MTV VMAs 2022: The 6 biggest talking points, from Johnny Depp’s shock cameo to Taylor Swift’s album reveal
Raucous ceremony included surprise cameos, album announcements and a history-making win
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This year’s MTV VMAs have concluded after an action-packed ceremony in Newark, New Jersey.
Hosted by Nicki Minaj, Jack Harlow and LL Cool J, the evening included a number of live performances along with a surprise Johnny Depp cameo, and Taylor Swift’s announcement that she is releasing a brand new album in October.
The first awards of the night were announced on the event’s pre-show red carpet, with Italian glam rock band Måneskin taking the prize for Best Alternative for “I Wanna Be Your Slave” and – with over 320 million fan votes cast – Blackpink won Best Metaverse Performance.
Album of the Year was given to Harry Styles for Harry’s House, while Red Hot Chili Peppers received the Global Icon Award and Nicki Minaj the Video Vanguard Award. See the full list of winners here.
Here are some of the biggest stories from the night.
Taylor Swift announced her new album
During her acceptance speech for Video of the Year at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor Swift said that her new album will drop on 21 October.
Lizzo called out ‘b******’ in the press
During her acceptance speech for the Video for Good Award, Lizzo called out “the b*tches that got something to say about me in the press”.
Johnny Depp’s Moon Person moment
Johnny Depp made a swift surprise appearance as the face of the MTV VMAs’ Moon Person trophy. “I just want you guys to know I’m available for birthdays, bat mitzvahs, weddings, wakes – any old thing you need,” said Depp in the brief clip, which saw his face imposed on top of the Moonman helmet.
Taylor Swift rapped along with Nicki Minaj
As her fellow nominee performed “Super Bass”, Swift appeared to know all the words as she rapped along with her fellow nominee.
Brazilian singer Anitta made history as the first Brazilian to be nominated, perform and win at the long running awards show. The “Envolver” singer used her speech after winning Best Latin to make a political statement about the criminalisation of funk carioca, also known as favela funk.
Billy Eichner tore into the US Supreme Court
A highly animated Eichner tore into the US Supreme Court and Justice Clarence Thomas in particular. Thomas was among those to suggest that the court should revisit precedents on same-sex marriage after overturning the Roe v Wade verdict, limiting abortion access in the country.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments