Halsey Debates Killing Her ‘Ego’ in Angsty Garage Rock Performance at the 2024 VMAs
And for her next trick, the Great Impersonator — aka Halsey — somehow made the MTV Video Music Awards stage into a cozy driveway as the pop star belted out new single “Ego” from the inside of a suburban garage.
The star began their performance by riding across the UBS Arena stage on a bicycle, sporting a red pixie cut, sleeveless white collared shirt and black tie. Halsey then opened the garage door of a life-size house to reveal her band and special guest Victoria De Angelis of Ma?neskin waiting inside — think Bowling for Soup’s “1985” music video — and joined in on guitar.
More from Billboard
“I think that I should try to kill my ego/ ‘Cause if I don’t, my ego might kill me,” she sang as the lights flashed inside the house. “I’m all grown up but somehow lately/ I’m acting like a f–king baby/ I’m really not as happy as I seem.”
“Ego” is the latest of several singles Halsey has released ahead of their fast-approaching new album, The Great Impersonator, which drops Oct. 25. The “Closer” singer has also shared “The End,” “Lonely Is the Muse” and the Britney Spears-interpolating “Lucky” ahead of the record, and she recently sent fans on a scavenger hunt across the world to reveal the LP’s main artwork and cover variants.
The 2024 VMAs kicked off at 8 p.m. Wednesday at New York’s UBS Arena, with Megan Thee Stallion helming the program as host, show opener Eminem, Vanguard honoree Katy Perry and several more artists tapped to perform. Taylor Swift led the nominations with a total of 12 nods, while her “Fortnight” collaborator Post Malone followed right behind with 11.
Watch Halsey perform “Ego” below.
Best of Billboard
Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1
H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.