Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars in the world. The 33-year-old Pennsylvania native has been rewriting history books for many years, including Tuesday night at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
Swift took home a staggering nine “Moon Men,” bringing her total to 23 awards, second only to Beyoncé, who has 30. However, it wasn’t her winning that generated the most buzz on Tuesday night. It was Swift’s reaction to other celebrities.
As you might imagine, there isn’t much time for the Grammy award-winning songstress to be herself, and without fans around and surrounded only by others who share in her plight, Swift took several moments to let loose.
These are the seven times Taylor Swift was having the time of her life at the VMAs:
An NSYNC Reunion
Let me be the first to say that, as a millennial, I get very nostalgic whenever I hear the music I grew up with. So, imagine my childlike joy when I heard NSYNC was reuniting at the VMAs. (Hello, I still know the entire No Strings Attached album by heart.)
Swift was all of us reacting to seeing Justin, J.C., Lance, Joey, and Chris back together for the first time in years. Her reaction is the only appropriate response.
Taylor Swift reacting to NSYNC reuniting at the #VMAs is all of us. pic.twitter.com/HoK7MksnCi
— E! News (@enews) September 13, 2023
A theatric performance from Doja Cat
Not many people can rival Nicki Minaj when it comes to showstopping performances, but Amala Dlamini, better known as Doja Cat, is pretty darn close.
Her performance of her single “Demons” was a whole experience that included dancers whose entire bodies were painted red. Swift couldn’t help but react, explaining to her friends, “It’s giving cinematography.”
Taylor Swift after Doja Cat’s #VMAs performance:
“It’s giving movie, it’s giving cinematography”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 13, 2023
A "Heart Attack" from Demi Lovato
It does not matter Demi Lovato sings her songs or the alphabet. Lovato is a singer! Tuesday night was no different, and Lovato broke out a rock version of her single “Heart Attack.”
Right on cue, Swift was immediately into it, mouthing and acting out the words like any of us do when no one is watching. No judgments from me, girl.
I’m sorry I’m still SCREAMING OVER THIS BECAUSE THE BASKETBALL DRIBBLE AND HER ENERGY GOD I LOVE YOU TAYLOR SWIFT #VMAs pic.twitter.com/fYDXznDILn
— Taylor Swift Updates (@SwiftNYC) September 13, 2023
An appearance from Lil Wayne worth "A Milli"
Am I shocked that Swift is a Lil Wayne fan? No. Am I surprised that she had an impromptu dance party? No again. (She is me. I am her.) Who could blame her? It’s Lil’ Wayne, and if “6 Foot 7 Foot” comes on, I’m liable to do the same.
Swift was perfectly in her element, picking and choosing her spots during Wayne’s performance to sing and dance.
Taylor Swift vibing to “A Milli” by Lil Wayne at the #VMAs 😭😭pic.twitter.com/2l4dmhuk06
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) September 13, 2023
Hits Don't Lie
Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
Shakira is a global superstar whose music has been around for decades. The Columbian singer was honored by MTV with the Video Van Guard award and performed a ten-minute mashup of some of her top hits, bringing the crowd to its feet.
Predictably, Swift screamed at the top of her longs as any reasonable person would.
Taylor Swift pic.twitter.com/piOe4YTaR3
— 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐲 | 1989 TV 27/10🗽🩵 (@tswiiizzle) September 13, 2023
A couple of Stray Kids
The K-pop scene is massive globally and has been making strides in the U.S. With groups like Blackpink and BTS infiltrating the airwaves within the last few years, more talent is making an impact.
Enter: Stray Kids.
The eight-member Korean group took the stage to perform “S-Class” in their VMA Awards debut. They sounded great and had the dance moves to match, leaving Swift mesmerized.
TAYLOR SWIFT'S REACTION TO STRAY KIDS' S-CLASS!!!!!#straykids #vmas pic.twitter.com/7Pm0aZvFL0
— lena ✰ (@staysday6) September 13, 2023
Somebody hit the "Bongos"
It will always be a party when Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B are around. The duo performed their new hit, “Bongos,” for the VMA crowd. It was received with lots of energy, and several celebs, including Swift, couldn’t help but move their bodies.
Drink in hand, Swift is living her best life as Megan performs just feet away. I can’t tell if she’s more excited about Megan or the song, but either way, it’s a vibe.
New view of Taylor Swift, Ice Spice and Riot during Megan Thee Stallion’s performance of #BONGOS pic.twitter.com/jrQYk22qE3
— CelebsloveMegan (@celebslovemeg) September 13, 2023
