The 40th annual MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) took place on Sunday under the sign of diversity, with a comeback at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which saw the coronations of Lil Nas X and Olivia Rodrigo.
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The 2021 MTV VMAs, a show better known for its ostentatious performances, its "made-for-Twitter" moments and its wacky costumes than for its actual rewards, were back with sophisticated numbers, in front of a masked audience, after a 2020 edition. which has seen many celebrities accepting awards via video. The show opened with a pre-recorded clip of Madonna, who made VMA history at the 1984 inaugural ceremony by performing
Like A Virgin
, launching the show's reputation as a platform to make headlines.
"They said we wouldn't last, but we're still here"
the performer said after strutting around the stage, blurting out a curse as she wore a dominatrix black leather thong corset.
"Happy 40th Birthday, MTV"
Lil Nas X won the most important award of the evening, that of the video of the year, for
Montero (Call Me by Your Name)
, after a sultry performance, a few days before the release of his album, scheduled for September 17.
The young man of 22 years had packed the networks by disserting online with an American governor who had rebelled against the lascivious clip in which the artist makes a lap dance to the devil.
Doja Cat hosted the Sunday show, also performing
Been Like This
and
You Right
, descending from the ceiling in an aerial act. But it was
Normani's
interpretation of
Wild Side
that stole the show. The R&B pop star stunned with her ever-tight choreography before rubbing shoulders with Teyana Taylor, strapped to a metal platform reminiscent of Janet Jackson's past performances.
Lil Nas X kicked off the live version of their single
Industry Baby
with co-performer Jack Harlow and a marching band. Billie Eilish introduced the Foo Fighters performance, thanking the Global Icon Award winners for
“carrying the torch of rock and roll”
. His song
Your Power
won the award for best video.
Sensation Olivia Rodrigo won three awards, including Song of the Year for
Drivers License
and Best New Artist.
“I'm so thankful that I get to make music, do what I love and call it my job,”
said the 18-year-old whose debut album,
Sour
, hit the top of the charts.
Justin Bieber won Artist of the Year and Best Pop Music for
Peaches
.