The Internet Lost Its Mind Over Lizzo's VMA Performance | 22 Words

Last night we saw a whole host of A-listers hit the red carpet for the annual MTV VMAs, celebrating the best in music.

During the course of the evening, we watched some of the industry's biggest names bag some pretty huge awards as well as performances from several celebs, including Taylor Swift, Camila Cabello, and, of course, Lizzo.

We all knew that Lizzo was going to blow the roof off the place with her performance. But she didn't disappoint one bit. Her performance included, not one, but two of her hit songs, a giant inflatable butt, a diamond-encrusted bottle of tequila, a stirring speech about self-love, assless chaps, and Queen Latifah. Feeling intrigued? Get scrolling.

Last night it was the annual MTV VMAs.

The show, held in Newark, New Jersey, and, this year, hosted by comedian, Sebastian Maniscalco, celebrates the shining stars of the music industry.

This year's show strayed away from tradition.

Not only was this year the first time that the awards have ever been held in New Jersey but, unlike last year, when the show infamously went host-less, this time, we saw Sebastian Maniscalco cracking dad-jokes and tumbleweed-inducing "safe space" jibes while presenting the ceremony to us.

Many fans didn't think that he was right for the job.

Many viewers didn't understand why he was hosting the event, and, with several of his jokes branded "tasteless," it seems like people think that he simply didn't know his audience.

His opening monologue, in particular, came under fire.

Before wrapping up his opener, the comedian mocked the current social climate. "MTV noticed that we’re living in ultrasensitive times," Maniscalco said. "If you feel triggered or you feel offended by anything I'm saying here or anything the musical artists are doing, they’re providing a safe space backstage where you’ll get some stress balls and a blankie and also Lil Nas X brought his horse which will double as an emotional support animal. If you’d like to talk to your ushers they’ll send you back to where that’s happening." And, of course, the exact people that he was targeting took to Twitter to slam the host.

But, backlash aside, we had an exciting night ahead.

We all wanted to know who would be taking home the top awards, as well as what our favorite stars would be wearing when they graced the red carpet.

On the red carpet, we were wowed by many of the top stars.

There's no better place than the VMAs to sport a head-turning ensemble - there are zero fashion rules at this awards show. From stars such as Taylor Swift and Megan Thee Stallion rocking the blazer vibe, to Lizzo's head-turning red-number, the fashion looks certainly didn't disappoint this year.

Hailed as one of the best-dressed, Zara Larsson, stole the show.

The Swedish pop powerhouse gave us major princess vibes in this floaty, pastel pink gown.

But, music-wise, it was a jam-packed evening.

With performances from long-standing talents like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, and musical newcomers including Lizzo, Lil Naz X, and Ava Max, we were in for an electrifying setlist.

And, of course, we got to find out who would be bagging an award.

Pop sensation, Taylor Swift, raced ahead, taking home the award for "Best Music Music Video" and "Video For Good" for her acclaimed "You Need to Calm Down" single - praised for its trailblazing LGBTQ+ representation. But it didn't end there for the star, who also bagged the "Best Visual Effects" award for her single “ME!" ft. Brendon Urie.

It was also a good night for seventeen-year-old Billie Eilish.

The genre-defying singer won "Best Newcomer," "Push Artist of the Year," and "Best Editing" for her hit song "Bad Guy."

The "Best Pop" award went to an unlikely winner.

Jonas Brothers beat the likes of pop princess, Ariana Grande; teen sensation, Billie Eilish; Taylor Swift, and Khalid for the sought after award for their single "Sucker."

Normani and Korean pop band, BTS, also won big.

BTS, who've quickly risen to pop stardom, won "Best Band," and "Best K-Pop,"  with former Fifth Harmony member, Normani, bagging the prize for "Best R&B" for her hit single  “Waves" ft. 6LACK.

"Artist of the Year" is probably the one you've all been waiting for.

And it looks like Ariana Grande well and truly came out on top, beating the likes of Billie Eilish, Cardi B, and Shawn Mendes to be crowned artist of the year.

But it didn't stop there for the star.

It looks like the pop sensation was in for a huge winning streak last night, also taking home the awards for "Song of Summer" for her latest single, "Boyfriend," and "Best Art Direction," for her popular single "7 Rings."

Another of the night's top prizes went to Lil Naz X.

...And you probably know what for. The star won the award for "Song of the Year" for his chart-dominating "Old Town Road" Remix with Billy Ray Cyrus.

In spite of not winning any awards, though, there's one star who absolutely dominated.

Singer, Lizzo, started her domination of the night on the red carpet, where she rocked this incredible red dress and feather boa combination.

But that's not all.

Lizzo also took to the stage to perform a medley of her hits. And, as anyone who's witnessed Lizzo perform live before knew, we were in for an absolute treat.

And she absolutely did not disappoint.

Lizzo performed a medley of two of her most badass hits, "Truth Hurts," and "Good as Hell." Her vocal performance was flawless - but that's not the only reason that everyone is talking about her performance.

But Lizzo delivered the full package.

She always performs with a huge amount of energy and brings pure joy to the audience. On top of that, she took some extra time to talk directly to the audience, and it was totally beautiful.

Lizzo doesn't just speak: she preaches.

And her gospel is one of self-love and confidence - a message of utmost importance in today's hyper-critical world. It almost seems as though she's starting a revolution.

She also made some truly inspired choices.

For example, the giant inflatable butt that she used to dress the stage. Watching it bobbing along in the background was oddly hypnotic.

Lizzo also paid homage to a true icon.

One of her backup dancers was dressed up like much-missed pop hero, Prince, as certain eagle-eyed fans noticed.

Her stagewear was also incredible.

Lizzo started in a full-length trench coat, which she removed to reveal a bejeweled yellow leotard. Her backup dancers rocked what can only be described as assless leggings.

Many also praised Lizzo's casting.

As she said on her Instagram: "Every woman on that stage had a story of either why they shouldn’t have been on that stage or why they didn’t believe they deserved to be on that stage, including myself. “Imposter syndrome" is a privilege to the most marginalized group in America. Not only were we taught to believe we didn’t belong in the spotlight, but when we finally get to a place to self-worth the world tries to knock us down. Not this time. The world smiled with us. The world sang us. The world saw our beauty last night. The world saw black women feeling Good As Hell and cheered us on. "

Overall, people are going wild for the performance.

And for Lizzo in general. Honestly, keep your eyes on her, because we think that she's set for mega-stardom. We can't wait to see her performance at next year's VMAs.

Because, aside from the incredible artistry ...

It genuinely seems as though Lizzo is doing something important for society as a whole. But while making us want to dance at the same time.

And it seems like we're not the only ones who think so.

Last night, we saw the entire crowd dancing and singing along to Lizzo's performance - with one particularly famous face really rocking out.

Here's that full, incredible performance.

Along with yet another inspirational quote from our queen. Honestly, we don't think that we could love her anymore.

And Lizzo was really only the beginning.

The whole of the VMAs has given the internet a case of the warm and fuzzies. With Normani winning the first "Best R&B Video" award since 2006, and Missy Elliot becoming the first female rapper to receive the Vanguard Award, it seemed as if the ceremony was a celebration of black women.

Watching Lizzo perform is like visual therapy.

And if you want to watch another iconic Lizzo performance which promises to boost your self-love, keep scrolling to watch her storm the BET awards.