H.E.R. Shreds Both Her Guitar And Self-Doubt In Dynamite 'Anti' VMA Performance

H.E.R. is cutting by way of the noise, literally. To end her captivating "Anti" efficiency at the 2019 VMAs on Monday night (August 26), she wailed on her guitar, shredding a solo that commanded the whole Prudential Center in downtown Newark, New Jersey (and in back of, thanks to TV). And while that was a nice bit of punctuation, everything that preceded it was just as essential.


The 22-year-old R&B singer, songwriter, and guitar hero racked up three noms this year, including for Best New Artist, PUSH Artist of the Year, and Best R&B. Although while she hit the stage for "Anti," she stood alone, delivering the song's soft introductory bars in front of a big screen. A magazine cover line passed in back of her on a screen, and from the title alone, this was all about the Real Me. Rapidly, it became clear that the Real H.E.R. Is one who tells bullies, haters, racists, and pesky self-doubt to fuck off.


After trim rolled alone onstage and walked into a sea of outstretched audience arms, she eventually joined her musical group and also a crew of backup singers bedecked in anti-bullying, anti-racism, and other T-shirts — a nod to the song's title. She stood on a huge riser, towering over all insecurity in a particularly empowering and moving moment.


By the end, H.E.R. (Real name: Gabi Wilson) started making her translucent Stratocaster — the same one she made an absolutely delightful spectacle of at the Grammys in February — absolutely sing nearly as commandingly as she herself can. It was tasteful shredding, also it was a glorious counterpart to the sparkling R&B track that preceded it.


"In 2019, a lot of real music is coming back," she told MTV earlier this year. "And by real music I mean, like, real instruments are being used, as well as a lot of real stories. Folks are saying a lot of things with substance." For H.E.R., That substance was a loud anti-bullying message, boosted by her magnetic stage presence, the message on the shirts around her, and her six-string prowess.


The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards have touched down at The Prudential Center in New Jersey, airing live on MTV. Visualize the full list of winners and keep up with all the night’s biggest VMA moments!