Olivia Rodrigo had the biggest night at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, taking home three moon person awards… but Lil Nas X won the top honor, Video of the Year.
Rodrigo, 18, won the first award of the night, Song of the Year, along with Best New Artist and Push Performance of the Year.
Lil Nas X took home two awards, Video Of the Year for his hit Montero (Call Me By Your Name) and Best Direction, sharing the award with the video’s co-director Tanu Muino.
Big win: Lil Nas X took home two awards, Video Of the Year for his hit Montero (Call Me By Your Name) and Best Direction, sharing the award with the video’s co-director Tanu Muino
Olivia Rodirigo won the first award at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, Song of the Year.
She beat out 24kGoldn ft. iann dior – Mood, Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic- Leave The Door Open, BTS – Dynamite, Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP and Dua Lipa – Levitating.
She was given the award by a surprise presenter, Jennifer Lopez, who hit the stage in a stunning minidress.
Olivia wins: Olivia Rodirigo won the first award at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards , Song of the Year
Winner: She beat out 24kGoldn ft. iann dior – Mood, Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic- Leave The Door Open, BTS – Dynamite, Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP and Dua Lipa – Levitating
The night kicked off with performances by Justin Bieber and The Kid Laroi plus Olivia Rodrigo before host Doja Cat took to the stage.
She introduced the night’s first presenter, former Video Vanguard Award winner Jennifer Lopez.
‘It feels so good to be here in my hometown for the VMAs. MTV has always been the place to deliver the music and videos that define our generation,’ Lopez said.
Justin performs: The night kicked off with performances by Justin Bieber and The Kid Laroi plus Olivia Rodrigo before host Doja Cat took to the stage
Presenter: She introduced the night’s first presenter, former Video Vanguard Award winner Jennifer Lopez
She presented the first award of the night, Song of the Year, which was won by Olivia Rodrigo for her hit song drivers license.
‘This is so insane. Wow. Okay, first of all I just want to thank all of you guys, the fans. This is so incredible. This is the most — this has been the most magical year of my life that’s all because of you, so thank you,’ Rodrigo said.
She went on to dedicate the award to, ‘all the other girls who write songs on their bedroom floor. There are a lot of people who will try to do in your light but speaking your mind and share your heart are the most beautiful things in the world. I am here for that. Thank you again,’ she concluded.
Surprise: She was given the award by a surprise presenter, Jennifer Lopez, who hit the stage in a stunning minidress
Insane: So insane: ‘This is so insane. Wow. Okay, first of all I just want to thank all of you guys, the fans. This is so incredible. This is the most — this has been the most magical year of my life that’s all because of you, so thank you,’ Rodrigo said
Dedicate: She went on to dedicate the award to, ‘all the other girls who write songs on their bedroom floor. There are a lot of people who will try to do in your light but speaking your mind and share your heart are the most beautiful things in the world. I am here for that. Thank you again,’ she concluded
Rodrigo was also awarded the Push Performance of the Year for drivers license before the ceremony.
She beat out Wallows – ‘Are You Bored Yet?’ (September 2020), Ashnikko – ‘Daisy’ (October 2020), SAINt JHN – ‘Gorgeous’ November 2020, 24kGoldn – ‘Coco’ (December 2020), JC Stewart – ‘Break My Heart’ (January 2021), Latto – ‘Sex Lies’ (February 2021), Madison Beer – ‘Selfish’ (March 2021), The Kid LAROI – ‘WITHOUT YOU’ (April 2021), girl in red ‘Serotonin’ (June 2021), Fousheé – ‘my slime’ (July 2021) and jxdn – ‘Think About Me’ (August 2021).
Cyndi Lauper took to the stage to present the Best Pop Award, but before she did that, she revealed she won an award at the first VMAs while delivering a powerful message.
Push: Rodrigo was also awarded the Push Performance of the Year for drivers license before the ceremony
Cyndi: Cyndi Lauper took to the stage to present the Best Pop Award, but before she did that, she revealed she won an award at the first VMAs while delivering a powerful message
‘I won a moon person at the very first VMAs in 1984. Things are a little different now. Yeah, girls wanna have fun. But we also want to have funds. Equal pay. Control over our bodies! You know, fundamental rights,’ Lauper said to huge applause.
Justin Bieber won the award for his song Peaches featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon.
He beat out Ariana Grande – positions, Billie Eilish – Therefore I Am, BTS – Butter, Harry Styles – ‘Treat People With Kindness, Olivia Rodrigo – good 4 u, Shawn Mendes – Wonder and Taylor Swift – willow.
Giveon said on stage, ‘Justin called me randomly on facetime and I — and said do you want to do a song that I said yeah, sure.’
Bieber gave a ‘Shout out to my little brother and sister. Shout out to my mom and dad, my grandparents. I love you so much.’
