The Video Music Awards 2021 are finally here and it did not disappoint. Kicking off the night was the first time host Doja Cat and she killed it!
With pop star Doja Cat as the ringmaster, MTV’s 2021 Video Music Awards scored high marks for bringing eye-popping performances and show-stopping surprises back to Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre.
The in-person event occurred on Sunday, September 12, after the show was displaced by the pandemic last year.
This year’s performances included songs by Normani, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Kacy Musgrave, Lil Nas X and Machine Gun Kelly- just to name a few.
The event celebrated the new rising stars and welcomed back a lot of reoccurring celebs who stole the show.
Upcoming stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Chloe took to the stage to perform their first singles.
Fans were surprised to see legendary OG’s hit the stage like Madonna, Busta Rhymes and Avril Lavigne.
While the performances were the highlight of the night, our eyes were also drawn to all corners of the event.
After all, how can you not talk about the iconic Red Carpet moments?
From Madonna’s bootylicious opener to wild outfits and even unexpected snubs, shade and actual brawls, here’s a recap of the best and worst moments of the night.
The Jaw-Dropping Style Moments At This Year’s VMAs
The Grammys may be music’s biggest night — but when it comes to bold, boundary-pushing fashion moments, the VMAs are where it’s at.
According to Page six, MTV’s always-outrageous award show is famous for its scandalous style statements. The looks on Sunday night’s Red Carpet at Brooklyn Barclays Center was no exception.
Let’s start with the daring duos who made a bold statement at the event.
American actress and model, Megan Fox and her American rapper boyfriend, Machine Gun Kelly graced the red runway in sheer wonder.
Fox went for a bold statement piece and wore a sheer Mugler gown with crystals over an embellished thong and nude corset bra.
Colson Baker, known professionally as Machine Gun Kelly, went bold in a Dolce & Gabbana bright red metallic suit with pearl accents on his face.
Another couple that caught our eye was a duo who showed up in matching goth outfits covered in leather and spikes.
Kourtney Kardashian arrived on the Red Carpet with her new boyfriend, Travis Barker and completely transformed the runway into a date night – touching tongues and all.
The star went bold as she dressed up in a lace-up undeniably edgy Olivier Theyskens minidress accompanied by a matching black Prada top-handle bag. She also wore silver Ofira rings and Lorraine Schwartz earrings.
Barker coordinated in similarly dark tones, wearing brogues and a spike-accented suit from Thom Browne’s Fall 2012 collection.
Now, let’s look over to the new rising celebs who definitely made an entrance to their first-ever Video Music Awards.
Ahead of her VMAs Pre-Show performance, Kim Petras arrived on the red carpet in a bright pink Mini Cooper that was driven by a special chauffeur: her new ‘bestie’ Paris Hilton.
However, you may not have recognised her, because Petras was all dolled up in a Richard Quinn dress with a mysterious black latex face mask and suit by VEX, which hid her identity.
Paris Hilton donned a dazzling silver dress that sparkled throughout the night.
Two other celebrities who embraced their fun bright colours were Kacey Musgraves and Lil Nas X.
Viva Valentino!
Kacey Musgraves, The “Star-Crossed” crooner looked absolutely fabulous in her bright purple mini and matching feather hat.
She also decided to go bold as the star made her first-ever appearance and debut at the event.
Lil Nas X arrived in his sparkling purple suit. But wait there was more. The “Montero” hitmaker channelled his inner Prince in a custom lilac Atelier Versace suit, sprinkled with crystals and finished with a sweeping train.
Also, can we talk about that Jheri curl mullet?
Normani’s look was less of a skirt than a belt. But the American singer and dancer, who always strikes just the right balance of sexy and sophisticated, showed off her “Wild Side” in this white-hot vegan leather set by Patrycja Pagas.
On the polar side of the Red Carpet, some classic numbers also made an appearance.
Camila Cabello in her elegant bow-tied ballgown. The “Cinderella” star fittingly went for a fairytale-worthy gown in the form of this corseted, colour-blocked Alexis Mabille Haute Couture creation.
The “Drivers License” singer, who also made a debut at the event, looked ready for round two of “Sour Prom” in this coral vintage Atelier Versace gown wrapped in fuchsia tulle.
Take a look at Olivia Rodrigo:
However, what is a party without a bit of drama?
Sparks Fly On The Red Carpet As A Scuffle Breaks Out
Disputes are nothing new at MTV’s big show. But the VMAs almost stood for a very messy assault. UFC legend, Conor McGregor and Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) nearly clashed heads on the Red Carpet.
McGregor allegedly tossed his drink at MGK, just moments before he and his girlfriend Megan Fox walked the Red Carpet.
You have got to see this:
Photos show McGregor throwing a punch in MGK’s direction (but missing) and being restrained by security.
The cause was unclear, but some witnesses claim that bad words were thrown around.
Although footage sees McGregor try to launch a punch at the rock-rapper, it’s not confirmed exactly what occurred before.
Both parties were reluctant to share exactly what happened, but one has definitely been doing more talking than the other.
According to the Huffington Post, The 33-year-old UCF fighter said in an interview afterwards:
”Nothing happened with me, I only fight real fighters, people that actually fight, you know what I mean. I certainly don’t fight little vanilla boy rappers. I don’t even know the guy. I don’t know anything about him, except that he’s with Megan Fox.” – Connor McGreggor
MGK and Fox made it clear that they had escaped McGregor’s wrath unscathed when the couple shared a passionate kiss for the paparazzi.
Onstage Performances Glow From Rising stars To OG’s
Can we talk about the fact that we got to see 63-year old, Madonna’s rearview?
The legendary ‘Material Girl’ left some of her material at home as Madonna brought the party to the stage, in honour of MTV’s 40th.
In a skimpy leather ensemble, the ‘Like a Virgin’ legend opened up the VMAs with a sultry birthday salute.
She then pivoted away from her microphone, giving viewers an eyeful of her incredibly taut bare bottom.
Besides Doja Cats incredible hosting skills and performance, we could not get over the incredible performance by Olivia Rodrigo, who sang her hit single ‘Good For You’.
Not to mention Chloe Bailey, who sang her hit song ‘Have Mercy’ as a soloist.
Oh, and by the way, Machine Gun Kelly even smashed his electric pink guitar on stage after performing his latest track called ‘Papercuts’.
Not only was the night celebrating the rising stars of today’s generation but the OG’s (old school legends) made a comeback to the stage too.
The Foo Fighters made their grand comeback to the VMAs for the first time since 2007. They took to the stage with a fiery live medley of hits – including their 1999 smash “Learn to Fly” and swooning the 1997 anthem.
The band also paid tribute to the late Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts, by writing: ‘CHARLIE R.I.P’ on their own kick drummer, Taylor Hawkins.
Busta Rhymes, a native Brooklyn citizen, delivered a show-stealing medley of hits from his 30-year career in the rap game.
Joined by longtime hype man Spliff Star, the 49-year-old rap veteran proved he can still tear the roof off by running through timeless records including “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” “Touch It” and more.
All The Winners Of The 2021 MTV Video Music Awards
After a number of acceptance speeches and inspiring night-time celebrations, the night ended off with a salute to all its winners.
Justin Bieber leads this year’s list of nominees with seven, followed by Megan Thee Stallion with six nods. Billie Eilish, BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, Giveon, Lil Nas X and Olivia Rodrigo, a first-time nominee, each earned five nominations.
To see the full list of winners and nominees click here.
From show-stopping performances to incredible acceptance speeches, this star-studded MTV Video Music Awards arrived and conquered all.
What a night!
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