It celebrates the best of music from around the world.
And Dua Lipa put on a show to remember as she opened the 26th MTV EMA Awards, held at the FIBES Conference and Exhibition Centre on Sunday with her new single Don’t Start Now.
The singer, 24, ensured all eyes were on her as she took to the stage in a black cut-out leotard which showcased her washboard abs.
Dua, who had changed out of her black floor-length red carpet dress and into the thong leotard, appeared in her element as she strutted around in satin heeled boots.
The One Kiss hitmaker teamed the racy one-piece with sheer stockings which had black piping running along the central panel.
She wore her blonde hair in a sleek bun, which her dancers- who were clad in neon yellow bodysuits- emulated.
Stage prop: The singer performed some raunchy dance moves on a chair during her energetic performance
Pulling out all the stops: Dua oozed stage presence as she pranced around stage before performing a high-octane dance routine
Dua oozed stage presence as she pranced around stage before performing a high-octane dance routine.
After her performance the London-born beauty made her third outfit change of the night as she slipped into a navy oversized minidress.
Taking her seat, Dua’s proud boyfriend Anwar Hadid kissed her on the cheek before they turned to face the stage to watch the rest of the show.
The Don’t Start Now hitmaker teased what fans can expect from her new album, confessing it is a mix of her both her old music and also some new genres too.
Matching: She wore her blonde hair in a sleek bun, which her dancers- who were clad in neon yellow bodysuits- emulated
Born performer: Dua appeared in her element with her crew of backing dancers
Smitten: Taking her seat, Dua’s proud boyfriend Anwar Hadid kissed her on the cheek
Besotted: The lovebirds gazed at one another before turning to watch the rest of the show
Speaking about her new song, she said at the award ceremony: ‘It’s very disco-orientated. I guess I got a lot of inspiration from ‘Electricity’ and ‘One Kiss’; it felt like the natural progression.
‘The album is really nostalgic with new sounds.’
Dua has been working with Nile Rodgers on new music but she has confessed it hasn’t made the new project, but she remained tight-lipped about other performers.
‘We did some stuff together but it’s not going to end up on the project, but hopefully we’ll get to work on something else. I’m going to keep everything a secret for now,’ she said.
Glamorous: Nicole Scherzinger, 41, looked incredible in a velour black Bardot minidress and glittering silver knee-high boots
Congratulations! The singer announced Halsey as the winner of Best Pop act by fluttering a fan with the singer’s name on it
The show also featured performances by the likes of Halsey, Mabel and Spanish singer Rosalia.
The event returned to Spain for a fourth time after visiting Barcelona in 2002, Madrid in 2010 and Bilbao in 2018.
This year’s edition was hosted by US singer and actress Becky G, who took over from last year’s host Hailee Steinfeld.
Over the moon: Nicole congratulated Halsey with a hug before handing over the award
Tough competition: Halsey was shocked to win Best Pop at the MTV EMAs. The Graveyard singer triumphed over pop superstars including Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, Jonas Brothers, Shawn Mendes and Becky G
She used the platform to perform Como No, her collaboration with Akon, live for the first time.
NCT 127 became the first K-pop group to appear at the MTV EMAs, highlighting the Korean genre’s increasing popularity worldwide, while Liam Gallagher also made an appearance to collect the inaugural rock icon award.
A red carpet pre-show also featured performances by the likes of Mexican pop star Sofia Reyes, Puerto Rican artist Jhay Cortez and Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar.
Delighted: Speaking as she collected the gong, she said: ‘I don’t know where to stand. I didn’t think I was going to get this. I feel so lucky to be making pop music at a time where pop music is so special’
Her role: The Spanish model, 25, took to the stage to present an award
Getting into the groove: Georgina’s boyfriend Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted dancing in the audience
Halsey was shocked to win Best Pop. The Graveyard singer triumphed over pop superstars including Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, Jonas Brothers, Shawn Mendes and Becky G.
Speaking as she collected the gong, she said: ‘I don’t know where to stand. I didn’t think I was going to get this. I feel so lucky to be making pop music at a time where pop music is so special.
‘There are so many different genres all blending together. I don’t get to do it without amazing people like you so gracias [thank you], I really appreciate it.’
Showgirl: At one point she was whipped off her feet and carried by a flurry of backing dancers
Toned midriff: Mabel flashed her abs in the graffiti print crop top and skintight leggings
Ruling the runway: Model Joan Smalls looked sensational as she presented the award for Best Rock
