Taylor Swift Uses VMAs Acceptance Speech to Honor 9/11 Victims: “Everything That Happens Tonight Falls Behind That”

Taylor Swift has a historic night ahead of her at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. The “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” singer has the chance to become the most-awarded artist in the show’s 40-year history. But breaking records was the furthest thing from Swift’s mind when she took the stage to accept her first Moonperson of the night. The Eras Tour superstar took a moment to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City.

“That Is The Most Important Thing About Today”

Unsurprisingly, the first award of the night went to Taylor Swift. She and Post Malone won Best Collaboration for their duet “Fortnight,” off Swift’s latest album The Tortured Poets Department.

The “All Too Well” singer seemed subdued as she took the stage at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Wednesday marked 23 years since the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 cast a pall over the nation. And Swift made sure the day’s significance was not lost on viewers.

[RELATED: 23 Years After Tragedy: 3 Songs That Memorialize 9/11]

“Waking up this morning in New York on September 11th, I’ve just been thinking about what happened 23 years ago,” she said. “Everyone who lost a loved one and everyone that we lost. And that is the most important thing about today.

“Everything that happens tonight falls behind that,” Swift added, over the crowd’s swelling applause.

Across social media, views praised the 14-time GRAMMY winner for her heartfelt acknowledge. “she’s such a respectful queen for this,” one X/Twitter user wrote.

Will Taylor Swift Make History Tonight?

Taylor Swift is no stranger to breaking records, especially lately. At this year’s Video Music Awards, she could become the most-awarded artist in the show’s 40-year history.

Swift leads the pack of nominees with 12, including Video of the Year for “Fortnight.” If victorious in that category, Swift could become the first artist to win the Video of the Year category five times.

Seven Swift wins would tie Beyoncé’s record. If she wins eight, she could officially eclipse the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer for most VMA trophies ever.

Featured image by Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

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