Here's How Our Latino Favorites Represented Us at the 2024 MTV VMAs

From Karol G’s Latin flags to Rauw Alejandro’s Bomba dance, here’s how our Latino favorites represented our cultures at the 2024 MTV VMAs.

Latinos were surprisingly the centerpiece at the 2024 MTV VMAs (Video Music Awards) last night (September 11). With performances by Colombian superstar Karol G, Brazilian sensation Anitta, Puerto Rican heartthrob Rauw Alejandro, and Cuban-Mexican-American Camila Cabello, the event featured a range of global artists who left their mark on stage.

Beyond the performances, Anitta was the only Latin artist to take home a Moonman trophy, winning Best Latin for her song “Mil Veces.” Other Latino nominees this year included Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Karol G, and Cabello. Myke Towers, Peso Pluma, Shakira, and Cardi B were also nominated in the Best Latin category.

Although there should’ve been more Latin representation in the nominations, there were plenty of surprises on stage.

Did you miss out? Don’t worry—we have everything you need to know about the Latinos representing us during the award ceremony.

Karol G’s epic moment with Taylor Swift

Last year, Karol G made her VMA debut with a show-stopping mashup of her hits “Oki Doki” and “Tá Ok.” This year, the Colombian superstar performed her latest single, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Not only did she proudly display her Colombian flag, but she also featured flags from multiple Latin countries on stage. She even transformed her set into a replica of the Verano Rosa bar from her music video, complete with merengue dancers.

The cherry on top? She interacted with the audience, dancing with American superstar Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello.

Anitta’s sensual Brazilian funk

Anitta never fails to bring Brazilian funk to the stage. As expected, she performed a medley of her newest hip-hop, rap, and pop song, “Paradise,” featuring Puerto Rican-Cuban-American artist Fat Joe and Palestinian-American producer DJ Khaled.

However, she switched up the vibe with Argentine rapper Tiago PZK, performing the baile funk jam “Alegría.” Anitta closed her medley solo with “Savage Funk,” paying homage to her Brazilian roots. This marks her third time performing at the VMAs.

Rauw Alejandro shows off his Puerto Rican roots

After a Hollywood-style intro with Anthony Ramos, Puerto Rican star Rauw Alejandro performed a mix of his songs “Touching The Sky,” “Diluvio,” and “Déjame Entrar.” He opened with “Touching The Sky,” dressed in a black trench coat as he made his way to center stage. He then gave a Bomba-style rendition of “Diluvio,” accompanied by Bomba and plena dancers, showcasing Puerto Rico's cultural heritage.

To wrap up his debut, Rauw transformed the stage into a Broadway-inspired production, performing his latest single, “Déjame Entrar.” Throughout the set, he flaunted his signature dance moves, solidifying his status as one of the most talented Latino pop artists today.

Camila Cabello’s vulnerable performance

Camila Cabello performed “June Gloom” and “Godspeed,” crooning emotional goodbyes to an ex-lover. Both tracks are from her latest album, C,XOXO – Magic City Edition. During her performance, she switched her look from blonde to brunette and even revealed a rocker side by smashing a laptop on stage.

Though it’s not confirmed, rumor has it that her performance was inspired by her breakup with Shawn Mendes, who was also in attendance—but hey, it’s just chisme!