Continuing this week’s VMAs celebration, the latest edition of From The Vault spotlights a memorable performance from the show’s rich archive. Today, we present Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Jessie J‘s blazing show-opening performance at the VMAs 2024.

MTV fired from all cylinders with the kick-off of its 31st annual Video Music Awards ceremony, commencing the festivities with three of that year’s biggest hitmakers.

Ms. Grande graced the stage first with a futuristic rendition of her EDM hit, ‘Break Free,’ once again showcasing her remarkable vocal talent. Next up was the evening’s hostess with the mostest, Nicki Minaj, delivering a stunning sting with ‘Anaconda’ in a manner that left nothing to be desired: charisma, flow, and boundless energy.

The duo then united with Jessie J to perform their global sensation, ‘Bang Bang,’ and not even a wardrobe malfunction could deter them from stealing the show from the get-go.

What an exciting time! While female collaborations are now the standard in a post-‘WAP’ world, this was far from the case in the mid-2010s. This song alone felt like a monumental event, but this performance, along with several subsequent reunions from the ladies, elevated it to even greater heights. Almost a decade has passed, and it remains as thrilling as ever. Kudos ladies!

Your thoughts?