TGJ Roundtable: 2022 MTV Video Music Awards Review

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Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!

Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lend for quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.

Now, we give you a front-row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View’ or ‘The Real’, TGJ editors – Sam, Rashad, Joe, and Ryan – get real in a very candid way.

Today’s roundtable topic asks each anchor their thoughts on the…

2022 MTV VMAs

Sam

With the worst of the pandemic seemingly in rearview, it continues to be oh so refreshing having award shows back. Even if a little short on seismic superstars.

Such was the case with this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, which – though lacking in a stack of seismic names – still managed to deliver enjoyable moments.

Let’s get into it.

Nicki Minaj showed up and showed out with her celebratory performance ahead of being crowned with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard honor.

In keeping it 100, the action-packed 8-counts that the new crop of femcees have popularised have never been Onika’s thing. Still, she delivered a wholly enjoyable showing that reminded of her capabilities as a performer and served up a soundtrack of smashes that remind why she’s worthy of the accolades she’s finally starting to receive.

Elsewhere, Lizzo’s special effects-driven take on ‘About Damn Time’ captivated and re-cemented her as one of the more capable performers in the current climate. And while I’m yet to be wowed by Anitta’s music, she unquestionably scorched the stage. If paired with undeniable material, there’ll be no holding her back.

Jack Harlow deserves props on props for his ‘First Class’ offering. Easily the evening’s most creative execution, featuring Fergie (who we’ve missed in earnest) was the type of “moments” award shows are meant for.

Unfortunately, the likes of BLACKPINK, Bad Bunny, and an album-announcing Taylor Swift didn’t bring enough to the table to compensate for the glaring absence of music’s heaviest hitters, as well as those who’ve become synonymous with delivering the unforgettable scenes platforms like the VMAs are renowned for.

Not the worst edition of the VMAs, but not the most memorable either.

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Rashad

The 2022 MTV VMAs reasserted the award show’s positioning as a leader of technological innovation. The effort that goes into staging and presentation should not be overlooked as they are often leagues above their award show counterparts.

That is about the most positive thing I can say about last night’s showing.

Far from star-studded, the event seemed more star-dudded as few A-listers lines the attendees or performers’ list.

The hosts did little to enhance the evening and just moved things along.

Standout performances came from Nicki and Lizzo, both of whom did just enough but still lacked the UMPH factor that would keep people talking beyond the few minutes they were on stage.

Overall, the entire ceremony was forgettable and a big ball of nothing.

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Joe

Another year, another VMAs ceremony.

Jack Harlow’s guest-heavy showing was a great introduction, but let’s keep it 100: Fergie stole the show. It’s good to see she hasn’t lost her spark and charisma. And ‘Glamorous’ will forever be a bop.

Bad Bunny brought the house down with his fantastic rendition of the real Song Of The Summer, ‘Titi Me Pregunto.’ The staging was stellar, the casually dressed dancers made it look and feel like a real party and the audience ate every single part of it.

Nicki Minaj went off! Her performance was a great reminder of her impact on the music industry in the past 10+ years. Her acceptance speech was just as good.

I wasn’t moved by Lizzo but it had more to do with the song than her undeniable showmanship. I still don’t understand why Brazilian Anitta only sings in Spanish. BLACKPINK did great but I can’t help but feel like their showing had a very talent-show vibe to it.

All in all, a good ceremony, especially considering the heavy hitters weren’t part of the festivities.

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Ryan

Let’s cut right to the chase. If there was one word to sum up this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, it would be lackluster.

Not only were the performances mediocre, but the winners already seem pre-planned out. So, while there wasn’t much to praise, there were a few moments that do deserve the spotlight.

Okay, but what kind of #Swiftie would I be if I didn’t discuss the major Taylor Swift news? I mean, not only did she take home the night’s top honor – and rightfully so – but she also announced her tenth studio album. I can honestly say that I have been slayed. Mother never disappoints.

As for the performances, this was a bit of a mixed bag. Yes, Nicki came and slayed her Video Vanguard performance. This was everything we could want from her and more. The pink hair, her iconic verse from ‘Monster,’ and so many more moments prove why she was deserving of the award.

Bad Bunny shocked when he kissed his male backup dancer, and it was definitely a moment to remember.

Lizzo, who usually shows up and shows out, was a bit disappointing. Maybe she just set the expectations too high before, but this was not it. Still love her though.

I must admit, Jack Harlow’s ‘First Class’ performance had the most star power. However, he should’ve just left the stage to Fergie without him.

Other than that, there were a lot of misses this year. Eminem and Snoop Dogg were used as a bathroom break since there wasn’t much to see.

Panic! At The Disco‘s Brendon Urie dang near shattered my glass with his unholy wailing. Honestly, I’m sure Rosanne Barr sang better when she did the national anthem than whatever this mess was.

But, overall, this year was a mixed bag, one that had moments for some and nothing for others. Either way, here’s to hoping next year is much better.

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Do you agree with our picks? Who was spot on? Let us know your thoughts on the latest TGJ Roundtable and your thoughts on the 2022 MTV VMAs.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: MTV / Getty / Giphy]