Rapper Lil Nas X and pop star Justin Bieber won the top prizes at MTV’s yearly Video Music Awards (VMA) show on Sunday, in a ceremony packed with surprise appearances, live exhibitions and a large number of masked fans.
Novice Olivia Rodrigo and K-pop band BTS were likewise among the enormous winners at the principal significant awards shows in New York to be held with a full audience of fans and big names since the Covid pandemic
Bieber, 27, gotten back to the VMA stage without precedent for a very long time and brought home Moon Person statuettes for artist of the year and best fly 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 occurred in New York without a live crowd and with most exhibitions recorded ahead of time as a result of the pandemic.
Lil Nas X, 22, a gay, dark artist who had a breakout hit with “Old Town Road” two years prior, 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 horizon, while Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, veteran New York rapper Busta Rhymes, Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes and Machine Gun Kelly were among those dramatic.
Sunday’s function likewise denoted the 40th anniversary of the launch of MTV as a channel committed to playing music videos.
Madonna, additionally praising her 40 years in the music business, opened the show in an unexpected appearance. “They said we wouldn’t last. But we’re still here,” Madonna said.
Jennifer Lopez and Cyndi Lauper sent fans wild with sudden appearances, with Lauper saying something regarding fetus removal rights saying that ladies need “power over our bodies.”
Rodrigo, 18, brought home three honors, including best new craftsman and tune of the year for “Drivers License” in the fan-voted awards, covering 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 gathering of the year and won best K-Pop for single “Butter”, and sent thanks by video from South Korea.
Musical gang Foo Fighters got the Global Icon Award recognizing their 25 years in the music industry.
The 12 time Grammy-winning band played out a medley of hits with “Charlie R.I.P” scribbled on their drum unit in tribute for the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.