The 2017 Video Music Awards offered a first look at how many of today’s biggest stars are reinventing themselves and their images.

The VMAs took place Aug. 27 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The event featured red carpet appearances by the biggest stars in music today, performances, sketches and, of course, awards. Hosted forgettably by Katy Perry, who gave lackluster efforts throughout the night, the VMAs were the first large public event for many stars going through career reinventions.

Some of the most notable transformations include Miley Cyrus, who performed her new song “Younger Now;” Kesha, who presented an award; Lady Gaga, who has performed in previous years but was notably less involved this year and Taylor Swift, who debuted the music video for her new single, “Look What You Made Me Do,” during the event.

Each of these artists has undergone a transformation in their music and public image and used the award show to present these new versions of themselves to the world. Junior communication major Jeffrey Haag said he didn’t watch the entire event but saw clips posted online after. Haag said some of the stars have genuine reinventions, but for others it feels like a publicity stunt.

Lady Gaga

“Joanne,” Lady Gaga’s 2016 album, brought out a softer side of her music. In 2010, Gaga famously arrived at the VMAs in a dress made entirely out of raw meat, but this year she was absent and her music and image no longer paint her as society’s freak. She has become a serious musician and performer with the toned down and restrained elegance of “Joanne.”

Kesha

Meanwhile, Kesha is no longer “brushing her teeth with a bottle of Jack,” but is instead falling to her knees and praying for those who have hurt her. Kesha’s reinvention comes after a long court battle with her former producer Dr. Luke, after she accused him of sexual assault.

Her first hit single off this year’s album, “Praying,” is a stark departure from what the Kesha fans were introduced to on 2009’s “Animal.” Haag said she’s gone from trying to be “glitter grunge” to an honest songwriter.

He said Kesha’s comeback is the most genuine and comes out of her experiences of the last several years.

“This isn’t a reinvention, it’s a comeback,” Haag said.

Taylor Swift

Swift’s departure from country music and further trend toward pop seems to be working as “Look What You Made Me Do,” is full of pulsing bass, repetitive hooks and an overly catchy chorus. “Look What You Made Me Do” became the top played Spotify song for its first day on the service, topping out at 8 million plays, according to Music Business Worldwide. But not everyone is impressed. Grouping her along with Cyrus, Haag said he feels Swift’s latest reinvention is just a publicity stunt.

“She’s just doing it for the Vine,” Haag said.

Miley Cyrus

Returneing to her roots in country music, Miley Cyrus made yet another transformation this year, causing her to come off in a very non-genuine manner to fans.

“Miley Cyrus has been reinventing herself since Hannah Montana,” Haag said. “She’s been trying to distance herself from that character, and after going a little crazy and separating herself from that, she’s now free to go back to her roots without that constant comparison.”