4 Reasons Why The Dramatic Antics Of The MTV VMAs Cheapen The Show

Don't get me wrong; I love drama. I live for it; it entertains me, and it keeps me on my toes.

What I don't love is when I'm told which drama I should pay attention to, which drama is going to be foreshadowed throughout the program, and which drama is manufactured.

The MTV Video Music Awards have been on the air since 1984 and making headlines year after year. The show is meant to shock and awe the audience and keep viewers tuned in for two-plus hours.

We all know that when you get a bunch of egotistical and attention-seeking individuals in a room for one night, there are bound to be some dramatic moments. Unfortunately, MTV has a tendency to tell the audience exactly what moments to expect.

With the rise of social media, we can follow the lives of any of our favorite artists and celebrities. We see them weeks leading up to the big event, all the way to when they're on the red carpet. We know everything and more, and we can't help ourselves.

MTV plays into its audience's need for total inclusion in celebrities' lives; they purposely advertise and promote the drama.

This year, they had quite a few theatrical moments, most of which were expected and one that shocked everyone.

1. Kanye West's Speech

The man is guaranteed to make viewers shake their heads and then talk about him non-stop in the conversations that ensue the following day.

He's a genius in his own right. As an artist, his music and his videography are extensive, and his aesthetic appeals to all audiences. He is a one-of-a-kind visionary, and that is why MTV gave him the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Of course, they also gave him an award because they knew when they put a microphone in his hand, he was bound to say something outlandish.

West rambled on for what felt like forever. He begins by talking about people's perceptions of him while he's in a supermarket, and then he vents about not winning awards and life not being fair.

Every time West stopped speaking, we all hoped it would be the end, but he continued to surprise us with each and every syllable.

The craziest verbiage from the VMAs was his 2020 presidential bid announcement before an epic mic drop. Now, I'm all for an mic drop, but it all felt staged.

I also realized I have many friends who took West's threat seriously, and they are intending to leave the country if he wins the 2020 presidential election. I've seen crazier.

2. Taylor Swift Acting Shocked

For the past five years or so, the VMAs have basically been a Taylor Swift love fest.

The show gives this girl (who is talented in her own right) free reign to come, swoop up all the awards (and categories she should rightfully be nominated in) and act like a surprised baby gazelle every time her name is called.

I'm sorry, but at this point, we all know Taylor Swift is going to win since its a fan-based vote, and America is obsessed with Taylor Swift.

I'm not knocking her talent, but I just feel so many other artists are deserving of recognition. She's continuously outshone and polarized by her competition.

Now, we also are always looking to see if Kanye West is going to interrupt one of her acceptance speeches again, but that's just a waste of time. He's learned his lesson.

3. Miley Cyrus

Let's call a spade a spade. Miley Cyrus loves to provoke, push the boundaries and do whatever the hell she wants. She's a free spirit, and her performance last night as both host and as a performer were very "Miley."

She took advantage of the tape delay that the show was on, and she felt the need to add as many curse words as she could think of.

She decided she wanted to dress as outlandishly as possible just to get people talking, and she knew she had the spotlight on her.

Cyrus may have grown up from the little teeny bopper she once was, but this new Miley is one big attention-grabbing individual. All throughout the show, she made it about her, not about the music, not about the artists and not about the rich tradition of the VMAs.

4. "Surprise" Musical Guest Appearances

We all knew Taylor Swift was going to come out and perform with Nicki Minaj since they allegedly squashed their beef. It was bound to happen. She wants to make nice with everyone.

As for Iggy Azalea, I wish she would go away. She ruins everything.

Overall, this is just another year when the drama overshadowed the purpose of the night: to honor artists and the stories their videos tell for their music. Unfortunately, MTV has decided it only wants to produce reality shows, scripted programs about fake lesbians and 90s reboots.

But, hey, that's just my opinion.