Moon person: Moon person: ‘I won a moon person at the very first VMAs in 1984. Things are a little different now. Yeah, girls wanna have fun. But we also want to have funds. Equal pay. Control over our bodies! You know, fundamental rights,’ Lauper said to huge applause
Justin wins: Justin Bieber won the award for his song Peaches featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon
Facetime: Giveon said on stage, ‘Justin called me randomly on facetime and I — and said do you want to do a song that I said yeah, sure’
Shout out: Bieber gave a ‘Shout out to my little brother and sister. Shout out to my mom and dad, my grandparents. I love you so much’
Avril Lavigne presented the next award, Video For Good, which was won by Billie Eilish for her hit song Your Power.
She beat out Demi Lovato – Dancing With The Devil, H.E.R. – Fight For You, Kane Brown – Worldwide Beautiful, Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name) and Pharrell Williams ft. JAY-Z – Entrepreneur.
‘Thank you, guys for this. I love you so dearly. I really love you. Thank you, Avril. I love you so much. I know it’s fan voted. Thank you so much. If I was going to say anything about this song, I feel like I was trying to write this song for really long time and then like I I finally did,’ she said.
‘I want to say that we need to protect our young woman at all costs. For real. We also need to remember that we all have power and we have to remember to not abuse it,’ she concluded.
Billie wins: Avril Lavigne presented the next award, Video For Good, which was won by Billie Eilish for her hit song Your Power
Billie wins: She beat out Demi Lovato – Dancing With The Devil, H.E.R. – Fight For You, Kane Brown – Worldwide Beautiful, Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name) and Pharrell Williams ft. JAY-Z – Entrepreneur
Thanks: ‘Thank you, guys for this. I love you so dearly. I really love you. Thank you, Avril. I love you so much. I know it’s fan voted. Thank you so much. If I was going to say anything about this song, I feel like I was trying to write this song for really long time and then like I I finally did,’ she said
Protect: ‘I want to say that we need to protect our young woman at all costs. For real. We also need to remember that we all have power and we have to remember to not abuse it,’ she concluded
MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS 2021 WINNERS
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – ‘WAP’
DJ Khaled ft. Drake – ‘POPSTAR (Starring Justin Bieber)’
Doja Cat ft. SZA – ‘Kiss Me More’
Ed Sheeran – ‘Bad Habits’
Lil Nas X – ‘MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)’ – WINNER
The Weeknd – ‘Save Your Tears’
Big winner: Lil Nas X wins Video of the year for Montero (Call Me By Your Name)
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande
Doja Cat
Justin Bieber – WINNER
Megan Thee Stallion
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
SONG OF THE YEAR
24kGoldn ft. iann dior – ‘Mood’
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – ‘Leave The Door Open’
BTS – ‘Dynamite’
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – ‘WAP’
Dua Lipa – ‘Levitating’
Olivia Rodrigo – ‘drivers license’ – WINNER
BEST NEW ARTIST
24kGoldn
Giveon
The Kid LAROI
Olivia Rodrigo – WINNER
Polo G
Saweetie
Simply stunning: Olivia Rodrigo wins Best New Artist at the 2021 VMAs
PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
September 2020: Wallows – ‘Are You Bored Yet?’
October 2020: Ashnikko – ‘Daisy’
November 2020: SAINt JHN – ‘Gorgeous’
December 2020: 24kGoldn – ‘Coco’
January 2021: JC Stewart – ‘Break My Heart’
February 2021: Latto – ‘Sex Lies’
March 2021: Madison Beer – ‘Selfish’
April 2021: The Kid LAROI – ‘WITHOUT YOU’
May 2021: Olivia Rodrigo – ‘drivers license’ – WINNER
June 2021: girl in red ‘Serotonin’
July 2021: Fousheé – ‘my slime’
August 2021: jxdn – ‘Think About Me’
BEST COLLABORATION
24kGoldn ft. iann dior – ‘Mood’
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – ‘WAP’
Doja Cat ft. SZA – ‘Kiss Me More’ – WINNER
Drake ft. Lil Durk – ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon – ‘Peaches’
Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa – ‘Prisoner’
BEST POP
Ariana Grande – ‘positions’
Billie Eilish – ‘Therefore I Am’
BTS – ‘Butter’
Harry Styles – ‘Treat People With Kindness’
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon – ‘Peaches’ – WINNER
Olivia Rodrigo – ‘good 4 u’
Shawn Mendes – ‘Wonder’
Taylor Swift – ‘willow’
