MTV Video Music Awards: Lil Nas X wins Video of the Year award

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Lil Nas X with his appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards: "Me and Madonna are friends"

Photo: Charles Sykes / AP

Who invented it? Even with his appearance at the BET Awards that year, Lil Nas X caused a sensation with his stage kiss: During his performance with the song "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" he smooched one of his dancers. Madonna then posted her kiss with Britney Spears at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards on Instagram. Hashtag: »#diditfirst« - »I did it first«. There was criticism on the net. Until the US rapper made it clear in a tweet: »Me and Madonna are friends. It's just a joke. "

This year the two musicians shared the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards: Lil Nas X received one of the most important prizes at the awards - his song "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" was named "Video of the Year".

"I love you so much," the 22-year-old rapper shouted to his fans.

"I'm not taking this for granted."

Madonna opened the show with a surprise appearance.

"You said we wouldn't hold out - but we're still here," said the singer.

In a black lacquer and leather outfit, Madonna congratulated the music broadcaster MTV on its 40th birthday, officially opened the gala with the words "Welcome to the VMAs 2021" and left the stage again.

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Madonna opened the show: "We're still here"

Photo: MARIO ANZUONI / REUTERS

US singer Olivia Rodrigo received three awards, including her hit "Drivers License" named "Best Song" and the 18-year-old named "Best New Artist".

"I'm so grateful that I can write music and do things that I love and call that my job," said Rodrigo, whose debut album "Sour" hit the top of the charts.

Pop star Justin Bieber won the “Artist of the Year” category and received the “Best Pop” award for his song “Peaches”.

"Music is such a wonderful opportunity to reach people and bring us all together," Bieber shouted to the audience.

Well-wishers included stars like Cyndi Lauper, who won an award at the very first VMAs in 1984.

At the show, the US singer spoke out in favor of more equality for women.

"Girls still want to have fun," said Lauper, known for her song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun".

"But we also want money, equal wages, control over our bodies, basic rights."

Members of the Backstreet Boys, Nsync and 98 Degrees commemorated the weddings of their boy bands, Alicia Keys and Busta Rhymes celebrated their hometown New York - and the Foo Fighters received the award as "Global Icons".

"We've been a band for 26 years, so that feels pretty good," said frontman Dave Grohl.

"Thank you for this award - we'll see you again in 26 years!"

The MTV Video Music Awards were presented for the 38th time this year.

Canadian singer Justin Bieber led the field with seven nominations.

Singer Megan Thee Stallion followed closely behind with six chances to win.

For every five there are several artists, including Billie Eilish, BTS, Drake, Lil Nas X and Olivia Rodrigo.

The gala was moderated by singer Doja Cat.

For the VMA prizes, fans can vote online for their favorites.

The trophy is a "moon person" - a little astronaut on the moon who holds an MTV flag in his hand.

ime / AFP / dpa