Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West’s MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

As a seasoned VMAs enthusiast who has witnessed the spectacle unfold for decades, I must say that the 2013 show was undoubtedly one of the most memorable ones. The energy was electrifying, and the performances were nothing short of iconic.


The story of the 2009 MTV VMAs for Taylor Swift? Let’s just say, this ain’t a fairytale.

That night at New York’s Radio City Music Hall started out as a magical evening for Taylor Swift, who transitioned from country to pop music. On September 13, 2009, she arrived in a fairy-tale like carriage and was adorned with jewels when she stepped into the room in a sequined dress, eventually taking home the award for Best Female Video for “You Belong With Me.

The 19-year-old expressed heartfelt gratitude following the presentation of the award by Shakira and Taylor Lautner. He had often fantasized about possibly claiming one of these prizes, but never truly believed it would come true. Being a country music singer, he was deeply appreciative for the opportunity to be awarded a VMA.

But before she was given a chance to finish her speech, Kanye West interrupted to express how he felt the trophy should have gone to Beyoncé for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”

Taylor,” the rapper commented, expressing his joy. “I’ll give you a moment to celebrate, but I believe Beyoncé’s video is among the greatest ever made.

In her 2020 documentary “Miss Americana”, Taylor Swift remembered the incident, saying, “The place was really reverberant. I didn’t realize they were booing him at that moment. I thought they were booing me instead. For someone like me who’s based my entire philosophy on making people cheer for me, having a whole crowd boo is quite an impactful experience.

After receiving the Video of the Year award towards the end of the event, Beyoncé invited Swift to take her turn on stage, expressing “let her have her moment.” However, what West had done left an indelible mark on Swift, which she was unable to easily dismiss. In the documentary, she explained, “That incident sparked a number of psychological journeys I embarked upon, not all of which were positive. It was all ignited by feeling like I didn’t belong there.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Nevertheless, Swift—who’d been a fan of West—made it clear she didn’t want any bad blood.

She stated, as recorded by Entertainment Tonight, “I’m not acquainted with him, and I have no intention of initiating any interaction.

Indeed, West’s interjection certainly ignited a conversation that escalated into one of the most notorious celebrity disagreements. Initially, it appeared as though the Grammy winners might move past the incident altogether.

In the wake of the VMAs, Swift shared with ABC News Radio West that West contacted her and expressed a heartfelt apology, which she graciously accepted. The following year at the event, she performed “Innocent”, a song speculated to be about granting forgiveness, further indicating reconciliation.

Regarding West, he admitted to Jay Leno shortly following the 2009 VMAs that his actions were “inappropriate” and “impolite.” (However, a year later, he explained the incident to Ellen DeGeneres as either being sincere or influenced by alcohol, and referred to himself as a “cultural warrior.” He also told The New York Times in 2013 that he didn’t regret the stage disruption and that his apology was due to peer pressure.)

By 2015, Swift, West and his then-wife Kim Kardashian were spotted chatting it up at the Grammys.

The artist known as ‘Fearless’ shared with Vanity Fair that he wasn’t prepared to be friends with Jay-Z until he felt a mutual respect, and the same applied to Jay-Z. In essence, we both arrived at that point simultaneously due to this shared issue. He stated that becoming friends with Jay-Z was crucial for both Kanye and him.

As a devoted admirer, I can affirm that I appreciate West not just as an artist, but also as a person. This is a solid foundation, a promising start in our connection.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

When Swift was invited to honor Taylor Swift with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2015 VMAs, a moment that appeared to complete a circle, she consented.

Referencing their “notorious meeting” from six years back, Swift humorously commented, “It seems I must tell the other winners tonight, ‘I’m truly thrilled for you, and I’ll give you a moment to shine. However, Kanye West has had an exceptional career that ranks among the best ever.’

However, in 2016, West debuted his hit song and video titled “Famous.” This marked the resumption of their ongoing feud as fans observed.

To put it simply, Taylor Swift claims Kanye West never informed her about the line “I made that b—h famous” in his song. Contrary to this, both Kanye and Kim Kardashian asserted that he had previously alerted Swift about the track, with Kim stating in an interview with GQ, “She completely approved of it.

