I tend to think the VMAs have fallen far enough in celebrities’ estimation — it is no longer a place they must be seen, or even care if they’re seen — that they’ve begun notifying people in advance that they won. Everyone had a speech in their hands, for one. Also, Lady Gaga had a concert that night at Madison Square Garden — she did a segment live from there for the VMAs — and skipped the red carpet, but magically made time to be in the building to accept an award beforehand with enough time to get across town. And Ariana Grande brought EXACTLY the correct number of outfits in order to be on-stage each time in something different. I feel like you don’t do that if you’re just gonna be in your seat. None of it MATTERS; I’m just always curious when I see how deep their commitment is to seeming flustered and astonished (before they whip out their essays).
