MTV Video Music Awards Celebrate 40 Years of Iconic Moments and Cultural Influence
For someone raised in the 80s, the 40th anniversary of the MTV Video Music Awards feels like more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to four decades of music evolution, reflecting the formats and imagery that defined entire eras.
For someone raised in the 80s, the 40th anniversary of the MTV Video Music Awards feels like more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to four decades of music evolution, reflecting the formats and imagery that defined entire eras. While MTV may not hold the same cultural dominance it once had, it still carries a strong sense of nostalgia. Back then, MTV was how we discovered new artists, and it revolutionized the way musicians paired their songs with visual storytelling.
I still remember sitting at home in Argentina in the 80s, glued to MTV, which felt like my only window to the rest of the world. That’s where I first discovered bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Duran Duran, and New Order. Living in a place where everything seemed to arrive late, MTV showed me what was happening in music far beyond my corner of the world.
By the 90s, it became even more meaningful. Afternoons with my college friends were spent listening to Nirvana, Green Day, Stone Temple Pilots, and more, all while we worked on our design school projects. Music videos weren’t just background noise—they were woven into those moments, shaping our experiences. The VMAs were something we always looked forward to, celebrating the bands and artists that defined our lives.
Now, as MTV celebrates 40 years of the Video Music Awards, it feels like a trip down memory lane for those of us who grew up with these iconic moments.
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Highlights of the Night
The night featured performances from Beyoncé, Doja Cat, and Olivia Rodrigo, each delivering moments that electrified the audience. But I couldn’t help reflecting on how, back in the day, performances like these felt like windows into the future—every new act and every award felt monumental. Today, though still thrilling, it’s different. Maybe it’s because we live in a time where we have access to music videos and performances every day through our phones, or maybe it's because the artists themselves are evolving with the times.
Taylor Swift was one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home multiple awards, including Video of the Year for "Anti-Hero." Swift’s reign at the VMAs over the last decade almost makes me think of Madonna in the '80s. Madonna was a defining figure of my youth. I still remember watching her "Like a Virgin" video on MTV from my home in Córdoba, Argentina, feeling like I was witnessing something so distant and out of reach. She wasn’t just making music; she was creating a persona, and for kids like me, halfway across the world, she represented a reality we had never seen.
Taylor, in comparison, has that same global influence but in a more subtle way. While Madonna pushed boundaries and shocked the world with every move, Taylor feels more like the “good girl” version of rebellion—taking risks in her lyrics, addressing her personal struggles and experiences, but with an image that feels more relatable and less confrontational. It’s interesting to see how the role of a pop icon has evolved, and it makes me wonder: is Taylor Swift this generation’s Madonna, but with a softer, more polished edge?
Madonna in the 80s and Taylor Swift at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 11, 2024. Photo credit: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage/Getty Images
The Legacy of Music Videos
When I think about the legacy of the VMAs, I can't help but go back to the 80s. The 1980s were a golden age for music videos, with stars like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince transforming themselves into visual icons. Back then, a great music video could make or break an artist's career. In a place like Argentina, where the latest trends always seemed to arrive a little late, MTV was my connection to what was happening globally. Watching those videos, it felt like I was part of something bigger. The visual aspect of music wasn’t just an add-on; it was the essence. And Madonna was at the forefront of that, breaking barriers with each new video.
The VMAs have always been about celebrating those iconic visual moments. Performances like Madonna's "Like a Virgin" in 1984 or Britney Spears' "I'm a Slave 4 U" in 2001 weren’t just performances—they were cultural events. They pushed boundaries, made us talk, and most importantly, made us feel like we were witnessing something new.
Today, the landscape has changed. Doja Cat and Olivia Rodrigo still create incredible visuals, but the impact isn’t quite the same. It’s not because they’re any less talented; it’s just that we consume music differently now. Social media and streaming have reshaped how we experience music videos. Viral TikTok trends and Instagram posts often overshadow the traditional music video format. It’s faster, more fragmented. But I can’t help but miss the days when a new video premiere felt like an event. When we would gather around the TV, waiting for MTV to show us something that would blow our minds.
Madonna Performs “Like A Virgin” | 1984 VMAs.
A Changing Landscape
In the 80s and 90s, music videos were the primary way for artists to establish themselves as global stars. It was a time when visuals could build an artist’s image in a way that hadn’t been seen before. But today, that’s all changed. Lil Nas X, for example, has used platforms like YouTube and TikTok to create cultural moments that spread like wildfire. A viral TikTok moment can catapult an artist into stardom faster than any music video could back then.
But even in this new landscape, the VMAs remind us that the music video still has power. While platforms may have shifted, artists are still finding ways to create iconic visual moments. Whether it’s through YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, the visual aspect of music remains crucial. It’s just evolved with the times.
As MTV celebrates 40 years of the Video Music Awards, the show continues to honor both the past and the future of music. Whether it’s through Madonna’s groundbreaking visuals or Taylor Swift’s modern-day dominance, one thing is clear: the VMAs have always been—and will continue to be—a reflection of the cultural pulse. And for those of us who remember those early years, it’s also a reminder of how much things have changed, but how the magic of music videos still lingers.
Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero (Official Music Video.)