Best Pop: Justin Bieber and Giveon win Best Pop
BEST HIP-HOP
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – ‘WAP’
Drake ft. Lil Durk – ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’
Lil Baby ft. Megan Thee Stallion – ‘On Me (remix)’
Moneybagg Yo – ‘Said Sum’
Polo G – ‘RAPSTAR’
Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A. – ‘FRANCHISE’ – WINNER
BEST ROCK
Evanescence – ‘Use My Voice’
Foo Fighters – ‘Shame Shame’
John Mayer – ‘Last Train Home’ – WINNER
The Killers – ‘My Own Soul’s Warning’
Kings of Leon – ‘The Bandit’
Lenny Kravitz – ‘Raise Vibration’
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Bleachers – ‘Stop Making This Hurt’
Glass Animals – ‘Heat Waves’
Imagine Dragons – ‘Follow You’
Machine Gun Kelly ft. blackbear – ‘my ex’s best friend’ – WINNER
twenty one pilots – ‘Shy Away’
WILLOW ft. Travis Barker – ‘t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l’
Best Alternative: Machine Gun Kelly wins Best Alternative
BEST LATIN
Bad Bunny x Jhay Cortez – ‘Dákiti’
Billie Eilish & ROSALÍA – ‘Lo Vas A Olvidar’ – WINNER
Black Eyed Peas and Shakira – ‘GIRL LIKE ME’
J. Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy – ‘UN DIA (ONE DAY)’
Karol G – ‘Bichota’
Maluma – ‘Hawái’
BEST R&B
Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, WizKid – ‘BROWN SKIN GIRL’
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – ‘Leave The Door Open’ – WINNER
Chris Brown and Young Thug – ‘Go Crazy’
Giveon – ‘HEARTBREAK ANNIVERSARY’
H.E.R. ft. Chris Brown – ‘Come Through’
SZA – ‘Good Days’
BEST K-POP
(G)I-DLE – ‘DUMDi DUMDi’
BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez – ‘Ice Cream’
BTS – ‘Butter’ – WINNER
BIGHIT MUSIC Monsta X – ‘Gambler
SEVENTEEN – ‘Ready to love’
TWICE – ‘Alcohol-Free’
VIDEO FOR GOOD
Billie Eilish – ‘Your Power’ – WINNER
Demi Lovato – ‘Dancing With The Devil’
H.E.R. – ‘Fight For You’
Kane Brown – ‘Worldwide Beautiful’
Lil Nas X – ‘MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)’
Pharrell Williams ft. JAY-Z – ‘Entrepreneur’
Billie wins: Billie Eilish wins the Video for Good award for Your Power
BEST DIRECTION
Billie Eilish – ‘Your Power’
Directed by Billie Eilish
DJ Khaled ft. Drake – ‘POPSTAR (Starring Justin Bieber)’
Directed by Julien Christian Lutz aka Director X
Lil Nas X – ‘MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)’
Directed by Lil Nas X and Tanu Muino – WINNER
Taylor Swift – ‘willow’
Directed by Taylor Swift
Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A – ‘Franchise’
Directed by Travis Scott
Tyler, The Creator – ‘LUMBERJACK’
Directed by Wolf Haley
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, WizKid – ‘BROWN SKIN GIRL’ – WINNER
Cinematography by Benoit Soler, Malik H. Sayeed, MOHAMMAED ATTA AHMED, Santiago Gonzalez, Ryan Helfant
Billie Eilish – ‘Therefore I Am’
Cinematography by Rob Witt
Foo Fighters – ‘Shame Shame’
Cinematography by Santiago Gonzalez
Justin Bieber ft. Chance The Rapper – ‘Holy’
Cinematography by Elias Talbot
Lady Gaga – ‘911’
Cinematography by Jeff Cronenweth
Lorde – ‘Solar Power’
Cinematography by Andrew Stroud
Third: Olivia Rodrigo wins her third award for Push Performance of the Year
BEST ART DIRECTION
Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, Major Lazer – ‘ALREADY’
Art Direction by Susan Linns, Gerard Santos
Ed Sheeran – ‘Bad Habits’
Art Direction by: Alison Dominitz
Lady Gaga – ‘911’
Art Direction by: Tom Foden, Peter Andrus
Lil Nas X – ‘MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)
Art Direction by: John Richoux
Saweetie ft. Doja Cat – ‘Best Friend’
Art Direction by: Alec Contestabile – WINNER
Taylor Swift – ‘willow’
Art Direction by: Ethan Tobman, Regina Fernandez
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Bella Poarch – ‘Build A Bitch’
Visual Effects by Andrew Donoho, Denhov Visuals, Denis Strahhov, Rein Jakobson, Vahur Kuusk, Tatjana Pavlik, Yekaterina Vetrova
Coldplay – ‘Higher Power’
Visual Effects by Mathematic
Doja Cat & The Weeknd – ‘You Right’
Visual Effects by La Pac, Anthony Lestremau, Julien Missaire, Petr Shkolniy, Alexi Bailla, Micha Sher, Antoine Hache, Mikros MPC, Nicolas Huget, Guillaume Ho Tsong Fang, Benjamin Lenfant, Stephane Pivron, MPC Bangalore, Chanakya Chander, Raju Ganesh, David Rouxel
Glass Animals – ‘Tangerine’
Visual Effects by Ronan Fourreau
Lil Nas X – ‘MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)’
Visual Effects by Mathematic – WINNER
P!NK – ‘All I Know So Far’
Visual Effects by Dave Meyers, Freenjoy Inc
