Katy Perry will be honored at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, a recognition of her significant impact on the music industry. The pop superstar is also scheduled to perform a medley of her biggest hits at the event, which will air live on Wednesday, September 11, at 8 PM ET/PT from the UBS Arena in New York.
The Video Vanguard Award, first introduced at the 1984 VMAs and previously shared by David Bowie, The Beatles, and director Richard Lester, has been awarded to some of the most influential artists in music history. Perry joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including Shakira, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, LL COOL J, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and Missy Elliott.
This event marks Perry’s return to the MTV stage after a seven-year hiatus; her last VMA performance was in 2017, when she also hosted the event. Over the years, Perry has won five VMAs and solidified her status as a global pop culture icon. With over 115 billion streams worldwide, more than 70 million albums sold, and 143 million tracks sold, Perry’s influence in the music world is undeniable. Her videos have garnered over 27 billion views, further cementing her legacy.
Perry’s upcoming VMA performance coincides with the release of her new single, “Lifetimes,” which dropped on August 8. The song is part of her forthcoming album, 143, set to be released on September 20 via Capitol Records.
Bruce Gillmer, president of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events at Paramount, praised Perry as a “musical powerhouse” and a “true pop culture icon.” He highlighted her creative vision and global influence, noting that her performance at the VMAs will feature her biggest hits in what promises to be an unforgettable live show.