Katy Perry Performs High-Flying Medley of Hits While 'on the First Day of My Period' as She Accepts 2024 VMAs Video Vanguard

Katy Perry lit up the VMAs stage like a firework.

The 39-year-old singer, who received the Video Vanguard Award at the 2024 MTV VMAs on Wednesday, Sept. 11, wowed the crowds at New York's UBS Arena with her performances of "Dark Horse," "E.T.," "Teenage Dream," "I Kissed a Girl," "Firework" and "Lifetimes."

Doechii also joined the honoree onstage for the live debut of their collaboration "I'm His, He's Mine," which is set for release on Friday, Sept. 13 and will appear on Perry's forthcoming album 143.

To start her set, Perry entered the arena flying above the stage and amid a laser light show. The visuals varied throughout the nearly 10-minute performance, and also included floating butterflies and Perry, herself, in butterfly wings.

Check out all of PEOPLE's full MTV VMAs coverage here.

Upon accepting the Video Vanguard Award, Perry revealed that she delivered her performance under some extreme circumstances.

"I did that all on the first day of my period, and couldn't believe it," she told the audience, before sharing her gratitude toward MTV for believing in her "weirdness" from the start.

"There are so many things that have to align to have a long and successful career as an artist," Perry said. "There are no decade-long accidents. My team, who have been with me for over 20 years, direct management and my label, Capitol Records, trust me. It takes a village of strong people, a lot of healthy discourse and a lot of group chats."

After paying tribute to her parents who she doesn't always "agree" with, she also thanked "MySpace, Warped Tour and all the bygone places where I found a voice identity and a community so early on."

Added Perry: "Thank you to the friends that were there when my Jetta was repossessed, my KatyCats who stood by me for a lifetime and the LGBTQ community who I recognize I would not be here without."

During her speech, Perry also gave a special shout-out to her fiancé Orlando Bloom for keeping her "grounded" and for "doing the dishes," referencing her recent interview on Call Her Daddy where she said knowing her spouse took care of that chore arouses her. She also paid tribute to her daughter, Daisy Dove.

This award also marked her first time back on the VMAs stage since 2017 when she hosted and performed during the star-studded evening.

Check out all of PEOPLE's full MTV VMAs coverage here.

Former Video Vanguard Award recipients include Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, David Bowie, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. Shakira took home the special Moon Person last year.

Perry won her first VMA in 2011, taking home three moon persons for best visual effects and best collaboration ("E.T" featuring Kanye West) and video of the year ("Firework"). She also took a Moon Person home in 2012 for best art direction ("Wide Awake") and in 2014 for best female video ("Dark Horse" (featuring Juicy J).

Though she isn't up for another Moon Person this year in addition to the Video Vanguard, it's sure to be a memorable evening for Perry.

"Katy is a musical powerhouse and true pop culture icon," Paramount's president of music, music talent, programming and events and Paramount+'s chief content officer for music, Bruce Gillmer, said in an August statement when announcing Perry would receive the video vanguard.

"With her game changing creative vision, she has become a global phenomenon and taken over the world’s biggest stages," he continued. Katy’s prowess will be on full display LIVE on the VMAs with a can’t-miss, career-encompassing performance celebrating her biggest moments and chart-topping hits."

This award comes days before Perry's album 143 (her first to be released in four years). The first single off the album, "Woman's World," was released on July 11.

The 2024 MTV VMAs air on Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. ET/ PT live from the UBS Arena in New York.