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Ariana Grande – ’34+35′
Choreography by Brian Nicholson & Scott Nicholson
BTS – ‘Butter’
Choreography by SON SUNG DEUK With BHM PERFORMANCE DIRECTING TEAM
Ed Sheeran – ‘Bad Habits’
Choreography by Natricia Bernard
Foo Fighters – ‘Shame Shame’
Choreography by Nina McNeely
Harry Styles – ‘Treat People With Kindness’ – WINNER
Choreography by Paul Roberts
Marshmello & Halsey – ‘Be Kind’
Choreography by Dani Vitale
BEST EDITING
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – ‘Leave The Door Open’
Editing by Troy Charbonnet – WINNER
BTS – ‘Butter’
Editing by Yong Seok Choi from Lumpens
Drake – ‘What’s Next’
Editing by Noah Kendal
Harry Styles – ‘Treat People With Kindness’
Editing by Claudia Wass
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon – ‘Peaches’
Editing by Mark Mayr, Vinnie Hobbs
Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa – ‘Prisoner’
GROUP OF THE YEAR
BTS – WINNER
Blackpink
CNCO
Foo Fighters
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
Silk Sonic
Twenty One Pilots
BEST BREAKTHROUGH SONG
Claire Rosinkranz — “Backyard Boy” – WINNER
Masked Wolf – Astronaut In The Ocean
Bella Poarch – Build a B*tch
Young Baby Tate ft. Flo Milli – I Am
Whoheem – Let’s Link
Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor presented the award for Artist of the Year, which was won by Justin Bieber.
‘So I appreciate it. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. As we know, there’s too much going on in the world as we speak,’ Bieber began.
‘I know you guys have probably heard it a lot but we are in unprecedented times right now with this COVID thing that’s happening, you know. It’s not the COVID thing but it’s a big deal,’ he added.
Conor presents: Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor presented the award for Artist of the Year, which was won by Justin Bieber
Justin’s speech: Appreciate it: ‘So I appreciate it. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. As we know, there’s too much going on in the world as we speak,’ Bieber began
Justin wins: ‘I know you guys have probably heard it a lot but we are in unprecedented times right now with this COVID thing that’s happening, you know. It’s not the COVID thing but it’s a big deal,’ he added
‘I just want to say music is such an amazing opportunity and an amazing outlet to be able to reach people and to be able to bring us all together. You know, we’ve got a lot more in common then we don’t, and I look around here and I see so many beautiful faces. And you know, I really do believe the best is yet to come, so I want to say thank you, guys, so much,’ Bieber said.
He also thanked his ‘beautiful wife’ Hailey while giving a shout-out to Travis Scott, adding, man, you inspire me so much. Thank you for being you.’
Bieber then turned to presenter Conor McGregor, who lost his last fight to Dustin Porrier in July after breaking his tibia.
‘Conor, we are going to get them next time, my boy. Let’s go. Thank you, guys,’ Bieber concluded.
Hailey: He also thanked his ‘beautiful wife’ Hailey while giving a shout-out to Travis Scott, adding, man, you inspire me so much. Thank you for being you’
Justin and Conor: Bieber then turned to presenter Conor McGregor, who lost his last fight to Dustin Porrier in July after breaking his tibia
Justin wins: ‘Conor, we are going to get them next time, my boy. Let’s go. Thank you, guys,’ Bieber concluded
Wyclef Jean took to the stage to present the Best Hip-Hop award, which was won by Travis Scott for his song Franchise featuring Young Thug & M.I.A.
He beat out Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP, Drake ft. Lil Durk – Laugh Now Cry Later, Lil Baby ft. Megan Thee Stallion – On Me (remix), Moneybagg Yo – Said Sum and Polo G – RAPSTAR.
‘Yo this is…. I love you all New York! I first wanna thank God, my mom, Stormi, all the amazing fans out there, I love you all so much, we couldn’t do it without you,’ Scott began.
Travis wins: Wyclef Jean took to the stage to present the Best Hip-Hop award, which was won by Travis Scott for his song Franchise featuring Young Thug & M.I.A.
He also gave a shout-out to his record label Catcus Jack and Epic Records, before sharing a message with his fans.
‘Before I go, I want to tell you all love is the biggest thing we can never hold. Spread love and everything will be okay,’ Scott said.
Ja Rule and Ashanti took to the stage to present the award for Best Collaboration, which was won by Doja Cat for Kiss Me More featuring SZA.
