Taylor Swift Performs ‘Lover,’ ‘You Need to Calm Down’ at 2019 VMAs
Taylor Swift performed the title track of her seventh studio album, Lover; as well as the second single "You Need To Calm Down," on the 2019 Video Music Awards Monday night (Aug. 26).
Prior to the show, Swift was one of the first celebrities to hit the red carpet. She then proceeded to meet dozens of fans while wearing a multicolored long jacket (instead of a dress) with a pair of glittery thigh-high boots.
Swift opened the show with "You Need To Calm Down" which featured some of the dancers from the music video. Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who along with husband Justin Mikita portrayed the marriage ceremony scene in Swift's video, was seen dancing (with Mikita) in the audience.
Following that, Swift performed the title track for the first time live with her custom "Lover" in a stripped-down style, with just an acoustic guitar for accompaniment. The audience was swaying and screaming along to the ballad.
This marked Swift's first VMA's performance in four years, and her 10th VMAs overall she's attended.
Swift is tied with Ariana Grade for the most nominations at the VMAs this year with 10 each. She was also nominated for her music videos for "Me!," featuring Panic! at the Disco's Brendon Urie, and "You Need to Calm Down."
Swift's Lover has already sold 2 million+ albums since its release on Friday (Aug. 23). The album generated the most first-week sales this year, in just one day, to date. The album is now eligible for RIAA Platinum status in the United States.
The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, N. J., hosted by actor and comedian Sebastian Maniscalco.
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