Tate McRae Wins First VMA, Thrills With Medusa-Inspired Performance

Lead Canadian pop star Tate McRae claimed her first MTV VMA trophy and delivered a Medusa-inspired spectacle at the UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, organizers confirmed today.

Nut Graf McRae’s dual triumph-securing the Song of Summer Moon Person for “Just Keep Watching” and electrifying audiences with her dynamic renditions of “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car”-cements her ascent from viral dancer to chart-topping artist.

Medusa-Inspired Stage Spectacle

McRae opened her VMAs set seated among dancers sculpted as living statues, then transformed into an acrobatic force in a pit of sand, executing splits and aerial spins to “Sports Car.” The performance, inspired by the Greek myth of Medusa, paired a sheer white bandeau ensemble with nearly naked male dancers to dramatic effect.

First Moon Man Victory

Nominated in four categories, McRae walked away with her inaugural Moon Person for Song of Summer, awarded to “Just Keep Watching” from the film F1’s soundtrack. Celebrating backstage, she described the win as “a blessing and an honor,” acknowledging her creative team’s role in bringing the track to life.

Fan Reactions Online

• Clips of McRae’s sand-pit choreography went viral on X, with fans praising her “historical” dance break and “insane” athleticism.
• Social posts lauded her storytelling via movement and lauded the seamless transition between soulful vocals and high-energy dance.

With her VMA milestone achieved, McRae now sets her sights on a fall arena tour and the release of her next studio album, promising more boundary-pushing performances ahead.