Taylor Swift Takes Stand for Equality at MTV VMAs: Singer Challenges White House in Powerful Acceptance Speech and Colorful Performance of “You Need To Calm Down”

Taylor Swift showcased her newly found political voice at the MTV Video Music Awards by addressing the White House’s lack of response to her Equality Act petition. The singer, who has admitted to regretting her silence in the 2016 election and is determined to be more active in the 2020 election, delivered a powerful performance of her LGBTQ+ anthem “You Need to Calm Down” that featured visuals supporting the Equality Act. She was also awarded Video of the Year and Video for Good for raising awareness through her music. During her acceptance speech, she thanked those who signed the petition, revealing it now has over half a million signatures – well above the required amount for a White House response. She emphasized that the petition has five times the necessary signatures, calling out the White House for its silence on the issue of equal rights under the law.

Called out: Taylor Swift who recently said she regrets remaining silent during the 2016 presidential election and vowed to be more active ahead of the 2020 election, made good on her promise during her triumphant night at the ceremonyW

Pop star Taylor Swift, who recently admitted to regretting her silence during the 2016 presidential election, stayed true to her word and became more politically active leading up to the 2020 election. She made a statement during a successful night at the event, playfully checking her watch to highlight how much time had passed since the petition garnered a significant number of signatures. Swift was not alone, as she was joined by her friends and co-stars from the music video, including her close pal Todrick Hall, Hannah Hart, and others. The video triumphed over well-known songs like the Jonas Brothers’ “Sucker” music video and Ariana Grande’s “Thank You, Next” video.

Winner! The video beat out some famous songs such as the Jonas Brothers' Sucker music video and Ariana Grande's video for Thank You, Next

Champion! This video surpassed popular tracks like the Jonas Brothers’ Sucker music video and Ariana Grande’s Thank You, Next video.

Beautiful moment: Toderick and Taylor share a special moment after it was announced that their video for You Need To Calm Down won Video of the Year

A heartwarming moment occurred when Toderick and Taylor shared a special connection following the announcement that their video for “You Need To Calm Down” had won Video of the Year. Swift kicked off the show with a vibrant performance of her LGBTQ-supportive single, complete with rainbow-themed visuals and a live rendition of her romantic ballad, “Lover”. The nostalgic performance featured yellow lawn chairs reminiscent of the iconic music video, and Swift sparkled in rainbows and glitter as she sang her uplifting tunes. Throughout her performance, she continued to advocate for the Equality Act by displaying the words in bright yellow across the stage, spreading a message of love and acceptance.

Opening act: Taylor Swift 's political awakening was on display in full flourish at the MTV Video Music Awards on Monday night

Taylor Swift’s newfound interest in politics was on full display during her performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on Monday evening.

Huge number: For the first number, the singer danced around with drag queens, some of whom performed with Miley Cyrus at the 2015 VMAs, while surrounded by rainbows

Massive Crowd: Initially, the vocalist grooved with drag performers, a few of whom had shared the stage with Miley Cyrus during the 2015 VMAs, all amidst a vibrant display of rainbows.

Helping hand: Back in May, Swift created a petition asking fans to help her support the Equality Act. The bill has been passed by the House of Representatives and is currently waiting for the Senate to vote

In May, Swift started a petition urging her fans to assist her in promoting the Equality Act. The bill has already been approved by the House of Representatives and is now awaiting a vote in the Senate. If it becomes law, it will provide protection for the LGBTQ community against discrimination based on “sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.” Swift had previously expressed her support for the act in October during the Tennessee midterm elections, stating, “I believe in the battle for LGBTQ rights, and that any discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is unacceptable.”

