The most surreal thing about the 2024 Kids’ Choice Award is that it went on as scheduled on Saturday (July 13) at 8 p.m. ET, even though the rest of the world was reacting to the shocking assassination attempt on former President Trump. There wasn’t even a mention of the incident on the show. Most awards show open with a moment of reflection following distressing news events, which are, sadly, all too common.
To be fair, an opening about an assassination attempt would be tonally all wrong for a show built around epic slimings. The kids who watch and enjoy this show probably wouldn’t have understood what the moment meant for a country where violence and anger are constant facts of life.
It’s also not a surprise that so many kids’ favorites appeared on the show, including The Kid Laroi, who performed a three-song medley. Many young stars grew up watching this show. It’s a kick for them to appear on it. This show introduces young kids to the fun of watching award shows. It’s a gateway show. To tweak the title of a Billboard 200-topping album by AC/DC, “For Those About to Watch Awards Shows, We Salute You.”
Many of the winners on the show were thoroughly expected. No one could have been surprised that Barbie won favorite movie or that Taylor Swift won favorite female artist, favorite global music star or favorite ticket of the year for The Eras Tour. And the win for Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” as favorite viral song was hardly a surprise.
That doesn’t mean all awards went as expected. Take a look.