Spread love: ‘Before I go, I want to tell you all love is the biggest thing we can never hold. Spread love and everything will be okay,’ Scott said
Doja and SZA: Ja Rule and Ashanti took to the stage to present the award for Best Collaboration, which was won by Doja Cat for Kiss Me More featuring SZA
They beat out 24kGoldn ft. iann dior – Mood, Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP, Drake ft. Lil Durk – Laugh Now Cry Later, Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon – Peaches and Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa – Prisoner.
‘Oh, my gosh. Thank you.First and foremost. Thank you to SZA. Everybody give it up for SZA. Listen, you guys, I really appreciate it. God. Where do I start?’ Doja Cat began.
‘This is always left field for everybody, isn’t it? I want to thank everyone. My manager. Jay, Ernesto, everybody. Thank you so much. You guys have made this so fun for me, so fun. And interesting and just thank you to my fans for being there,’ she said.
Thanks: ‘Oh, my gosh. Thank you.First and foremost. Thank you to SZA. Everybody give it up for SZA. Listen, you guys, I really appreciate it. God. Where do I start?’ Doja Cat began
‘As much as I need you, as much as I fight with you all and tease you all, I really do love you. And it’s never personal. I love you so much,’ she added, before joking that she looks like a worm in her outfit.
‘That’s dope. I never thought I’d be dressed as a worm while excepting an award. Anyway, I love you, thank you, VMAs! Thank you, MTV!’ she concluded.
AJ McLean from Backstreet Boys, Lance Bass from N’Sync and Nick Lachey from 98 Degrees presented the next award for Best K-Pop, won by BTS for their hit Butter.
Worm: ‘As much as I need you, as much as I fight with you all and tease you all, I really do love you. And it’s never personal. I love you so much,’ she added, before joking that she looks like a worm in her outfit
They beat out (G)I-DLE – DUMDi DUMDi, BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez – Ice Cream, BIGHIT Music Monsta X – Gambler, SEVENTEEN – ‘Ready to Love’ and TWICE – Alcohol-Free.
While BTS couldn’t be there to accept the award in person, they sent out a video message to thank the fans.
‘Thanks for this honor. Sorry we couldn’t be there but hopefully next time we will. We feel so blessed and grateful for all the love we have received this year. We will keep bringing great music for you. Love you all,’ the group said.
The Foo Fighters presented a medley of their hit songs before being presented with the Global Icon award.
‘Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, for having us here tonight. Quite an award. We have been a band for 26 years. It feels pretty good,’ frontman Dave Grohl began.
‘We would like to thank all of the people at MTV past and present. We made a list. Kurt Loder, Tabatha Soren, Steve Isaacs, Amy Finnerty, thank you all for this award. See you in 26 years,’ Grohl concluded.
On stage: Dave Grohl takes the stage at the VMAs
Global: The Foo Fighters presented a medley of their hit songs before being presented with the Global Icon award
Quite the award: ‘Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, for having us here tonight. Quite an award. We have been a band for 26 years. It feels pretty good,’ frontman Dave Grohl began
Thanks: ‘We would like to thank all of the people at MTV past and present. We made a list. Kurt Loder, Tabatha Soren, Steve Isaacs, Amy Finnerty, thank you all for this award. See you in 26 years,’ Grohl concluded
Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee took to the stage to present the award for Best Alternative, which was won by Machine Gun Kelly for my ex’s best friend featuring blackbear.
He beat out Bleachers – Stop Making This Hurt, Glass Animals – Heat Waves, Imagine Dragons – Follow You, twenty one pilots – Shy Away and WILLOW ft. Travis Barker – t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l.
MGK started his speech by giving a shout-out to, ‘all the emo kids’ who he said will ‘bring it all back.’
MGK and Megan: Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee took to the stage to present the award for Best Alternative, which was won by Machine Gun Kelly (with girlfriend Megan Fox) for my ex’s best friend featuring blackbear
Winner: He beat out Bleachers – Stop Making This Hurt, Glass Animals – Heat Waves, Imagine Dragons – Follow You, twenty one pilots – Shy Away and WILLOW ft. Travis Barker – t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l
Emo kids: MGK started his speech by giving a shout-out to, ‘all the emo kids’ who he said will ‘bring it all back’
‘I want to thank everyone for starting this long on a tour bus with me years ago and Travis Barker for making the song what it was,’ MGK said.
He also thanked his label, for putting it out when I call them the day before was supposed to be released and said I hate it. Don’t put it out. Thank you for not listening to me. I love it.’
He also thanked blackbear, adding, ‘one of my first songs I ever did was with blackbear.’
Thanks: He also thanked his label, for putting it out when I call them the day before was supposed to be released and said I hate it. Don’t put it out. Thank you for not listening to me. I love it’
He also thanked the director of the video, who he hasn’t talked with since, ‘because we got in a fight on set,’ but added, ‘It’s a great video and I’m so glad we won.’
