The 2021 MTV Video Music Awards featured amazing performances, fashion and highlights.
Hosted by Doja Cat, the 40th edition of MTV’s Video Music Awards featured a performance lineup including Madonna, Lil Nas X, Ed Sheeran, Olivia Rodrigo and many more. After last year’s COVID friendly show the VMA’s finally returned to the live audience format at the Barclays Center in New York.
Winners
Video of the Year
Cardi B: “WAP” [ft. Megan Thee Stallion]
DJ Khaled / Drake: “Popstar” (Starring Justin Bieber)
Doja Cat: “Kiss Me More” [ft. SZA]
Ed Sheeran: “Bad Habits”
WINNER: Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)”
The Weeknd: “Save Your Tears”
Artist of the Year
Ariana Grande
Doja Cat
WINNER: Justin Bieber
Megan Thee Stallion
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
Song of the Year
24kGoldn: “Mood” [ft. Iann Dior]
BTS: “Dynamite”
Cardi B: “WAP” [ft. Megan Thee Stallion]
Dua Lipa: “Levitating”
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo: “Drivers License”
Bruno Mars / Anderson .Paak / Silk Sonic: “Leave the Door Open”
Best New Artist, Presented by Facebook
24kGoldn
Giveon
The Kid Laroi
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
Polo G
Saweetie
Group of the Year
Blackpink
WINNER: BTS
CNCO
Foo Fighters
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
Bruno Mars / Anderson .Paak / Silk Sonic
Twenty One Pilots
Red Carpet
The VMAs are historically known for the crazy, wild and iconic fashion. And this year was no exception. Some of the highlights include Australian rapper The Kid Laroi in all black leather ensemble. And Megan Fox stunned in her Mugler naked dress alongside MGK in a flashy red Dolce & Gabbana suit. Video of the Year winner Lil Nas X also wowed the crowd in his monochrome lilac Versace look. And Jack Harlow sporting a green leather Tommy Hilfiger suit.
Highlights
1. Lil Nas X ft Jack Harlow Performance and Victory Speech
After Lil Nas X gave the world what was one of the most talked about videos in years with his “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” he took home the well-deserved Video of the Year Award. In his victory speech he hit back at haters saying:
“First, I want to say thank you to the gay agenda! Thank you, gay agenda.”
Lil Nas X also gave an energy packed performance of his hits “Montero” and “Industry Baby” featuring Jack Harlow who joined him on stage.
2. Busta Rhymes Hip Hop Medley
Busta Rhymes reminded the world why he remains one of Hip Hop’s greatest performers. Joined onstage with Spliff Star the 49-year-old rap GOAT performed a medley of some of his greatest hits of all time. The medley included: “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”, “Touch It” and “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II,” as well as “Ante Up (Remix)” and A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario.”
During the eight minute medley performance many of the massive props referenced the icons past music videos. And one of the best moments was when Busta Rhymes flew through his speedy verse on Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Know”.
3. Billie Eilish’s Inspiring Words
After accepting awards for a “Video for Good” for “Your Power”, Bille used her speech to encourage and spread a powerful message. The 19 year old singer saying from stage:
“I just want to say that we need to protect our young women at all costs. For real,” she said. “We also need to remember that we all have power, and we have to remember to not abuse it.”
4. Host Doja Cat’s Intriguing Outfits
Doja acting as MC and performer opened the VMAs wearing a sleek black dress with a chain belt. The singer sported a total of 6 outfits through the shows and levelled up the craziness each time. One of the outfits including a full sized red chair hat
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