Katy Perry Receives Video Vanguard Award at VMAs 2024: "No Decade-Long Accidents"

At the 2024 MTV VMAs, Katy Perry received one of the night’s most prestigious honors, the Video Vanguard Award, in recognition of her decade-spanning career and continued impact on the music industry. Presented by her husband, Orlando Bloom, the award celebrated not just her music but also her resilience and authenticity as an artist. Perry performed a career-defining medley that included hits like “Dark Horse,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Firework,” before delivering a powerful acceptance speech.

“There are so many things that have to align to have a long successful career as an artist. There are no decade-long accidents,” Perry remarked. In her speech, she highlighted the often-overlooked challenges artists face, especially women in the industry, stating, “One of the biggest reasons I’m standing here right now is that I’ve learned how to block out all the noise that every single artist in this industry has to constantly fight against, especially women.”

Katy Perry’s message was one of resilience and self-care, as she urged others to stay grounded in their truth and prioritize their well-being. “I just wanna say with my whole heart: do whatever it takes to stay true to yourself, and true to your art. Turn off social media. Safeguard your mental health. Pause. Touch grass,” she advised.

The night wasn’t without a bit of humor, as Perry playfully remarked about her stellar performance, “Can you believe I’ve done all that on my first day of the period?”

In addition to the Vanguard Award, Perry also took home the VMA for Most Iconic Performance for her 2013 rendition of “Roar,” further solidifying her status as a defining figure in pop music over the last decade​