MTV Music Video Awards turn 40 as Madonna headlines
September 13, 2021
The night’s big winners included Lil Nas X, Justin Bieber and up-coming artist Olivia Rodrigo. Madonna also set social media abuzz.
Madonna's outfit caused a sensation on social mediaImage: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/picture alliance
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Forty years since MTV launched as a dedicated music video channel, the network's award show was back with a surprise appearance by none-other than Madonna, who in the inaugural 1984 event performed a show-stopping rendition of "Like a Virgin."
"They said we wouldn't last, but we're still here," Madonna told the New York City audience while wearing a dominatrix-style leather corset that sent social media into a frenzy.
The annual MTV Video Music awards were hosted by rapper Doja Cat, and in contrast to last year's scaled-back show during which celebrities accepted prizes via a video stream, this year's event took place in front of a full, mask-wearing audience.
Fresh faces of pop win big
Veteran pop stars Jennifer Lopez and Cyndi Lauper also made surprise appearances, much to the delight of fans.
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Yet the evening's big winners included some of the music scene's freshest faces: Singer Olivia Rodrigo took home three awards, including best new artist and song of the year for her romantic ballad "Drivers Licence."
After her debut album Sour hit the top of the charts in recent months, the 18-year-old singer dedicated her win to "all the other girls who write songs on their bedroom floor."
Olivia Rodrigo took home a Moon Person statue for best new artistImage: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/dpa/picture alliance
Lil Nas X, a gay, Black musician who had his breakout hit with "Old Town Road" two years ago, won video of the year for his fantastical, Greek mythology inspired video "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" in which he gives the devil a lap dance in a hell-reminiscent landscape.
"Thank you to the gay agenda, let's go gay agenda!" said the 22-year-old while accepting his award.
His winning video set off social media hype that also saw the artist have a heated exchange with a sitting US governor, who took issue with the seductive clip, as well as the artist's sale of "Satan Shoes," inverted Nike Air Max 97s made with New York City art collective MSCFH.
One of the evening's most talked about moments was a sensual performance of the song "Wild Side" by R&B pop singer Normani. Her performance was a throwback to those of pop legend Janet Jackson who danced on fans during her 2002 tour.
Lil Nas X took home the best video award for "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)"Image: Michael loccisano/Getty Images/AFP
Foo Fighters recognized as rock icons
Other big names of MTV's past were honored throughout the evening, including 12-time Grammy-winning rock band Foo Fighters who performed several of their songs after receiving the Global Icon Award.
The award, which was given for the first time this year, pays homage to musical acts whose "unparalleled career and continued impact and influence has maintained a unique level of global success in music and beyond."
Justin Bieber returned to the VMA stage for the first time in six years and took home two awards: Artist of the year and best pop for his single "Peaches." He had been nominated for seven awards — more than any other artist.
Also in attendance was 19-year-old star singer Billie Eilish, whose song "Your Power" won the video for good award. Other star on the evening's roster included Ed Sheeran, veteran New York rapper Busta Rhymes and Camila Cabello.
Brit Awards 2021: Women take top accolades
At this year's Brit Awards, women musicians dominated the top prizes. Alongside Dua Lipa, Little Mix and Billie Eilish, there were also a few surprises.
Image: Ian West/AP Photo/picture alliance
Dua Lipa scoops top prizes
Dua Lipa won Best British Artist and Album of the Year at the British music awards ceremony held Tuesday at London's O2 Arena. Performing live at the Brit Awards, the Londoner appeared in a miniskirt with a Union Jack pattern in keeping with the occasion. In her acceptance speech, she pleaded for better pay for nursing staff.
Image: Ian West/AP Photo/picture alliance
Best International Solo Artist: The Weeknd
The Canadian rapper (shown here during his performance at the 2021 Super Bowl Halftime) was presented with the Best International Solo Artist award by former US first lady Michelle Obama. Afterward, he performed live his track "Save Your Tears." With 4,000 spectators, the Brit Awards show was the first major indoor event in England in more than a year.
Image: David J. Phillip/AP Photo/picture alliance
Best International Solo Artist: Billie Eilish
US singer Billie Eilish demonstrates her musical versatility again and again. Eilish has mastered a broad musical palette: from hard, gloomy beats to party songs and sad, beautiful ballads. She can also effortlessly transform herself on the outside. Here she's seen on the June cover of British "Vogue" in a 1950s-style ensemble. She gave her acceptance speech at the Brit Awards via video link.
Image: CRAIG MCDEAN/BritishVogue
Best International Band: Haim
The three sisters of the US pop band Haim were honored as the Best International Group. Este, Alana and Danielle Haim (from left) were visibly overjoyed to receive their first international award as best band. On Twitter, the three wrote how much they love the K-pop band BTS, which had competed with them for the prize.
Image: Ian West/AP Photo/picture alliance
Breakthrough artist award: Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks has only just released her debut album "Collapsed in Sunbeams," and already she's taking home a prize from the Brit Awards — as Breakthrough Artist of the Year. She was also nominated for Best Album and Best National Artist. "It's a dream come true, I didn't expect it at all," she said in her acceptance speech.
Image: Photoshot/picture alliance
British Male Solo Artist: J Hus
J Hus, pictured here at the 2018 Brit Awards, is no newcomer to the show. But in 2021, the Londoner who started rapping while still at primary school took home his first Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist. He was also nominated for Best British Album of the Year with "Big Conspiracy."
Image: John Phillips/Getty Images
Global Icon: Taylor Swift
US pop singer Taylor Swift is the first female artist to receive the "Global Icon" award. She thus follows in the footsteps of singers such as David Bowie, Elton John and Robbie Williams. In her acceptance speech, she said: "I'm so indebted to and grateful for my British fans. I love you guys for everything you've done for me."
Image: Ian West/AP Photo/picture alliance
Best British Band: Little Mix
Little Mix was the first female group to win the Best British Band award. They were a quartet until December 2020, when Jesy Nelson left the band at that time because she was concerned about her mental health. "It's not easy as a woman in the English pop industry," Little Mix said in their acceptance speech. "We've experienced white male dominance, misogyny, sexism and little diversity."