Host and last year’s Best New Artist winner Doja Cat presented this year’s award, which was won by Olivia Rodrigo.
She beat out 24kGoldn, Giveon, The Kid LAROI, Polo G and Saweetie for the coveted award.
She thanked The Kid LAROI, ‘who inspires me every day to become a better artist so thank you.’
New artist: Host and last year’s Best New Artist winner Doja Cat presented this year’s award, which was won by Olivia Rodrigo
Winner: She beat out 24kGoldn, Giveon, The Kid LAROI , Polo G and Saweetie for the coveted award
Thanks: She thanked The Kid LAROI, ‘who inspires me every day to become a better artist so thank you’
‘I just feel so grateful that I get to write music and make stuff that I love and call it my job, so thank you again. Thank you,’ she concluded.
Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth took to the stage to present the final award of the night, Video of the Year, won by Lil Nas X for Montero (Call Me By Your Name).
He beat out Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP, DJ Khaled ft. Drake – POPSTAR (Starring Justin Bieber), Doja Cat ft. SZA – Kiss Me More, Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits and The Weeknd – Save Your Tears.
‘First I wanna say thanks to the gay agenda. Go gay agenda!,’ he began.
‘I just feel so grateful that I get to write music and make stuff that I love and call it my job, so thank you again. Thank you,’ he added.
‘Buy my album when it comes out September 17. I love you guys so much. I do not take it for granted,’ he concluded as the 2021 VMAs came to a close with a performance by Machine Gun Kelly with Travis Barker.
Video of the Year: Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth took to the stage to present the final award of the night, Video of the Year, won by Lil Nas X for Montero (Call Me By Your Name)
Gay agenda: ‘First I wanna say thanks to the gay agenda. Go gay agenda!,’ he began
Grateful: ‘I just feel so grateful that I get to write music and make stuff that I love and call it my job, so thank you again. Thank you,’ he added
Album: ‘Buy my album when it comes out September 17. I love you guys so much. I do not take it for granted,’ he concluded as the 2021 VMAs came to a close with a performance by Machine Gun Kelly with Travis Barker
Meanwhile the event tried to kick off the pandemic-era ratings slump with fiery performances from pop icon Justin Bieber and rising sensation Olivia Rodrigo.
But before the performances got underway, Madonna made an appearance referencing the start of her legendary career and her move to New York City while removing a trench coat to reveal an edgy black leather outfit.
The annual event was held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, marking the first time in eight years that the venue has hosted the show.
Strong start: Justin Bieber and the Kid Laroi kicked off the 2021 MTV VMAs with Stay and Ghost, before Olivia Rodrigo gave a rough and raw performance of Good 4 U
Altitude: The Kid Laroi began singing Stay atop a large mountain set erected on the stage
Low key: But Justin turned the energy down a notch when he segued into his months-old song Ghost, which injected a healthy dose of emotions into the proceedings
No fuss: He looked ultra casual in a set of dark overalls over a black hoodie
Special guest: But before the performances got underway, Madonna made an appearance referencing the start of her legendary career and her move to New York City
Leather fan: She removed a trench coat to reveal an edgy black leather outfit
Justin was a fitting star to open the show, as he leads the list of nominees with seven nominations, including top honor video of the year and best direction for POPSTAR, artist of the year, best cinematography for Holy and best pop song, best editing and best collaboration for Peaches.
During his high-energy opening, Justin and the Kid Laroi climbed a large mountain set erected on the stage to give the song an extra epic feel.
Olivia Rodrigo completely changed the mood of the show when she took the stage just as Bieber departed for a rocking version of her angry breakup song Good 4 U.
New mood: Olivia Rodrigo completely changed the mood of the show when she took the stage just as Bieber departed for a rocking version of her angry breakup song Good 4 U
Edgy: The track, which was a tribute to ’90s grunge music, featured her in a mini dress with a voluminous skirt and gloves laced up to her elbows
The crowd: The actress and singer was joined by an army of backup dancers who were masked to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus
The track, which was a tribute to ’90s grunge music, featured her in a mini dress with a voluminous skirt and gloves laced up to her elbows.
The actress and singer was joined by an army of backup dancers who were masked to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Doja Cat made her first appearance after the opening songs, marking her first time hosting the VMAs.
She pointed out that MTV was celebrating 40 years on the air.
Woman in white: After Bieber had departed, his wife Hailey Bieber appeared in a stunning sheer white bodycon dress to announce a performance from country-crossover Kacey Musgraves
On fire: The stage design matched the intimate, somber nature of the song with several minimalist candle holders that bathed the dark set in amber light. Kacey wore her long raven locks, which were wet, down her front
Emotional: Kacey was singing the title track on her critically acclaimed new album Star-Crossed, which delves into her tumultuous marriage and divorce from singer–songwriter Ruston Kelly
After Bieber had departed, his wife Hailey Bieber appeared in a stunning sheer white bodycon dress to announce a performance from country-crossover Kacey Musgraves.
