10 Nov MTV EMA 2024 in Manchester: Sabrina Carpenter Wins Big
Manchester, Co-op Live Arena. The 2024 MTV EMAs were a spectacle with one clear message: the pop establishment has shifted. Sabrina Carpenter owned the night. Charli XCX defined the season’s aesthetic. And K-pop remained ever-present.
Key Takeaways
- Sabrina Carpenter won Best Pop Act and Best Song for “Espresso”
- Charli XCX won Best Alternative and Best Push with “Brat”
- First EMA edition held at Co-op Live Arena – the newest venue in Manchester
- K-pop category: Stray Kids, aespa, and BTS solo acts remain dominant
Sabrina Carpenter: From Disney to the EMA Stage
“Espresso” was the song of summer 2024 – no debate. It nailed catchiness without sounding shallow, sex appeal without being explicit, and musical sophistication without feeling academic. Sabrina Carpenter – best known for her early roles in Disney productions – underwent a transformation in 2024 that rarely feels this authentic.
At the EMAs, she performed “Espresso” and her new single “Please Please Please” in a tight, two-song set. The staging choice was minimalist – and spot-on: no overblown production, just her and a razor-sharp choreography team.
Charli XCX and the “Brat” Phenomenon
“Brat” – the album – sparked more cultural conversation in 2024 than any other release. Its aesthetic – chartreuse green, lo-fi visuals, deliberately unpolished production – morphed into an internet meme, a political statement (Kamala Harris adopted the colour), and a generational signifier.
At the EMAs, Charli XCX won Best Alternative – a category too narrow for her sonic vision. But it’s all the EMAs offer. She accepted the award with the electric confidence of someone who knows the category itself is irrelevant.
The K-Pop Permanence
K-pop isn’t new to the EMAs – but in 2024, the category has become a permanent fixture of the programme. Stray Kids won Best K-Pop for the second year running. aespa delivered a live performance. The audience in Manchester – predominantly non-Korean – knew the choreography by heart.
Here’s where things stand: K-pop is global pop culture. The EMAs document that reality – reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the MTV EMAs 2024?
Top winners at the 2024 MTV EMAs: Sabrina Carpenter (Best Pop Act, Best Song for “Espresso”), Charli XCX (Best Alternative, Best Push), and Stray Kids (Best K-Pop). The ceremony took place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
What is the “Brat” phenomenon surrounding Charli XCX?
Charli XCX’s 2024 album Brat became a cultural touchstone thanks to its chartreuse-green aesthetic, lo-fi production, and post-club sound. The colour and visual language evolved into an internet meme – and were even co-opted in political contexts.
Why did Sabrina Carpenter win so many awards in 2024?
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” was the most-streamed song of summer 2024. Its infectious melody, polished pop production, and confident artistic identity marked a decisive break from her Disney-era roots.
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