Newcomer Olivia Rodrigo and K-pop band BTS were also among the big winners at the first major awards show held in New York since the coronavirus pandemic with a whole audience of fans and celebrities alike.
Rapper Lil Nas X and Pop Star Justin Biber MTV’s annual Video Music Awards (VMA) show on September 12 won the top awards, in a ceremony packed with surprise appearances, live performances and thousands of masked fans.
Newcomer Olivia Rodrigo and K-pop band BTS were also among the big winners at the first major awards show held in New York since the coronavirus pandemic with a whole audience of fans and celebrities alike.
Justin Bieber, 27, returned to the VMAs stage for the first time in six years and took home the Moon Person Statue for Artist of the Year and Best Pop for his single “Peaches.”
Justin Bieber, referring to the dark days of the pandemic, said, “Music is such an amazing outlet to be able to reach people and bring us all together.”
Last year the VMAs took place in New York without live spectators and most performances were recorded in advance because of the pandemic.
Lil Nas X (22) A gay, black musician who had a breakout hit two years earlier with “Old Town Road,” won video of the year for his gay rights anthem “Montero.” [Call Me By Your Name]”
“Let’s move the gay agenda!” The musician accepted the award.
Alicia Keys sang “Empire State of Mind” against the backdrop of the New York City skyline, while Doja Cat, Edsheeran, veteran New York rapper Busta Rhymes, Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes and Machine Gun Kelly were on stage.
The event also marks the 40th anniversary of MTV’s launch as a dedicated channel for playing music videos.
Madonna, celebrating her 40th year in the music business, also made a surprise debut. “They said we wouldn’t last. But we’re still here,” Madonna said.
Jennifer Lopez and Cindy Lauper unexpectedly sent fans wild, with Lauper weighing up abortion rights, saying women want “control of our bodies.”
Rodrigo (18) won three awards, including Best New Artist and Best Song of the Year at the fan-voted awards for “Driver’s License”, capping a break-out year.
“It’s so crazy. It’s been the most magical year of my life,” Olivia Rodrigo said, dedicating her win to “all the girls who write songs on their bedroom floors.”
BTS were named Group of the Year and won Best K-Pop for their single “Butter”, and sent thanks by video from South Korea.
Rock band Foo Fighters received the Global Icon Award for completing 25 years in the music industry. The 12-time Grammy-winning band performed a medley of hits with “Charlie RIP” on their drum kit to pay tribute to the late Rolling Stones drummer. Charlie Watts.
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