The Emmys are supposed to be TV’s biggest night, but this year felt like déjà vu. Between Severance, The Studio and The Pitt, the nominations leaned heavily on two tired formats: high-stress workplace dramas and critiques of the ultra-rich. Creativity felt boxed in two years after the strikes that were supposed to reset Hollywood.
Still, history was made: The Studio broke records, Tramell Tillman of Severance became the first Black actor to win Supporting Actor in a Drama, and 15-year-old Owen Cooper (Adolescence) became the youngest male Emmy winner ever. Award shows are back — both the Emmys and VMAs drew their highest viewership in years —but they’re coasting on familiar formats.
Meanwhile, music is thriving on spectacle and innovation. Cardi B’s Am I The Drama? drops on Friday with features from Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler, the Creator, Selena Gomez, Kehlani, and even Janet MF Jackson (Ms. Jackson if you nasty). Cardi’s visuals (ravens, blood-red couture and cinematic ambition) prove why she’s unmatched in rap aesthetics. Later this month, Doja Cat follows with Vie on September 26, a retro-pop project co-produced by Jack Antonoff and Y2K that promises Prince-level grooves and Janet-inspired glamour. The Janet-assaince is long overdue, btw.
Both divas are going on tour, ready to bring visuals, choreography and stage production to the same scale Beyoncé and Taylor made mandatory. While TV repeats itself, music still knows how to put on a show.