During that summer, Kardashian shared videos on Snapchat which seemed to depict a conversation between Swift and West regarding the track from The Life of Pablo. Swift countered by asking, “Where is the recording of Kanye saying he would refer to me as ‘that b—h’ in his song? It doesn’t exist because it never took place.

As an ardent fan, I’ve got to say, it stings to be labeled a fabricator when the entire story wasn’t disclosed to me. I wasn’t even part of the melody, and yet my reputation has been tarnished. This isn’t a narrative I sought or wished to be associated with since 2009. I yearn for my exclusion from this tale that I never asked to weave.

Reflecting on the event during a 2023 interview with TIME, Swift expressed that the controversy seemed like it could have ended her career.

In an underhanded scheme, someone fabricated a false accusation against me, which they secretly recorded and manipulated by Kim Kardashian for public consumption. This led people to believe I was dishonest, causing me immense psychological distress. As a result, I relocated to another country, avoided staying in rental properties for an entire year, shied away from phone calls, and distanced myself from many of the people in my life due to loss of trust. I hit rock bottom very hard.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

In her own words, as expressed during her Album of the Year acceptance speech at the 2016 Grammys, Swift pointed out that the dispute went beyond just a single lyric and encompassed her personal history with West.

In 2019, she shared with Rolling Stone that rekindling their relationship following the 2009 VMAs event helped mend a sense of childhood rejection or an unresolved issue from when she was 19 years old. Essentially, her goal was to earn Kanye West’s respect.

However, the 2015 VMAs marked a turning point. Although West praised Swift for presenting him with the award, he also mentioned that her win generated higher ratings for the event. This comment made Swift feel a shiver of discomfort, as she felt West was being insincere. “I realized he’s two-faced,” she said. “He wants to be friendly behind the scenes, but then he wants to appear cool by criticizing me in front of everyone. I was furious. He wanted me to visit him in his dressing room after the event, but I refused. So, the next day he sent a massive bouquet of flowers as an apology. I decided, ‘Okay, I don’t want our relationship to remain strained. I’ll just move past this.’ But then came ‘Famous.’

In her conversation with the media outlet, she mentioned that when he called her, she was moved by his courtesy and discussing a specific line from a song. She continued, “This made me think things are fine between us again.” Upon listening to the song later, she declared, “I’ve had enough. If you insist on being at odds, let’s be at odds, but honestly, just be open about it.

For Kardashian, she shared that in that particular moment, she felt compelled to stand up for West (this was prior to their divorce and his controversial comments about antisemitism).

Indeed, it’s accurate to note that various phases of the feud have emerged in Swift’s music over time. For instance, her 2017 album, “reputation,” and the 2024 track, previously known as “thanK you aIMee” but now titled “thank You aimEe,” are clear examples of this. While fans have come up with their interpretations regarding the songs (noting that the capitalized letters spell out “Kim” and West’s new name “Ye”), Swift herself has been less secretive about her feelings towards the song.

In a concert during her June Eras Tour in London, as reported by Parade, she expressed, “Whenever someone speaks negatively towards me, it fuels my determination to work harder and strengthens me. It’s also something I’m grateful for.

spectators should keep their eyes glued for the exciting revelations about the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards; are you all set? The show is scheduled to unfold on September 11 at UBS Arena, located in Elmont, New York.

For now, keep reading to look back at more memorable VMA moments from over the years.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

It’s hard to overlook the incident when Rage Against the Machine bassist Tim Commerford made his discontent clear after the band lost an award to Limp Bizkit by storming the stage and climbing a display tower. Although the network interrupted the broadcast for a commercial, cutting Tim’s televised moment short, in actuality, his night was far from over as he was arrested and spent a night in jail.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Fun fact: The Kanye West-Taylor Swift incident wasn’t the only surprising onstage moment at the 2009 show. After the well-known interruption, Lil Mama unexpectedly joined Jay-Z and Alicia Keys during their performance of “Empire State of Mind.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

In a casual, easy-to-understand style: The pop star known as the “Material Girl” performed her hit song “Like a Virgin” by moving around on stage dressed in a pure white wedding gown.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

In keeping with his infamous, lewd image, the Radio Host made an entrance fit for his alter ego, Fartman, as he descended onto the stage in character.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

In one of rock music’s most notorious disputes, the two individuals were embroiled. At the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, emotions ran heated behind the scenes. Courtney Love, Cobain’s wife and mother of their daughter Frances Bean, taunted members of Guns N’ Roses, leading Axl Rose to threaten Kurt Cobain, saying he would physically attack him if he didn’t stop talking. In response, an irritated Cobain joked at Love, saying “Shut up, you bitch!” sarcastically.

