Many noted the two performers had disparate vibes. “Lil Wayne to Olivia Rodrigo is crazy #VMAs,” tweeted one fan, who illustrated their fact with a confused GIF of Nene Leakes. Another fan expressed similar frustration, saying, “This cut from Lil Wayne to Olivia Rodrigo is so jarring. I can already tell they’re trying to stuff as much as they can in.” Meanwhile, one made an unkind comparison, adding: “This is like when a DJ makes a horrible transition because from Lil’ Wayne to Olivia Rodrigo is insane.”
“Vampire” was also an intriguing choice for Rodrigo, as some internet denizens are convinced that “Vampire” is a Taylor Swift diss track. Swift was at the show as she was nominated for 11 awards, the most of anyone at the 2023 show.
Unfortunately, the botched VMA opening isn’t the only aspect of the show’s pacing that’s been up for discussion. Some viewers weren’t fans of Demi Lovato performing after Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s debut performance of “Bongos.” “Now who put Demi in their rock era after BONGOS of all things???? #VMAs,” tweeted another fan.
