We’re back in business, people!
The 2021 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off on September 12, 2021, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City, for the first time in eight years, ready to wow the world with excellent performances and high-energy appearances. The biggest stars will be out to celebrate the best music videos of the year from artists in every genre imaginable: pop, rock, rap, hip hop, and country. But who will be the big winner?
Justin Bieber leads the pack this year with a whopping seven nominations in top categories like Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Best Pop. Megan Thee Stallion is right on his heels with six, most of which recognize her “WAP” collaboration with Cardi B. But the race is tight right behind them: Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, and Lil Nas X all have five noms in competing categories. It’s really anyone’s time to shine – or not!
Congratulations @Olivia_Rodrigo on your #VMA for Song Of The Year! 🎵
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 13, 2021
But it was Olivia who won the first award of the night, accepting the honor live on the VMAs red carpet. She snagged her very first Moonperson for Best Push Performance for her 2021 smash, “Drivers License”. “It’s so heavy,” Olivia said as she was handed the award. :I have no upper body strength.” As she accepted the award, she had a special message just for her fans. “I couldn’t be more grateful. All of this is because of you guys.”
And if that wasn’t enough, she also won Song of the Year, presented to her by Jennifer Lopez. “This is so insane,” she said as she accepted her Moonperson. “This is the magical year of her life!”
Throughout the night, we’ll be updated the list below as winners are announced. Will it be the Biebs or with the ladies of WAP win out? Check back here for the final score!
Video of the Year
Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”
Artist of the Year
Justin Bieber
Song of the Year
Olivia Rodrigo: “Drivers License”
Best New Artist
Olivia Rodrigo
Push Performance of the Year
Olivia Rodrigo: “Drivers License”
Best Collaboration
Doja Cat ft. SZA: “Kiss Me More”
Best Pop
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon: “Peaches”
Best Hip-Hop
Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A.: “Franchise”
Best Alternative
Machine Gun Kelly ft. Blackbear: “My Ex’s Best Friend”
Best Latin
Bad Bunny x Jhay Cortez: “Dákiti” – The Orchard
Billie Eilish & Rosalía: “Lo Vas A Olvidar” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Black Eyed Peas and Shakira: “Girl Like Me” – Epic Records
Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy: “Un Die (One Day)” – Universal Music Latino / Neon16
Karol G: “Bichota” – Universal Music Latino
Maluma: “Hawái” – Sony Music US Latin
Best R&B
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic: “Leave the Door Open” – Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic Records
Best K-pop
BTS – “Butter”
Video For Good
Billie Eilish: “Your Power”
Best Direction
Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records – Directed by: Lil Nas X and Tanu Muino
