Katy Perry Inspires Young Artists with “Stay True to Yourself” Message Post-VMA Performance
A ccepting her Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, a career highlight on a trajectory of big stars and bright lights, Katy Perry earned the kudos at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Kicking off the night, Orlando Bloom paid homage to global superstar and devoted partner Katy Perry. "You fell in love with her as Katy Perry; I fell in love with her as Katheryn Hudson," Bloom said. "You probably know her as a globally breathtaking superstar who fills each and every song and music video with love, light, and laughter. I know her as a mother and partner who brings that same joy to our family. Her music and the world she creates have inspired countless people all around the globe. I'm so proud of you, baby!"
Perry made a spectacular entrance suspended above the stage in a futuristic outfit, kicking off her performance with a medley of some of her biggest hits, including "Dark Horse," "E.T.," "Teenage Dream," "I Kissed a Girl," "California Gurls," "Lifetimes," and "Fireworks." She also previewed her upcoming single with Doechii, "I'm His, He's Mine," featuring the rapper onstage.
As she exited the stage after her performance, Perry was handed the golden Moon Person statuette by Bloom. The two went on to share a kiss before exchanging the award for the prop butterfly which Perry had utilized during the show. A joke made by Bloom that their daughter must be off hiding behind the couch for an instant led Perry to quip back: "I thought you were."
Accepting her prize, Perry thanked MTV for supporting her quirkiness since the start. She stated that authenticity was key to a long and successful career and went on to thank, therefore, her loyal team and Capitol Records. She traced her roots back to MySpace and Warped Tour, praising her family, friends, fans, and the LGBTQ community.
Perry ended her speech by urging young artists to "be true to yourself, to your art," block all the noise, "safeguard your mental health, and just do what you are meant to do," "just like I was born to do this."
She also mentioned that her much-awaited album, 143, drops next Friday, Sept. 20. Perry scores her sixth VMA and first return to the VMA stage since 2017. Since her breakthrough in 2008, she's tallied 14 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with nine No. 1s.
