Eminem fans slam VMAs for giving Katy Perry Vanguard Award despite her 'catastrophic' comeback

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Eminem fans are not holding back their disappointment after the rapper was once again overlooked for the Video Vanguard Award at this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

While the prestigious honor will go to Katy Perry, the 51-year-old rapper will open the 2024 MTV VMAs and perform tracks from his new album, 'The Death of Slim Shady'.

Eminem fans outraged as Vanguard Award goes to Katy Perry

MTV’s decision to celebrate Katy Perry’s career has left many of Eminem's fans fuming.

Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming & events at Paramount, praised Perry in a statement, calling her "a musical powerhouse and true pop culture icon."

He continued, "With her game-changing creative vision, she has become a global phenomenon and taken over the world’s biggest stages."

The 'Roar' singer's prowess will be on full display live on the VMAs with a can’t-miss, career-encompassing performance celebrating her biggest moments and chart-topping hits, according to The US Sun.

However, the news didn’t sit well with the legion of fans who believe Eminem has done more than enough to earn the award while Perry (as per Rolling Stone, had a "catastrophic flop" with the single named, 'Woman's World'.)

Despite being set to open the VMAs and receiving eight nominations, including Video of the Year for his track 'Houdini', many feel the rapper is being snubbed yet again. 

The backlash was immediate and intense, with fans flooding social media to express their anger.

One wrote, "About damn time. Eminem deserves the Video Vanguard 10 times more than Katy Perry whose 'comeback' has been catastrophic to put it bluntly. I would have mentioned Linkin Park but the guys have a concert on the day of the VMAs." 

A person begged the VMAs, "Please give him the Vanguard award. It's long overdue." Someone else stated, "Can someone tell him that he deserves the Vanguard Award yet MTV has failed audiences." 

An individual remarked, "Only watching for him, should've been given the Vanguard award." Another fan expressed, "Psstt... Can someone please tell me why @Eminem

hasn't received the MTV MJ Video Vanguard Award yet? #Eminem longevity is undeniable." 

Eminem's legacy at the VMAs

The rapper's history with the VMAs dates back to his unforgettable debut in 1999, performing 'My Name Is' and 'Guilty Conscience'.

His most iconic VMA moment came the following year when he stormed the stage with countless lookalikes during his performance of 'Real Slim Shady' and 'The Way I Am'.

He continued to make headlines in 2010 when he opened the show with powerful renditions of 'Not Afraid' and 'Love The Way You Lie' alongside Rihanna.

Eminem’s VMA legacy continued in 2012 when he surprised audiences with Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg, and he most recently took the stage in 2022 with Snoop for their collaboration 'From the D 2 The LBC'.

Eminem's VMA journey stands out this year as he's tied with Peter Gabriel for the most VMA wins by a solo male artist. One more win would secure him the top spot in this category.

With 13 VMAs to his name, he is the most awarded rapper in VMA history and has the second-highest number of nominations, just behind Madonna.

He also holds the record for the most wins by a rap artist. Given this impressive track record, his fans argue that it’s time for MTV to recognize the lasting impact of his music and videos.

The 2024 VMAs will air live on Wednesday, Septmeber 11. 

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