-pop, the EMAs honored the best artists across genres:
Best Rock went to Liam Gallagher, celebrating his iconic influence in rock music.
Best K-Pop was awarded to Jimin, marking another global win for BTS members and the K-pop genre.
Peso Pluma earned Best Latin for “BELLAKEO,” cementing his growing influence in the Latin music scene.
Tyla was a double winner, taking both Best R&B and Best Afrobeats, a testament to her crossover appeal and versatile talent.
International Highlights: Regional and First-Time Wins
Reflecting the global music landscape, the EMAs also celebrated artists from various regions and genres:
Best US Act: Taylor Swift
Best UK & Ireland Act: RAYE, a recognition of her growing influence in British pop and R&B.
Best Caribbean Act: Young Miko, representing Puerto Rico’s vibrant music scene.
Best Nordic Act: Zara Larsson, a Swedish pop powerhouse, took the prize.
In the Best Israeli Act category, Noa Kirel emerged victorious, representing her country at the international level.
A Memorable Anniversary Celebration
In addition to individual accolades, this year’s EMAs were a reminder of the show’s history and the power of music to transcend borders. With iconic performances, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and fans voting from around the world, the 30th MTV EMA ceremony offered a night of unity and celebration for artists and fans alike.
As the awards wrapped up, Taylor Swift’s dominance, Sabrina Carpenter’s first-time win, and a host of new voices in various genres illustrated a promising and evolving musical landscape. The 2024 MTV EMAs once again proved that music remains a universal language, with the UK hosting a night of unforgettable moments to remember.
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