The annual MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) went down Sunday night (12.9.2021) at the prestigious Barclays Centre in New York.
As reported by The Sauce rapper Lil Nas X, singer Olivia Rodrigo and K-Pop group BTS were the biggest winners of the night with these artists taking triple awards. As is typical of the VMAs, glitz, glamour and highlights always take centrestage.
Here are the highlights of the night:
1.Doja Cat’s Hosting and Performance
American rapper Doja Cat was the night’s host. She made the history books as the first Video of the Year category nominee to host the show. While she did an incredibly meticulous job hosting the award show, the ‘Say So’ rapper also performed her hits ‘Been Like This’ and ‘You Right’. She pulled off a Pink when she flew around the stage in a wire harness. Her performance had everyone impressed, as is characteristic.
2.Normani Brings Her Wild Side
In her first televised performance of the her latest hit titled ‘Wild Side’, Normani played no games as she marked her return to the VMAs, the last time being her much talked-about performance of ‘Motivation’ in 2019. Draped in metallic regalia that was very reminiscent of TLC’s outfits in ‘No Scrubs’, the singer delivered a breathtaking performance. Towards the end, a surprise appearance from fellow musician Teyana Taylor drove the audience wild. Many critical viewers reckoned that the ending was an evident ode to legendary pop musician Janet Jackson.
3.Lil Nas X -The Lilac King
Controversial rapper Lil Nas X captured the attention of the audience from his grand entrance in a lilac suit dress complete with a wig. The rapper caused a spectacle with his performance of Montero and Industry Baby, backed by a marching band all. The rapper would later the night’s most coveted prize, Video of the Year for Montero. In his acceptance speech, the rapper quipped: “First I wanna say thank you to the gay agenda. Let’s go gay agenda!” In total, Nas snagged 3 Moonmen, the other two being Best Direction and Best Visual Effects.
4.Chloe Bailey Had No Mercy
After gracing the red carpet with sister Halle Bailey, the singer, who now goes by Chloe, took to the stage for the maiden performance of her new single, ‘Have Mercy’. She rocked a pink corseted bodysuit and matching boots. Her performance was one of the most talked-about of the night. From the choreography to the vocal delivery, she proved that her solo career is headed for the skies.
READ: Lord, Have Mercy! Chloe Bailey Debuts Solo Single And It’s Steamy!
5.Megan Fox and Kourtney Kardashian’s Intro For Their ‘Baby Daddies’
Actress Megan Fox and Reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian were some of the presenters of the night. And which better performance to introduce than that of their significant others, Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker who performed their song, ‘Papercuts’ to close out the show. “New York, I need you to get extra loud for our future baby daddies, ” exclaimed Fox. The clip has become such a moment and has since gone viral.
6.Anitta Becomes First Brazilian To Perform At The VMAs
Brazilian singer Anitta made history as the first musician of Brazilian descent to perform at the VMAs. Of the feat, the singer had this to say: ”It is the first time that a Brazilian artiste participates in the event so I’m very happy. I will show my two characters. The first is Larissa, in my house, and then comes Anitta, diva. ” Anitta performed her hit song, ‘Girl from Rio’, a timely performance as the singer continues to find success internationally.
7.Ashanti and Ja Rule Bring The Nostalgia With Reunion
Frequent collaborators Ashanti and Ja Rule who are synonymous with major 2000s hits like ‘Mesmerized’ and ‘Always on time’ brought forth the vibes of the good ol days when they hit the stage to present the Best Collaboration Moon Person to Doja Cat and SZA. Excited fans took to social media to celebrate the reunion, with one reckoning that if the two stood on the VMAs stage long enough, ‘the world will just heal. ‘
As the show progressed, with several of the stars making political statements. Cindy Lauper and Billie Eilish both made women empowerment remarks, touching on rights and freedom. Jennifer Lopez made a casual appear and slay when she joined Doja Cat on stage at the beginning of the show. Alicia Keys paid tribute to the great city of New York during her performance with rapper Swae Lee.
Madonna, on the other hand, left tongues wagging when she rocked up to the stage in a barely-there outfit to celebrate MTV’s 40th anniversary. Amping up the heat as usual, Ciara looked like an actual smoke show when she introduced Normani’s performance, in a black see-through gown that showcased her borderline perfect figure.
This year’s show was much raved about and evidently lived up to the hype.
READ: Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo, BTS And Justin Bieber Win Big At The 2021 MTV VMAS