Concerns Grow Over the Future of the VMAs

This year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have drawn criticism from viewers who are questioning the show’s relevance and calling for its cancellation. Some social media users expressed that the event felt more like a funeral than a celebration.

One user on X, reflecting a sentiment shared by many, stated, “Getting the feeling this might be the last VMAs,” and their post received significant attention, racking up over 26,000 likes and 1.8 million views. Another commented, “We say this every single year,” urging the organizers to just “pull the plug” on the awards.

A third user chimed in, suggesting there’s “no shame in bowing out gracefully” and highlighted the need to “read the room.” The general feeling seems to be that “award shows are dying in general,” according to yet another user who noted that the VMAs had “felt like a funeral for awhile.”

Some viewers admitted they weren’t even aware the show was happening, while others criticized the format, describing the ceremony as “a room full of people in the same industry standing around applauding each other” while perhaps not genuinely liking one another. One pointed out that if this is the direction award shows have taken, they might as well give everyone a mirror to reflect on themselves, saving everyone the lengthy runtime.

Adding to the disappointment, fans who tuned in for the VMAs’ opening performance were frustrated to find the broadcast started with an NFL game instead. The official VMAs account had to reassure viewers that the show would start once the football game concluded, which didn’t sit well with many.

One viewer voiced their anger, stating, “I’m so pissed Madonna is on stage [right now] and we’re watching football! WHAT TF HAS THIS WORLD COME TO!” Others echoed the frustration, with complaints about glitches during the opening performance, making it hard to enjoy.

Another user argued, “You guys are a bunch of sick folks. This will be the last VMAs because you fucking killed them.” Reports indicated that the ceremony began streaming nearly 20 minutes late, already losing momentum before it even kicked off, as the first award was handed out before many viewers could tune in.

Big names in the music industry, such as Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Olivia Rodrigo, reportedly did not attend, while Madonna’s performance was criticized as “utterly unfocused.” During her segment, she seemed to forget the award she was presenting and made a peculiar comment about trying to remove something from her “ass,” causing audience members to laugh awkwardly.

The VMAs took place Sunday night in Los Angeles, hosted by Snoop Dogg.