Female artists dominated the nominations lists at MTV’S Video Music Awards 2019. Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande paved the way by getting the highest number of nominations. They earned 10 nominations each, with Billie Eilish just behind them with nine nods.

Grande went on to win Artist of the Year, the Song of Summer award with her tune Boyfriend and the Best Art Direction award for her 7 Rings video. Although this was clearly a cause for celebration, Grande wasn’t actually there to pick up her awards ⁠— and the internet wants to know why. 

The answer is because Grande is currently touring in the UK. She performed at Manchester Pride on Sunday, two years after the terrorist attacks at her concert in the city. Grande told the Pride crowd: “Manchester holds a very special place in my heart. I’m so happy to be with you, so thank you for having me. Sorry, I’m so nervous. I had so much more to say but I’m really very overwhelmed. So thank you.”

But there were plenty of other female musicians in attendance at the VMAs who ensured this year’s ceremony was a memorable night for women in music. 

Swift opened the show with songs from her new record-breaking album Lover, before going on to win three awards. And Eilish deservedly picked up the Best New Artist award. Missy Elliott also confirmed her icon status by receiving the Vanguard Award. Oh, and Cardi B  was hailed Best Hip Hop. 

It wasn’t just about the award wins, as the incredible performances of the night proved. 

Lizzo gave a vibrant performance of Truth Hurts and Good As Hell in front of a giant inflatable “booty”. Miley Cyrus gave her first emotional perfomance of Slide Away since announcing her split from husband Liam Hemsworth. And Elliott gave us a live medley of all her hits, including Work It and Get Ur Freak On. Normani, formerly of Fifth Harmony, also set Twitter alight with her first killer performance as a solo artist. 

It was a powerful night for women in music. The fact that Grande was such a big winner on the night without even being physically present proves this.

Images: Getty