She noted that it was Kacey’s ‘first-ever VMA performance’ and described her ‘friend’ as ‘vulnerable, honest and brave.’
She was singing the title track on her critically acclaimed new album Star-Crossed, which delves into her tumultuous marriage and divorce from singer–songwriter Ruston Kelly.
The stage design matched the intimate, somber nature of the song with several minimalist candle holders that bathed the dark set in amber light.
Big news! Her song transitioned in Twenty One Pilots’ performance of Saturday, with lead singer initially seated while playing a ukulele. He interrupted the song to announced that his wife Jenna Black was pregnant with their second child
Back in black: After the break, Rita Ora put on a busty display in a flowing black dress that was opened to show off a high-waisted set of shorts underneath
Minimalist: She serenaded her pal Ed Sheeran, who sang his song Shivers. He kept his rooftop performance simple with an acoustic guitar for himself
Kacey wore her long raven locks, which were wet, down her front.
She eschewed her standard ’60s-inspired style in favor of a seemingly drenched white dress that hugged her hourglass figure and featured a high slit to showcase her legs.
As she reached the song’s chorus, a burning heart was projected behind her.
Her song transitioned in Twenty One Pilots’ performance of Saturday, with lead singer initially seated while playing a ukulele.
Shining: Pose star Billy Porter was the next presenter, and he glowed in a metallic double-breasted suit. He gushed about ‘all this Black boy joy’ that people weren’t ready for when he first started in the entertainment industry, which Lil Nas X personifie
Strike up the band: The rapper was dressed as a drum major in a hot pink uniform flanked by a marching band
Stripping: He stripped down to show of his muscular chest
Behind bars: He rapped his single Industry Baby, which featured a video set in prison. Lil Nas X then segued into a brief teaser of his single Montero (Call Me By Your Name)
He interrupted the song to announced that his wife Jenna Black was pregnant with their second child.
‘I didn’t want to text everybody, so I thought I’d let you know right now,’ he joked, before launching back into the lyrics.
Pose star Billy Porter was the next presenter, and he glowed in a metallic double-breasted suit.
Fiery: Charli XCX looked phenomenal in a skimpy red dress as she introduced her friend Camila Cabello. Camilla wore a black sequined dress that exposed one shoulder and had a fluffy pink trim
Stunning: She wore fishnet stockings with the steamy ensemble, plus elbow-length black gloves. The Cuban-born songstress wore her dark tresses in a long braided ponytail extension
Letting loose: She was accompanied by salsa dancers for a performance of her single Don’t Go Yet, which had pink-bathed balconies behind her decked out with dancers
Perfect transition: Camila was the perfect lead in to her boyfriend Shawn Mendes, who sang his jubilant tune Summer Of Love. He wore a cropped pink-and-white sweater that showed off his abs, along with white pants
He gushed about ‘all this Black boy joy’ that people weren’t ready for when he first started in the entertainment industry, which Lil Nas X personified.
The rapper appeared on stage in a hot pink drum major uniform while flanked by a marching band.
He stripped down to reveal his muscular chest while spitting bars from his prison-themed single Industry Baby, with a supporting verse from Jack Harlow.
Lil Nas X then segued into a brief teaser of his single Montero (Call Me By Your Name).
Simone Biles was fresh from her tumultuous time at the Tokyo Olympics while looking effortlessly elegant in a single-shoulder white dress.
Host with the most: Olympic gymnast Simone Biles introduced Doja Cat, who took a break from hosting to perform her single Been Like This
Woman in red: The rapper and singer stunned in a set of red bellbottoms and a plunging scarlet crop top, and she wore her a blond bob
Eye-catching: She was hoisted above the mostly black set on wires, which made her look like a marionette. She danced in the air while surrounded by a massive shifting ring that lit up like a shooting star
The gold medalist was introducing Doja Cat, who took a break from hosting to perform her single Been Like This.
The rapper and singer stunned in a set of red bellbottoms and a plunging scarlet crop top, and she wore her a blond bob.
She was hoisted above the mostly black set on wires, which made her look like a marionette.
She danced in the air while surrounded by a massive shifting ring that lit up like a shooting star.
After she returned to the ground, she rapped and danced to You Right, though her collaborator The Weeknd wasn’t featured.
Stunning: Halle Bailey, of the sister duo Chloe X Halle, arriving in an intriguing plunging white dress with a halter collar to introduce her sister Chloe Bailey, who was making her solo debut at the VMAs
Pretty in pink: Chloe set pulses racing in a hot pink bodysuit with detached sleeves, which she paired with fishnets and pink boots, plus long blond dreads
Getting down: She showed off her impeccably vocals on her song Have Mercy, before showing that she was as talented a dancer as a singer with an extended choreography break
The evening ended with a playful display from the final presenters, Megan Fox and Kourtney Kardashian.
