Katy Perry was awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). During her acceptance speech, she called on all fellow artists to "do whatever it takes to stay true to yourself and true to your art." She also delivered an eclectic performance, which included her greatest hits and a sneak peek at her upcoming single.
Katy Perry first delivered a performance of her greatest hits, followed by a tear-jerking speech. She said she was excited to see the up-and-coming artists teeming with "confidence, agency, vulnerability, and authenticity.” She continued,
"I just want to say with my whole heart, do whatever it takes to stay true to yourself and true to your art. Turn off social media, safeguard your mental health. Pause. Touch grass. And do what you were born to do, just like I was born to do this.”
Katy Perry says she "would not be here" without the LGBTQ+ community
The singer first thanked MTV for "believing in [her] weirdness from day one and helping artists extend their worlds." She touched on what it takes to make it big as an artist. She said "so many things that have to align" and added, "There are no decade-long accidents." She also credited her team and her label, Capitol Records.
The singer also appreciated her family, Orlando Bloom and her daughter, Daisy, in her speech and the Katy Cats and the LGBTQ+ community, with whom she said she would "not be here without." She ended the speech with some advice to all the newcomers, but especially women, saying,
"I’ve heard a lot of do this, don’t say that, wear less, wear more now, hey. Don’t cut your hair. One of the biggest reasons I’m standing here right now is because I learned how to block out all of the noise, that every single artist in this industry has to constantly fight against, especially women."
Katy Perry jokingly asks Bloom, "Who’s looking after our daughter?"
Bloom, Katy Perry's longtime partner and father of her child, took to the stage to dote on her before calling her up. He said that while everyone else had fallen in love with her as Katy Perry, he "fell in love with her as Katheryn Hudson."
He added that one facet of her is that of a "global superstar who brings love, light, and a unique sense of humor to every song she writes and every music video she creates." He added,
"You know her as a global superstar who brings love, light, and her unique sense of humor to every song she writes and every music video she creates. I know her as a mother, as a partner who brings that same love and joy to our family.”
He then raved about her music, dubbing it "inspiring." He said, before introducing Katy Perry,
“In moments when we’ve most needed it, her music and the remarkable world she creates have brought a sense of joy and laughter, inspiring generations of people from all over the world. She loves with her whole heart and it’s kind of irresistible. I see it reflected everywhere — in our home, in her love for her work, and especially in her love for her fans. Congrats on this honor, baby! I’m so proud of you.”
Before accepting her award, the couple shared a tender kiss, with Bloom clutching the golden statue in his hand. He handed it to her, and Katy Perry promptly joked, "Who’s looking after our daughter?" He retorted, saying, "I thought you were," before taking off.
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The night also hosted Katy Perry onstage, as she performed all her greatest hits, such as Dark Horse, E.T., Teenage Dream, I Kissed a Girl, California Girls, and Fireworks. She also gave fans a sneak peek of her upcoming single, I'm His, He's Mine, which featured Doechii as a special guest.
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