Katy Perry Performs Greatest Hits at 2024 MTV VMAs — Watch and Grade It

Katy Perry has worn a number of hats at the MTV Video Music Awards over the years, from winner to performer to presenter. Heck, she even hosted one year. But after Wednesday’s VMAs, Perry can add one more elusive title to her impressive resume: Video Vanguard.

In addition to accepting this prestigious honor — one recently presented to Shakira (2023), Nicki Minaj (2022) and Missy Elliott (2019) — Perry also took the stage to perform a medley of the hits that paved the way to this career-defining moment.

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Perry was introduced by husband Orlando Bloom: “You fell in love with her as Katy Perry. I fell in love with her as Katherine Hudson,” he said. “You know her as a global superstar who brings love, light and her unique sense of humor to every song she writes and music video she creates. I know her as a mother and as a partner who brings that same love and joy to our family.”

“Dark Horse” was the first stop on Perry’s stroll — er, flight — down memory lane, followed by “E.T.,” “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “I Kissed a Girl” and “Firework.” She wrapped the whole shebang with her new single “Lifetimes.”

Watch Perry’s VMAs performance below:

Perry made her first appearance at the VMAs in 2008, performing a snippet of “I Kissed a Girl,” the controversial single that made her a household name overnight. She returned a year later with a performance of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” for which she teamed up with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry (no relation). Her next VMAs performance came in 2013 with “Roar,” followed by “Swish Swish” with Minaj in 2017, the same year that Perry made her hosting debut.

Perry has taken home five VMAs during the course of her career: Video of the Year for “Firework” in 2011, Best Collaboration and Best Direction for “E.T.” (featuring Kanye West) in 2011, Best Art Direction for “Wide Awake” in 2012, and Best Female Video for “Dark Horse” (featuring Juicy J) in 2014. She has received 26 additional nominations, dating all the way back to Best New Artist in 2008, an award she somehow lost to — wait for it — Tokio Hotel.

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Along with being one of the biggest names in music, Perry also established herself as a small-screen staple in recent years, serving as an American Idol judge for seven seasons (2018–2024). When the singing competition returns to ABC in 2025, Perry’s vacant seat will be filled by Season 4 Idol winner Carrie Underwood.

Perry was one of several highly anticipated performers at this year’s VMAs, along with Anitta, Benson Boone, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, Eminem, GloRilla, Halsey, Karol G, Lenny Kravitz, Lisa, LL Cool J, (host) Megan Thee Stallion, Rauw Alejandro, Sabrina Carpenter and Shawn Mendes.

Hit PLAY on the video above to watch footage of Perry’s performance at the 2024 VMAs, then grade it in the poll below and drop a comment with your full review.

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