From Miley Cyrus To Missy Elliott: All The Performers At The 2019 VMAs

Mike Nied @mikeynied | August 26, 2019 7:55 pm

CREDIT: Getty Images

An impressive lineup of performers will take the stage at the 2019 VMAs tonight (August 26). This year’s show is shaping up to be a particularly star-studded one for MTV. Breakout acts Ava Max, CNCO and Megan Thee Stallion lit up the pre-show with fiery sets. And things are only going to get bigger once the main event starts. Fresh off the release of Lover, Taylor Swift kicked off the night. Opening with “You Need To Calm Down,” she made a serious statement with colorful staging and a star-studded lineup of guests. After that the slowed things down for an equally visually stunning rendition of current single “Lover.”

In a quick one-two punch, Shawn Mendes hopped onstage for a vibrant rendition of “If I Can’t Have You.” He retook the stage for a slinky and candle-lit rendition of “Señorita” with Camila Cabello. And Lizzo kept the good vibes going very strong with an eye-popping medley of “Truth Hurts” and “Good As Hell.” Hopefully it gives the belated hit another push up the Billboard Hot 100 next week. Jonas Brothers continued their hot streak and delivered their first VMAs performance in years. They beamed in from Ashbury Park for a medley of chart-topper “Sucker” and current single “Only Human.” After that they ceded the stage to Lil Nas X.

This makes for his first awards show performance since breaking the record for the longest-running number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Old Town Road.” Interestingly, he decided to turn his attention away from the song in favor of showing some love to “Panini.” Opening with a clever reference to the reign of “OTR,” he kept things futuristic and cool during his stage set.

Of course, Missy Elliott had a special performance planned for New Jersey’s Prudential Center. This year’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient worked her way through a hit-filled medley. That included a dance appearance from Alyson Stoner during “Work It.” Despite being overlooked in all of the categories this year, Miley Cyrus was one of the final announced performers of the evening. She turned the world to black and white for a vocally superior rendition of “Slide Away.” Best New Artist nominee H.E.R. pulled out all the stops for a cool performance of “Anti,” and Big Sean linked up with A$AP Ferg for “Bezerk.”

One of the biggest performances came from Normani. The Fifth Harmony alum has been on an incredible hot streak since releasing “Motivation.” Bringing the video to life onstage, she delivered live vocals, incredible choreographed feats and an on-stage costume change. This is the moment everyone will be talking about tomorrow. Equally impressive was a medley of hits from ROSALÍA. That included an appearance from Ozuna for “Yo X Ti, Tu X Mi.” Even more impressive though was a choreographed rendition of “Aute Cuture.” We have to stan.

J Balvin and Bad Bunny kept the good vibes going with a trippy rendition of “Qué Pretendes.” And closing out the show was a jam-packed medley featuring the likes of Queen Latifah, Fetty Wap, Redman and Wyclef Jean. Check out videos of all the performances below. You can also peep the list of winners here and red carpet looks here.

Normani – “Motivation”