Rapper Lil Nas X and pop star Justin Bieber won the top prizes at MTV's annual Video Music Awards (VMA) show on Sunday, 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 shows in New York to be held with a full audience of fans and celebrities since the coronavirus pandemic
Bieber, 27, returned to the VMA stage for the first time in six years and took home Moon Person statuettes for artist of the year and best pop for his single "Peaches."
"Music is such an amazing outlet to be able to reach people and to be able to bring us all together," said Bieber, referring to the dark days of the pandemic.
Last year the VMAs took place in New York without a live audience and with most performances recorded in advance because of the pandemic.
Lil Nas X, 22, a gay, black musician who had a breakout hit with "Old Town Road" two years ago, won video of the year for his gay rights anthem "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)."
"Let's go gay agenda!" said the musician, accepting the award.
Alicia Keys sang "Empire State of Mind" outdoors against the backdrop of the New York City skyline, while Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, veteran New York rapper Busta Rhymes, Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes and Machine Gun Kelly were among those on stage.
Sunday's ceremony also marked the 40th anniversary of the launch of MTV as a channel dedicated to playing music videos.
Madonna, also celebrating her 40 years in the music business, opened the show in a surprise appearance. "They said we wouldn't last. But we're still here," Madonna said.
Jennifer Lopez and Cyndi Lauper sent fans wild with unexpected appearances, with Lauper weighing in on abortion rights saying that women want "control over our bodies."
Rodrigo, 18, took home three awards, including best new artist and song of the year for "Drivers License" in the fan-voted awards, capping a break-out year.
"This is so insane. This has been the most magical year of my life," Rodrigo said, dedicating her win to "all the other girls who write songs on their bedroom floor."
BTS was named group of the year and won best K-Pop for single "Butter", and sent thanks by video from South Korea.
Rock band Foo Fighters got the Global Icon Award recognizing their 25 years in the music industry.
The 12 time Grammy-winning band performed a medley of hits with "Charlie R.I.P" scrawled on their drum kit in tribute to the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
Reuters
Mon Sep 13 2021
Rapper Lil Nas X and pop star Justin Bieber won the top prizes at MTV's annual Video Music Awards (VMA) show on Sunday. - Pic via Instagram
Amalkan Bahasa Melayu beradab, pelihara maruah bahasa kebangsaan - Pakar
Penggunaan Bahasa Melayu secara tidak berhemah, terutama di platform media sosial, semakin meresahkan masyarakat Malaysia.
Perpaduan umat Islam dan bukan Islam prasyarat pembangunan ekonomi mampan - PM Anwar
Tidak semua negara Islam mempunyai ruang terus aman dan damai, dan mepunyai ekonomi yang kukuh dan berkembang seperti Malaysia, tegas Anwar
Beyond the Score: How Alternative Data, AI are Opening Up New Doors for Credit Access
Credit scores are often misunderstood. Erick Hamburger, Group CEO of CTOS Digital Berhad, addresses these concerns and explains how alternative data - like telco payments and streaming subscriptions - and AI are transforming credit access, even for those lacking a traditional credit history.
MCAS nafi ada kaitan dengan GISB dan pergerakan Al-Arqam
Persatuan Mualaf Singapura (MCAS) menafikan sebarang kaitan dengan GlSB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) atau pergerakan Al-Arqam.
Hamas sah kematian seorang lagi komander dalam serangan di Lubnan
Kumpulan Pejuang Palestin, Hamas pada Sabtu mengesahkan kematian seorang lagi komander mereka di Lubnan, lapor agensi berita Jerman (dpa).
Program larian disertai pelancong berpakaian tidak sopan bukan anjuran kerajaan Johor
Program larian yang didakwa disertai pelancong asing berpakaian kurang sopan dan mempromosi budaya songsang lesbian, gay, biseksual serta transgender (LGBT) bukan anjuran kerajaan negeri.
Imigresen serbu pusat karaoke, 49 GRO dan pelanggan ditahan
JIM Perak menyerbu empat premis pusat hiburan karaoke yang menawarkan GRO warga Myanmar dengan bayaran antara RM450 hingga RM600 di sekitar bandar raya ini, malam tadi.
AWANI Ringkas: Pendatang asing tanpa izin | Kekecohan di Wisma Transit
Ikuti rangkuman berita utama yang menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari di Astro AWANI menerusi AWANI Ringkas.
Tumpuan Ahad – 06 Oktober 2024
Ikuti rangkuman berita utama yang menjadi tumpuan di Astro AWANI.
Polis siasat dakwaan buli di sekolah berasrama penuh di KL
Polis sedang menjalankan siasatan berhubung dakwaan berlaku kejadian buli membabitkan anak seorang penyanyi dan beberapa individu lain di sebuah sekolah berasrama penuh di ibu negara.
Alicia Keys terima pujian hadir ke MTV VMA tanpa solekan
Penyanyi R&B Alicia Keys yang membuat kemunculan karpet merah di anugerah MTV VMA tanpa solekan.
MTV VMA: Beyonce menang Video Terbaik untuk lagu 'Formation'
Beyonce turut membuat persembahan selama 16 minit dan membawa pulang anugerah Video Wanita Terbaik untuk lagu Hold Up.