Nine years ago today (September 13, 2009), what began as a night of celebration turned out to be a cringe-worthy event. It was the day that Taylor Swift would definitely remember in her career for a long time. While Swift was giving her acceptance speech after winning Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards, rapper Kanye West interrupted her. What followed was an awkward moment on the show.
As the then 19-year-old lady country music crooner was speaking, West took the microphone from her and protested that Beyonce should’ve brought home the award instead of Swift. In addition, he pointed out that Beyonce’s music video of “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” was way better than Swift’s “You Belong With Me” video.
As everyone was in shock as of why he went onstage, West exclaimed:
“Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time. Of all time!”
While it was really an awkward moment, the disruption of the rapper resulted in boos from the crowd. The audience then stood up and gave their support to the stunned teen singer who was left speechless by what just happened. However, Swift managed to continue and finish her speech; thanks to Beyonce who shared her time. Beyonce won Video of the Year and with her remaining time, she graciously let Swift say her speech, which was cut short earlier.
What Swift has to Say About What Had Happened
Years later, the win of Taylor Swift followed more awards to her name. While Swift may have been momentarily left speechless by the incident, she had plenty to say about West’s outlandish behavior later.
“I was standing on stage because I was really excited because I had just won the award. And then I was really excited because Kanye West was on stage. And then I wasn’t so excited anymore after that.”
In addition, she extended her thanks and praise to Beyonce who was very thoughtful and handled the event graciously. She added:
“I thought it was so wonderful and gracious of her to do what she’s always done. She’s always been a great person before anything else. Before the talented artist, the superstar, she’s always been a great person.”
On the other hand, West was removed from the show after the incident. He later issued a public apology to the teen singer. He said:
“I feel like Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents, when he messed up everything and Robert De Niro asked him to leave. That was Taylor’s moment, and I had no right in any way to take it from her. I am truly sorry.”
The following year, in 2010, Swift returned to the VMA stage and performed her song, Innocent, from her album Speak Now. Some of the lines in the song include:
Time turns flames to embers
You’ll have new Septembers
Every one of us has messed up, too
Minds change like the weather
I hope you remember
Today is never too late to be brand new
Speculations reveal that these lines are her offer of forgiveness for West’s rude behavior.
Here’s the infamous moment at the VMA 2009:
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Tags
Kanye West, MTV Video Music Awards, MTV VMA, taylor swift