A Night of Icons and New Voices at the VMAs
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards brought together the best of both worlds — legendary performers and rising stars. At the heart of it all were Sasha Colby and Chappell Roan, who lit up the stage with a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the power of music.
Sasha Colby: Drag Royalty Takes Center Stage
Sasha Colby, a name that echoes through the halls of drag history, made her mark once again at this year’s VMAs. After winning Season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Colby became a symbol of self-expression and authenticity. Her journey from drag stages to the VMAs shows how far drag culture has come in mainstream media.
At the VMAs, Colby took the stage to introduce Chappell Roan, calling attention to the importance of diversity in music. “Pop music is inclusive,” Colby began. “No matter what you look like, who you love, it’s meant for everyone. And no one has revitalized that spirit more than this next artist. You have all watched her blow up, the midwest princess is in the house! Your favorite drag queen’s favorite artist, here is my daughter, Chappell Roan!”
Chappell Roan: The “Midwest Princess” on the Rise
Enter Chappell Roan, the pop world’s newest obsession. Dubbed the “Midwest Princess,” Roan brought her unique style and powerhouse voice to the VMAs stage. Introduced by Colby as her “daughter,” Roan delivered a stunning performance that left the audience buzzing.
Roan, known for her catchy hit “Good Luck, Babe!,” has quickly become a favorite in pop music, thanks to her raw talent and her commitment to supporting drag performers and the LGBTQ+ community. Her admiration for Colby was clear as she spoke of their mutual respect and bond. “She’s a legend,” Roan said. “I feel so honored to have her in my corner.”
Legends Supporting New Talent
The VMAs were filled with moments that celebrated the theme of “legends supporting legends.” The dynamic between Colby and Roan added warmth and unity to the event, reminding everyone of the importance of supporting new voices in the industry.
Your Favorite Artist’s Favorite Artist
During an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Chappell explained how the saying “I’m your favorite artist’s favorite artist” is a nod to Sasha.
“It’s been wild. The night of the finale for season 16, when I gave up the crown, was also the night of the finale for my Stripped [tour], and that’s when Chappell said it at Coachella,” Sasha told Entertainment Weekly. “It all coincided, and has snowballed ever since,” she continued. “To see Jimmy Fallon say my name [on Tonight Show] is kind of wild. I just talked to Chappell, we just talked for a little bit. We were very meet-and-greet-y, like, ‘I love you, I think you’re amazing.’”
A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusivity
The 2024 VMAs were a testament to the power of music as a tool for advocacy and representation. From Sasha Colby’s striking fashion statement to Chappell Roan’s captivating performance, the night was all about embracing individuality and lifting each other up.
With the event streaming globally on Paramount+, the message of inclusivity and diversity reached audiences around the world. As the music industry continues to evolve, moments like these remind us that every voice deserves to be heard.
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