In a night filled with sparkles, surprises, and a few regrets, the 2024 Video Music Awards set the stage for a stunning and at times hilariously awkward trip down memory lane, courtesy of none other than the rap god himself—Eminem. The staple of hip-hop nostalgia kicked off the evening’s festivities with a dynamic performance that was equal parts thrilling and cringe-inducing, bringing back memories from the early 2000s like a flashy time machine—complete with an unfortunate accessory: a wig.
Eminem, now 51 years young but still as edgy as ever (if you disregard the dubious choice of headwear), took the spotlight with a burst of energy that reminded VMA viewers just why he rocked the early 2000s. For those of you who missed it or were too busy scrolling through your phones to notice, the opening number included the songs “Houdini” and “Somebody Save,” and featured a gaggle of bleached-blond backup dancers that resembled a cheerleading squad straight out of a retro music video. It was like “The Real Slim Shady” had come back from the dead—but with a questionable twist.
The performance might have had fans reminiscing about the glory days, but it also prompted widespread laughter and a flurry of social media commentary. People couldn’t help but notice Eminem’s rather questionable faux-blond wig. As if it had been plucked straight from a costume shop’s clearance rack, the wig seemed to struggle to balance on the rapper’s head, creating a level of visual confusion that had social media buzzing with laughter. “GET THAT WIG OFF YOUR HEAD @Eminem!” shouted one enthusiastic viewer, likely echoing the sentiments of anyone unlucky enough to witness the fashion faux pas.
Another user chimed in, humorously noting, “I didn’t have Eminem on my BINGO card as wearing the first overly obvious wig of the night.” It seems even the most seasoned artists can end up caught in a fashion faux pas that wouldn’t even grace the set of a low-budget reality show. And no one could resist the ultimate comparison—a user tweeted, “NOT #Eminem with that Shake n’ Go wig on at the #VMAs. LMAOO!” The internet savagery continued as one quick-witted observer pointed out the uncanny resemblance between Eminem’s new hairpiece and those often sported by reality star Nene Leakes. “Why Eminem got everybody wearing a Nene Leakes wig #VMAs?” added to the chorus of bemused critiques flying across the screen.
But it wasn’t all bad for Eminem, as he secured at least one fan in the audience: Taylor Swift. Clad in a striking black and yellow ensemble that would make any traffic sign seethe with jealousy, Swift couldn’t help but enjoy the performance, displaying the kind of unabashed joy that makes her a darling of awards shows. Caught on camera multiple times jamming along to Eminem’s beat, she appeared to be the only one who could overlook those wig-related shenanigans. It’s safe to say the rapper might want to keep her on speed dial for future fashion advice—just in case he feels the need to embrace his inner blonde again.
“TAYLOR SWIFT DURING EMINEM’S #VMAS PERFORMANCE,” one Twitter user eagerly posted, striking a chord with fans who were fully aboard the Swift Express. The chatter around her enthusiastic support was buzzing, with fans commenting, “She’s always gonna be the one having the most fun in the audience” and, “Tay always gonna have fun regardless of how boring these award shows are.” Of course, where there are fans, there are haters waiting in the wings to swipe at the joy. “Everything she does is so corny,” tweeted one keyboard warrior, clearly unaware that a good time is meant to be had, corny or not!
Now, while Eminem’s wig may have delivered on the cringe factor, it’s worth noting that the evening wasn’t bereft of highlights. The VMAs always promise a quirky mix of glamour, absurdity, and eye-rolling looks from the critics. The audience arguably enjoyed the drama of that wig reveal more than a vast majority of the performances that followed, sparking conversations that might just last longer than the event itself.
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So what does it all mean? At the end of the day, Eminem’s performance will likely be remembered not just for his music but for the ridiculously over-the-top wig that threatens to overshadow everything else. It’s a classic example of what happens when nostalgia meets modernity, and it might just remind all of us that sometimes, it’s better to let some styles stay firmly planted in the past. Yet, with every cringe moment, we’ve got to laugh—a fundamental glue that holds the glittery chaos of award shows together.
And as Eminem steps back into the spotlight, maybe he’ll think twice before resurrecting some old-school looks. Or at the very least, he should invest in a wig that won’t become an internet meme by morning.
As with any VMA performance, expect the unexpected but never underestimate the power of a good laugh—especially when that laugh is at a surprisingly distracting wig.