The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMAs) lit up Manchester's Co-op Live on November 10, showcasing global talent and celebrating its 30th anniversary. Among the night's standout stars, Taylor Swift and rising sensation Tyla emerged as the big winners, each leaving an indelible mark on the ceremony.
Taylor Swift's Reign Continues
Taylor Swift dominated the MTV EMAs, taking home four trophies, including Best Artist, Best Live, Best US Act, and Best Video for her collaboration with Post Malone on "Fortnight." Swift, who led the nominations with seven nods, expressed gratitude to her fans via video message from her Eras tour in North America, saying, "The fact that you have honored the tour, everything that's happened with the album this year, the video, it's just unbelievable."
Tyla's Historic Triple Win
South African artist Tyla made history at the MTV EMAs, becoming the first African artist to win three awards in one night. She clinched Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act, triumphing over fierce competition from Nigerian heavyweights like Asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems.
Tyla's performance at the MTV EMAs was nothing short of electrifying. She delivered a high-energy rendition of her hit single "Water," which catapulted her to global fame earlier this year. The audience was also treated to a performance of "Push 2 Start," a new track from the recently released deluxe edition of her debut studio album.
In her acceptance speech for the Best Afrobeats award, Tyla expressed gratitude to the genre, saying, "Thank you to Afrobeats. Afrobeats has opened so many doors for African music. So thank you so much to Afrobeats." This acknowledgment marked a shift from her previous MTV Video Music Awards speech, where she had advocated for recognition of African genres beyond Afrobeats.
Other Notable Winners and Performances
The night saw other significant wins, with Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" taking Best Song and Ariana Grande winning Best Pop. Busta Rhymes received the Global Icon Award, marking his first MTV honor after a 34-year career. The event, hosted by Rita Ora for a record third time, also included a touching tribute to the late Liam Payne.
A Night of Celebration at Manchester Co-op Live
The 2024 MTV EMAs were particularly special as they returned to the UK for their 30th anniversary. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering for their favorite artists as they took home coveted trophies. Alongside Swift and Tyla, other performers included Peso Pluma and Benson Boone, who won Best New Artist.
The Future of Music
The success of both Taylor Swift and Tyla at the MTV EMAs signals an exciting future for music. As Taylor continues to break records and redefine pop music, Tyla's historic wins pave the way for more African artists to gain recognition on global platforms. The blending of genres and cultures is becoming increasingly prevalent, reflecting a more inclusive music industry.
As we look ahead, it's clear that both Taylor Swift and Tyla are not just winners at the MTV Europe Music Awards; they are trailblazers shaping the future of music on a global scale.