The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards took over the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Wednesday (Sept. 11). Hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, the 2024 VMAs boasted a surprisingly consistent, inventive and impressive run of performances.

This year’s broadcast marks 40 years of the VMAs, which had its inaugural show at Radio City Music Hall on Sept. 14, 1984. One of that night’s big winners – Cyndi Lauper – was present at this year’s show, introducing a performance by 2024 breakthrough Sabrina Carpenter. Plus, dozens of clips from VMAs past were peppered throughout the show, reminding viewers of odd moments they may have forgotten and legendary ones no one could.

“We’re going to be revisiting some of the show’s most iconic moments that made the VMAs the pop culture beast it is today,” Bruce Gillmer (an executive producer of this year’s show alongside Jesse Ignjatovic) told Billboard just days ahead of the broadcast. “It’s a homecoming of sorts, so we’ll celebrate turning 40 by flashing back to moments on stage and screen.”

It was fitting that for a 40th anniversary show, new history was made at the 2024 VMAs, with Taylor Swift tying Beyoncé as the top VMA winner of all time. Swift, who recently endorsed Kamala Harris for President of the United States, appeared in person to accept two awards and honor the victims and memory of 9/11 on its anniversary.

But awards and speeches have never really been the thrust of the VMAs – it’s always been about the musical performances. From Katy Perry’s Video Vanguard Award medley to LL COOL J’s 40th anniversary salute to Def Jam to sets from rising stars Chappell Roan and Carpenter, here are the best performances from the 2024 VMAs, ranked. (Note: Abbreviated performances, like those from Jessie Murph and Teddy Swims, are not included in the ranking, nor are pre-show performances.)