Big change: Recently, Swift came out saying she is going to make some positive impact in the next election saying: I just wanna do everything I can for 2020. I wanna figure out exactly how I can help, what are the most effective ways to help'

In a recent announcement, Swift shared her plans to make a positive impact in the upcoming election, expressing her desire to do everything possible for 2020 and determine the most effective ways to help. Calling out Donald Trump, she expressed her concern, stating, ‘I really think that he thinks this is an autocracy.’ Swift also revealed that in 2016, she would have endorsed Hillary Clinton if she had spoken out about her political views. Reflecting on the current state of affairs, she expressed shock and disbelief, emphasizing her determination to contribute to the upcoming election in any way she can.

Big dance number: Taylor and Toderick made sure to bring their all to the big stage during the opening number

During the grand opening performance, Taylor and Todrick truly gave it their all on the big stage with their impressive dance routine.
Expressing her support for pro-choice, she was shocked and disheartened by the current situation. “I can’t believe what’s happening right now. It’s truly shocking and dreadful. I’m determined to make a difference in 2020 by finding the most effective ways to help. This is simply not acceptable,” she stated passionately.

Opening attire: She wore a gold bustier leotard top with a pair of dark blue sparkly shorts that she later added a matching blazer over-top of

For her performance at the VMAs, she dazzled in a custom Versace gold bustier metallic top paired with dark blue sparkly shorts, topped off with a matching blazer. Her gold Louboutin boots perfectly complemented the outfit, while she accessorized with multiple gold chunky necklaces and bracelets to complete the look.

Performer: Taylor's best friend Toderick Hall was right by her side as the opened the VMAs with her hit song, You need To Calm Down

During the VMAs, Taylor Swift was joined on stage by her close friend Todrick Hall as they kicked off the show with her popular song, “You Need To Calm Down.” Following the energetic performance, Taylor took center stage holding her personalized guitar that had the word ‘Lover’ inscribed on it, and sang the title track of her latest album. Surrounded by supportive friends like Gigi Hadid and Camila Cabello in the crowd, Taylor sang her heart out, clearly thrilled to be performing the song live for the first time since releasing her seventh studio album just days earlier.

Award winner: Taylor has already won one award of the evening. Taylor and all of her friends won for her music video for You Need to Calm Down

The winner of an award that evening was Taylor, who along with her friends, bagged one for their music video “You Need to Calm Down.” Taylor’s performance had a personal touch, making fans feel closer as she belted out the heartfelt song. Gone are the days of yearning for an intense love; Taylor confidently sang this powerful new track just days after its release. During her performance, the singer couldn’t stop smiling and giggling, while the audience waved their hands and sang along to every word of the newly dropped tune.

Graceful bow: Taylor bowed to the fans after her anticipated performance in which her friends and fans sang each word along with the star

After delivering an electrifying performance, Taylor humbly bowed to her adoring fans who eagerly sang along to every word. Following her stellar show, she swiftly changed into something more comfortable before snagging one of the first awards of the night. The music video for her hit song “You Need To Calm Down” was honored with the Video for Good award. True to her generous nature, Taylor stepped aside to let her friend Todrick Hall, who co-executive produced the video, graciously accept the special accolade on her behalf.

Miss Americana: The pop sensation performed her new song Lover in front of the VMA crowd as she sported a blue sparkly blazer and matching shorts

Miss Americana wowed the VMA audience with a stunning performance of her latest track, Lover, rocking a shining blue blazer and matching shorts. Her style evolution in this new era has been all about vibrant colors and iconic fashion choices as she transitions away from the Reputation era. On the red carpet, she turned heads in a dazzling Versace blazer adorned with its trademark black chains. Completing her look with black thigh-high embellished boots and her classic red lipstick, she struck a pose before making her way inside to kick off the show.

Carpet look: Taylor Swift opted for an embellished Versace look as she walked the red carpet ahead of her opening performance

On the red carpet, Taylor Swift stunned in a glamorous Versace outfit before taking the stage for her opening performance.

Girl Squad: Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, Sandra 'Pepa' Denton, Halsey, and Bella Hadid smiled at the MTV VMA's

The group of friends comprising Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton, Halsey, and Bella Hadid were all smiles as they posed together at the MTV VMA’s.

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