The Best Reactions to Diddy's Performance at the VMAs
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SEAN "DIDDY" COMBS took to the stage at the 2023 VMAs for the first time in 18 years. He last performed at the MTV awards show in 2005, when he both hosted the event and also shared the stage with Snoop Dogg and a full orchestra, accompanied by a video of his late friend and collaborator Notorious B.I.G.
The legendary rapper and producer was present at this year's ceremony in Newark, New Jersey to receive the Global Icon Award, an honor that has previously been bestowed on rock-n-roll mainstays the Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
But this was no lifetime achievement award given to a musician who has come to the end of their career: Diddy's new record The Love Album: Off the Grid is about to drop, his first since 2010's Last Train to Paris, and he was also up for four awards. "Gotta Move On" with Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, and Yung Miami was nominated for Best Rap and Best Collaboration, and the remix of "Creepin'" which he features on alongside 21 Savage and The Weeknd was nominated in the Best R&B and Best Collaboration.
But arguably one of the most exciting moments of the evening was Diddy's live performance, where he performed with the help of special guests Keyshia Cole and Young Miami. On a night which also featured standout moments from Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat, it's safe to say that the 2023 VMAs were a celebration of the best talent that hip-hop has to offer... and the internet agreed.
Diddy accepts the #VMA Global Icon award and promotes his new album "The Love Album: Off the Grid" pic.twitter.com/PUNrqG3z71
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 13, 2023
P. Diddy in his Beyoncé era. SHE AINT NO DIVAAAAAA #VMAs pic.twitter.com/yc5xP8KUuj
— dylan SAW BEYONCÉ 🪩 (@dylanisunique) September 13, 2023
Diddy just showed us ALL why he's this year's Global Icon 🗣️🔥 #VMAs pic.twitter.com/k7aE74nEdG
— MTV (@MTV) September 13, 2023
PUFF DADDY. P. DIDDY. LOVE.
A TRUE ICON #VMAs pic.twitter.com/TBEu6j3O6I— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) September 13, 2023
“I got an album out this Friday!”
— Diddy after accepting his Global Icon Award at the #VMAs pic.twitter.com/qFCeVI5kZF— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) September 13, 2023
some of you are so crazy and clearly not well versed in the western industry at all like you're telling THEE DIDDY and MARY J BLIGE.... TO HURRY UP?
— ໊ (@b6oms) September 13, 2023
.@Diddy's #VMA Global Icon performance was one for the BOOKS!! pic.twitter.com/IPevz1Sy9h
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 13, 2023
Not only did the internet agree, but Taylor Swift appeared to as well:
🎥| @TaylorSwift13 enjoying Diddy's performancepic.twitter.com/LVGK2PCbOC
— The Swift Society (@TheSwiftSociety) September 13, 2023
💃| Taylor and Sabrina having a dance party during Diddy’s performance at the #VMAs! pic.twitter.com/myJwUWEGcL
— Taylor Swift Updates 🩵 (@swifferupdates) September 13, 2023
📸| Diddy chatting and posing with @taylorswift13 at the #VMAs. pic.twitter.com/gj81fLayfI
— Taylor Swift Updates 🩵 (@swifferupdates) September 13, 2023
Some people have seen this act before:
This Diddy’s 19th ensemble tribute performance this decade
— HOOD VOGUE is tired of poverty (@keyon) September 13, 2023
Diddy doesn’t need any more tributes. Let this be the last one. ❤️ #VMAs pic.twitter.com/dqDwgpWfHo
— issa rae’s favorite interviewer. (@TheGreatIsNate) September 13, 2023
Some people were thinking about the old days:
Remember when Diddy performed I’ll Be Missing You with Sting, Faith & 112 at the 1997 VMAs… pic.twitter.com/yzBTMOInFI
— DJ Heat (@DJHeatDC) September 13, 2023
And many were enjoying it:
All of us watching Diddy perform all the Bad Boy Hits on the #VMAs: pic.twitter.com/tIRtCpe3l1
— Danny Armstrong (@DArmstrong44) September 13, 2023
While others wanted some more special guests (particularly some from those same old days):
Diddy couldn't get any former Bad Boys artists to show up #VMAs pic.twitter.com/xeHvosmnx1
— September 23rd (@IAmQuisB) September 13, 2023
Me thinking Mase is about to come out but it's just lil Diddy 😑 #VMAs pic.twitter.com/9q1oy8jGUl
— Ashtynn (@ThatsSoAshtynn) September 13, 2023
...including Jackie Brown herself, Pam Grier:
MTV Awards Diddy on stage. I Miss Mase, Biggie, Faith and Lil Kim! Muy Nice to see Woman of Rap and Hip Hop!
Homage Y'all!— Pam Grier Ph.D (@PamGrier) September 13, 2023
It all felt a bit familiar, though, did it not?
diddy really perform that same setlist the same exact way for every “tribute” perform like damn honey no more tributes… #VMAs pic.twitter.com/fzHsj4TvAz
— i be like… DO IT 4 MY BABY! (@SUCKAW0RLD) September 13, 2023
Look, when you're a legend, you've got to play the hits, right?
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