Sept 12 (Reuters) – Rapper Lil Nas X and pop star Justin Bieber gained the highest prizes at MTV’s annual Video Music Awards (VMA) present on Sunday, in a ceremony filled with shock appearances, reside performances and hundreds of masked followers.
Newcomer Olivia Rodrigo and Okay-pop band BTS have been additionally among the many large winners on the first main awards exhibits in New York to be held with a full viewers of followers and celebrities for the reason that coronavirus pandemic
Bieber, 27, returned to the VMA stage for the primary time in six years and took dwelling Moon Individual statuettes for artist of the 12 months and finest pop for his single “Peaches.”
“Music is such an incredible outlet to have the ability to attain folks and to have the ability to carry us all collectively,” stated Bieber, referring to the darkish days of the pandemic.
Final 12 months the VMAs befell in New York with out a reside viewers and with most performances recorded upfront due to the pandemic.
Lil Nas X, 22, a homosexual, black musician who had a breakout hit with “Outdated City Highway” two years in the past, gained video of the 12 months for his homosexual rights anthem “Montero (Name Me By Your Identify).”
“Let’s go homosexual agenda!” stated the musician, accepting the award.
Alicia Keys sang “Empire State of Thoughts” outdoor in opposition to the backdrop of the New York Metropolis skyline, whereas Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, veteran New York rapper Busta Rhymes, Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes and Machine Gun Kelly have been amongst these on stage.
2021 MTV Video Music Awards – Present – Barclays Middle, Brooklyn, New York, U.S., September 12, 2021 – Lil Nas X accepts the award for Finest Course for “Montero (Name Me by Your Identify).” REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
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Sunday’s ceremony additionally marked the fortieth anniversary of the launch of MTV as a channel devoted to enjoying music movies.
Madonna, additionally celebrating her 40 years within the music enterprise, opened the present in a shock look. “They stated we would not final. However we’re nonetheless right here,” Madonna stated.
Jennifer Lopez and Cyndi Lauper despatched followers wild with surprising appearances, with Lauper weighing in on abortion rights saying that ladies need “management over our our bodies.”
Rodrigo, 18, took dwelling three awards, together with finest new artist and track of the 12 months for “Drivers License” within the fan-voted awards, capping a break-out 12 months.
“That is so insane. This has been probably the most magical 12 months of my life,” Rodrigo stated, dedicating her win to “all the opposite women who write songs on their bed room flooring.”
BTS was named group of the 12 months and gained finest Okay-Pop for single “Butter”, and despatched thanks by video from South Korea.
Rock band Foo Fighters bought the International Icon Award recognizing their 25 years within the music trade.
The 12 time Grammy-winning band carried out a medley of hits with “Charlie R.I.P” scrawled on their drum equipment in tribute to the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Modifying by Karishma Singh and Gerry Doyle
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