Following his performance with the band Nirvana, their drummer, Dave Grohl, continued to greet Axl by saying “Hello, Axl!” into the microphone.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Immediately following their enchanting nuptials, my heart pounded as I witnessed them stride onto the stage, interlaced in an embrace, with the crowd erupting in cheers of joy. As Jackson proclaimed, “I’m overjoyed to be here, and who would have thought this union would endure?”, there was a magical moment when the King of Pop and Elvis Presley’s cherished daughter exchanged a tender kiss before gracefully departing.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

As a die-hard admirer, let me share the electrifying moment when the emerging diva clinched the Best New Artist accolade in that captivating video event. Yet, instead of basking in her triumph, she seized the occasion to voice her discontent with Tinseltown, passionately declaring to the audience, “This industry is a farce!

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

As Lil’ Kim was being honored with the Best Hip-Hop Video award, an unexpected gesture from the legendary singer involved a tap on her exposed left breast. (This is a more respectful way of phrasing the original sentence.)

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

In an unforgettable moment, the pop star made her grand entrance for her rendition of “I’m a Slave 4 U,” carrying a snake across her back.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

In the midst of a lingering dispute between Eminem and Moby, the comedy dog named Triumph the Insult Comic Dog made jokes about their conflict during the VMAs, directly mocking Moby in front of the audience. Later on, Triumph tried to do the same to Eminem, but he was not receptive.

Later on, Eminem stepped onto the stage to receive the accolade for Best Music Video for Men, and during his speech, he remarked, “For a brief moment, that young woman resembling Moby disrupted my focus.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Initially performing on stage, Britney Spears, Madonna, and Christina Aguilera harmoniously sang “Like a Virgin” and “Hollywood”. Their performance culminated in a highly publicized kiss between the trio.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

The pop princess made her highly anticipated return to the VMA stage, though her performance of “Gimme More” was panned. 

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

The rapper invaded the stage during Taylor Swift’s Best Female Video award ceremony because he believed Beyoncé had one of the greatest videos ever made. Later, when Beyoncé won Video of the Year, she requested Taylor Swift to share the stage with her so she could celebrate together.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Lady Gaga grabbed attention with her iconic meat gown designed by Franc Fernandez, making her the standout award winner at the event.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

As a devoted admirer, I excitedly share that the renowned pop star revealed she and Jay-Z are about to welcome their first child into the world. This joyous news became evident when she tenderly showcased her growing belly on the red carpet, followed by a heartfelt conclusion to her “Love On Top” performance where she gracefully set down her microphone and affectionately touched her baby bump.

 Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Justin Bieber experienced a ‘snake moment’ of his own during the performance, as he introduced a small boa constrictor named Johnson on stage with him.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Hannah Montana, the character or the person behind it – either way, not relevant here. What is significant is that the ex-Disney star made MTV history by dancing to her hit song “We Can’t Stop” and a duet of “Blurred Lines” with Robin Thicke.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

During the ceremony for the Best Hip-Hop Video award, won by “Anaconda,” Nicki Minaj addressed Miley Cyrus, the host, over critical comments she had made about the rapper in an interview with the New York Times. She referred to the pop star as a “tough cookie” and asked her, “What’s up?

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Towards the conclusion of a prolonged Video Vanguard acceptance speech, the rapper memorably declared his intention to contest for presidency in 2020.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

The rap artist made news by expressing his longstanding affection for the singer during the presentation of the 2016 Video Vanguard Award, stating to the crowd, “I have loved her since I turned 22 years old.

Revisiting Taylor Swift and Kanye West's MTV VMAs Feud 15 Years Later

Following Camila Cabello’s departure, the girl group stunned the world by starting their performance with an illusion of a fifth member apparently falling from the stage.

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2024-09-10 17:20