MTV VMAs 2021: Marks 40 Years of MTV
MTV’s Video Music Awards returned to the stage after 2020’s socially distanced show. The show also marked the network’s 40th year.
The award ceremony saw performances from artists like Justin Bieber, Camila Cabello, Chlöe, Lil Nas X, Machine Gun Kelly, Kacey Musgraves, Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, Olivia Rodrigo, Shawn Mendes and Twenty One Pilots among others.
Some stars were making their appearance for the first time at VMA with brand-new songs. While Musgraves performed the title track of her recently released studio album called Star-Crossed, while Chlöe performed her debut solo single Have Mercy onstage for the first time.
Other veterans like Busta Rhymes and Alicia Keys returned to stage with Rhymes having performed a medley of some of his biggest hits, while Alicia Keys honoured the anniversary of 9/11 by finishing her performance with a piano version of Empire State of Mind.
Some other prominent moments were when Olivia Rodrigo descended onstage from a cloud, Doja Cat danced midair after being introduced by fellow gravity defier Simone Biles and the Foo Fighters received VMAs’ first ever Global Icon Award.
Some of the prominent nominees and winners include, Justin Bieber with seven nominations, followed by Megan Thee Stallion who got six nominations. Billie Eilish, BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo and Giveon each got five nominations. Lil Nas X won the top prize for video of the year with “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” then began his acceptance speech by thanking “the gay agenda.” That video also won for best direction and best visual effects. Justin Bieber won the award for artist of the year and shared “best pop” with Daniel Caesar and Giveon for “Peaches.” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” won song of the year and best push performance of the year. She also took home the award for best new artist.
To mark forty years of the MTV network the VMAs began with an introduction from Madonna. “Forty years ago, another underdog arrived in New York City, hoping to create something revolutionary. An all-music channel premiered in the middle of the night and called itself MTV,” Madonna said. “We found each other and formed a bond that changed my life, changed music and created a whole new art form. That’s why there’s only one place to be tonight.”
According to reports from NPR, Cyndi Lauper, who won a moon person at the first-ever VMAs in 1984, reminded viewers of how much has changed since then. In brief remarks before presenting an award, she tied her hit song to the fight for women’s rights.
“Yeah, girls still wanna have fun,” Lauper said as the crowd roared. “But we also want to have funds. Equal pay. Control over our bodies! You know, fundamental rights.”
The evening ended with another nod to the past. The Buggles’ Video Killed The Radio Star, the very first video to air on MTV in 1981, played over the closing credits.
-Aditi
