Lil Nas X received video of the yr at Sunday’s MTV VMAs on an evening that Justin Bieber triumphantly returned to the stage as a performer and as winner of the artist of the yr.
“I don’t take this without any consideration,” Lil Nas X mentioned whereas accepting the evening’s last award for the music video for his music, “Montero (Name Me By Your Title).”
A lot of the early present belonged to Bieber, who for his first VMAs efficiency in six years rappelled from the ceiling of the Barclays Heart firstly of the present for an lively efficiency of “Keep” with Child LAROI after which his single “Ghost.”
The VMAs celebrated MTV’s fortieth anniversary, mixing moments between early community stars like Cyndi Lauper and present opener Madonna with high-octane performances by newer stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, Camila Cabello and Chloe.
Bieber was the main nominee going into the ceremony. He took residence the most effective pop honor for “Peaches,” a music that featured Daniel Caesar and Giveon — who accompanied him onstage.
It was such an honor to welcome @JustinBieber again to the #VMA stage and to welcome @thekidlaroi to the #VMA stage for the primary time! ???? pic.twitter.com/DIZSgx8vuK
— MTV (@MTV) September 13, 2021
Sporting dishevelled garments and a hoodie, Bieber confirmed his appreciation for the awards being in-person and thanked his spouse, Hailey, for supporting him.
“As we all know, there’s a lot happening on the earth as we converse,” Bieber mentioned throughout his acceptance speech after profitable artist of the yr. “I do know you guys have in all probability heard it so much. We’re in unprecedented instances with this COVID factor that’s occurring proper now. It’s a giant deal. Music is such an incredible outlet to have the ability to attain folks and produce us all collectively. That’s why we’re right here proper now. We’re all right here collectively.”
Opening the present, Madonna informed the screaming crowd: “They mentioned we wouldn’t final. However we’re nonetheless right here.”
Moments after Olivia Rodrigo carried out her hit “good 4 u,” she collected the evening’s first award for her large hit music “Drivers License.” She later received greatest new artist.
“I really feel so grateful that I get to write down music, make stuff that I like and name it my job,” mentioned Rodrigo, the first-time nominee. Earlier within the awards, the singer referred to as this the “most magical yr of my life.”
"I simply really feel so grateful that I get to write down music and make stuff that I like."
Congrats in your #VMA Greatest New Artist win, @Olivia_Rodrigo! ???? pic.twitter.com/mmIPGjG8k8
— MTV (@MTV) September 13, 2021
Jennifer Lopez, who three days earlier made her re-kindled romance with Ben Affleck official on the pink carpet of his new movie “The Final Duel” on the Venice Worldwide Movie Competition, introduced Rodrigo her trophy.
Billie Eilish received the fan-voted video for good for her music “Your Energy.” In her acceptance speech, she mentioned Alicia Keys kissed her on the cheek, spoke in regards to the satisfaction of writing the music and ladies empowerment.
Eilish and Rosalia received greatest Latin video for his or her music “Lo Vas A Olvidar.” BTS received three awards together with group of the yr, greatest Ok-pop and music of summer time for “Butter.”
“We have to defend our personal girls in any respect prices,” mentioned Eilish, whereas her brother-producer Finneas applauded his sister from his seat. “We have to do not forget that all of us have energy. We’ve to recollect to not abuse it.”
Lauper, who introduced Bieber along with his first award, advocated for equal rights for ladies.
“Ladies nonetheless wish to have enjoyable,” mentioned Lauper, recognized for traditional melody “Ladies Simply Wish to Have Enjoyable.”
“However we additionally wish to have funds, equal pay, management over our our bodies, you recognize, basic rights.”
Lil Nas X hit the stage with Jack Harlow, then he carried out his controversial music “Montero (Name Me by Your Title).”
Kacey Musgraves and Shawn Mendes additionally hit the stage.
Olympic gymnastic champion Simone Biles launched Doja Cat, the present’s host, who went aerial throughout her efficiency.
With wires holding her up, Doja Cat glided over the gang and landed on stage as she carried out “Been Like This” and “You Proper.”
Moon individual, secured.
Congrats @LilNasX! ???? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/jeiqdQMYVl
— MTV (@MTV) September 13, 2021
Earlier than the present, Machine Gun Kelly bought right into a heated argument on the pink carpet with UFC fighter Conner McGregor.
Video confirmed McGregor being held again by safety from Kelly who later received greatest various for his music “My Ex’s Greatest Buddy,” that includes Blackbear.
Kelly mentioned he initially didn’t wish to launch the music, however thanked his label for going in opposition to his needs. He additionally gave due to the director of the music’s music video, regardless of their squabble on set.
“I haven’t talked to you since we did as a result of we bought right into a battle on set, but it surely’s an excellent video and I’m so glad we received,” he mentioned. “We received!”
Megan Thee Stallion entered the present because the second-leading nominee with six nominations. BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, Giveon, Lil Nas X and Rodrigo every had 5 nods.
The Foo Fighters carried out after which accepted the World Icon Award, an honor handed out for the primary time on the VMAs.
The award acknowledges an artist or band “whose unparalleled profession and continued affect and affect has maintained a novel stage of worldwide success in music and past.”
The distinguished award was beforehand introduced on the annual MTV Europe Music Awards. Previous recipients embrace Queen, Eminem and Whitney Houston.
The rock band, comprised of Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee, carried out a number of of their hits together with “Study to Fly” and “Disgrace Disgrace.” It was their first efficiency on the VMAs since 2007.
Eilish introduced the World Icon Award to the group, who thanked MTV veterans from Kurt Loder to Tabitha Soren.
“Thanks very a lot for this award,” Grohl mentioned. “We’ll see you in one other 26 years.”
Give it up to your World Icon Award recipients, @foofighters! ???? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/1jFQ4T8hEu
— MTV (@MTV) September 13, 2021
