Katy Perry Urges Young Artists to “Stay True to Yourself” After She Performs Medley of Greatest Hits, Accepts Video Vanguard Honor

Katy Perry was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

Before introducing Perry to the stage for her video vanguard performance, Orlando Bloom shared a kind message about his longtime partner’s accomplishments. “You fell in love with her as Katy Perry; I fell in love with her as Katheryn Hudson,” said the actor. “You know her as a global superstar who brings love, light and her unique sense of humor to every song she writes and every music video she creates. I know her as a mother, as a partner who brings that same love and joy to our family.”

He continued, “In moments when we’ve most needed it, her music and the remarkable world she creates have brought a sense of joy and laughter, inspiring generations of people from all over the world. She loves with her whole heart and it’s kind of irresistible. I see it reflected everywhere — in our home, in her love for her work and especially in her love for her fans. Congrats on this honor, baby! I’m so proud of you.”

Perry then emerged suspended from above the stage in a futuristic-looking ensemble, launching into a medley of some of her greatest hits, featuring “Dark Horse,” “E.T.,” “Teenage Dream,” “I Kissed a Girl,” “California Girls,” “Lifetimes” and “Fireworks.” She also included a preview of her upcoming single in collaboration with Doechii, “I’m His, He’s Mine,” accompanied by the rapper onstage.

Following her performance, Bloom made his way to the stage carrying the golden Moon Person statuette. The couple shared a kiss before swapping the award for the prop mechanic butterfly Perry was holding on to from her performance. “Who’s looking after our daughter?,” the singer quipped. Bloom responded, “I thought you were” before walking off the stage.

“Oh my God!,” Perry exclaimed. “I did that all too on the first day of my period, if you can believe it!” She thanked MTV for “believing in [her] weirdness from day one and for helping artists extend their worlds.”

“There are so many things that have to align to have a long and successful career as an artist,” she said. “There are no decade-long accidents.” She thanked her team, who has been with her for “over 20 years” and her label, Capitol Records. “Trust me, it takes a village of strong people, a lot of healthy discourse and a lot of group chats.”

The singer shared her appreciation for her family, noting they’re the “deepest roots” she knows. “We don’t always agree, but what a lesson that those disagreements can still be full of love.” Perry also expressed her gratitude towards her beginnings on MySpace, the Warped Tour and “all the bygone places where I found my voice, identity and a community so early on.”

Perry additionally thanked her friends; fans; the LGBTQ community, who she recognized she “would not be here without”; and Bloom, for keeping her “grounded and celebrated and doing the dishes.” She also gave a shoutout to her daughter Daisy, “the only flowers I’ll ever need.”

The pop star ended her speech with a powerful message encouraging fellow artists to stay true to themselves. “I’m excited when I look around music today and I see all the amazing, young artists who are operating with confidence, agency, vulnerability and authenticity,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot of, ‘Do this. Don’t say that. Wear less, wear more now. Hey, don’t cut your hair.’ One of the biggest reasons why I’m here right now is I learned how to block out all the noise that every single artist in the industry has to constantly fight against, especially women.”

Perry continued, “I just want to 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. And do what you are going to do. Just like I was born to do this.”

The singer finished her speech with a reminder that her upcoming album, 143, is out next Friday, Sept. 20.

This marks the sixth time Perry has received a VMA and her first appearance on the awards show since 2017. Since breaking out in 2008, the pop star has scored 14 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with nine reaching No. 1.