Megan showed off her curves in a sheer dress covered in gold sequined stripes, while her lustrous raven locks rested over her chest in thick waves.
Kourtney contrasted her with an off-the-shoulder black outfit with laces running up her midriff.
‘I’m a huge fan of this next performer. I’ve watched him grow, not just as an artist but also as a person,’ Megan said of the final performer, her boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly.
Ciara wasn’t performing, but that didn’t stop her from stealing the show when she walked out on stage in a stunning black lace dress that hugged her curves and featured a diagonal slit highlighting her cleavage. She introduced her friend Normani, who put her abs on display in a set of silvery pants and a breastplate-like crop top
New ‘do: The former Fifth Harmony singer had her long hair styled in box braids
Red hot: The performance featured a surprise appearance from Teyana Taylor, who was seen restrained against a board in a silver ensemble that left little to the imagination. Normani put on a steamy performance as she climbed up on Teyana and gave her a mini lap dance before locking her legs into the platform and leaning back
Dancing up a storm: She showed off her dancing prowess while backed by a bevy of silver-clad dancers as she sang Wild Side
‘I’m a fan too, and I think his drummer is super hot,’ the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star joked about her beau Travis Barker.
Megan called their men ‘our future baby daddies’ as MGK and Travis took over the stage.
MGK began his stylized performance by lying down in a raised pit of gravel while wearing a mask of blood-red thorns around his face.
After the break, Doja Cat came back on stage dressed as a caterpillar in a surprising colorful outfit that wraped around her head
Keeping it simple: Fat Joe was considerably more reserved in a black hoodie and diamond-encrusted Cuban links as he introduced the next performer, the Puerto Rican singer Ozuna
Cute: He was dressed in a silvery sparkling track suit and matching baseball cat while performing his new single La Funka with dancing bears surrounding him
He rose to hold a pale pink electric guitar while singing his track Papercuts.
He wore a black harness with baggy green plaid sleeves and sported shaggy blond hair as he growled into the microphone.
Travis was positioned behind him on stage but faced off to the side. He was shirtless as usual to show off his abundant tattoos.
Covered up: Billie Eilish was swallowed up in a black cable knit turtleneck as she announced that Foo Fighters were the winners of this year’s Global Icon award
Just the hits: Dave Grohl rocked out to some of Foo Fighters’ biggest hits over the years, starting with the comical Learn To Fly before going darker with a snippet of Shame Shame and then 1997’s Everlong
Keep it simple: They kept their stage presence minimal compared to some of the other performances, instead focusing on the music
Woman in white: SZA flaunted her curves in a white skirt and a white halter bikini-style top with detached sleeves as she introduced the next performer, Alicia Keys
Playful: The rooftop performance opened with several backup singers and a short verse from Swae Lee, who wore gold pants and a black baseball cap with devil horns
Golden goddess: Alicia was unmissable in a slinky dress decorated with glittering gold spangles, along with a long braid that ran down her back
Classic: The two artists performed their new single LALA (Unlocked), which was released days before the show. She transitioned into a classic next, her solo version of Empire State Of Mind, minus Jay-Z’s original verses
Hyping him up: After a break for more awards, Alicia’s husband Swizz Beatz arrived in a black puffer jacket to announce Busta Rhymes’ triumphant return to the stage
Raw: Once he arrived, Busta launched into a fierce version of Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See, and then switched into the robotic funk of his Daft Punk collaboration Touch It
Seeing red: Then he wowed the audience with his tongue-twisting rapid-fire lyrics to Can You Keep Up?. The hip hop legend was dressed in a red leather jacket with red straps, plus a matching hat
The rapper-turned-rocker returned to his roots with a rapped outro featuring a reference to Kanye West, who was reported to be a surprise guest at the VMAs, though he ended up being a no-show.
‘Y’all saying that I switched genres / I saw a goal and I went farther / I’m a genius, coulda made Donda / But this song if for my dead father,’ he rapped, referencing Kanye’s recent album and his late mother, as well as his own departed father.
He concluded the show by smashing his guitar to pieces.
Contrasts: Megan Fox showed off her curves in a sheer dress covered in gold sequined stripes, while Kourtney looked fierce in black leather. Megan called her beau Machine Gun Kelly and Kourtney’s boyfriend Travis Barker ‘our future baby daddies’
Ouch! MGK began his stylized performance by lying down in a raised pit of gravel while wearing a mask of blood-red thorns around his face
Rocking out: Travis was positioned behind him on stage but faced off to the side. He was shirtless as usual to show off his abundant tattoos
Fiery conclusion: MGK referenced Kanye West’s Donda album and rapped that his song Papercuts was for his ‘dead father.’ He concluded by smashing his pink guitar to pieces
