With Madonna as the surprise opening guest, the stars are celebrating the MTV Video Music Awards and the 40th birthday of the US music broadcaster in New York. But the winners of the evening are much younger.
[New York -] The “Queen of Pop” herself provided the surprise for the gala evening – right from the start:
“Welcome to the VMAs 2021,” shouted the previously unannounced Madonna at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Then the 63-year-old, clad in the tightest lacquer and leather, apparently turned to her critics and those of the music station: “You said we would not hold out – but we are still here! Congratulations on your 40th birthday, MTV! “
Then the “Queen of Pop” left the spotlight of the three-hour birthday and awards spectacle largely to the generation of her children. Justin Bieber, who led the nominees field with seven prizes, finally won in the categories “Artist of the Year” and “Best Pop”. “So much is happening in the world right now, it is an unprecedented time with this Covid thing, this is really a big deal,” said the 27-year-old Canadian in his acceptance speech. “Music is such a wonderful opportunity to reach people and bring us all together. We are more united than we are apart and I really believe that the best is yet to come. “
The 18-year-old singer Olivia Rodrigo was honored as the “best new artist”, and her hit “drivers license” was chosen as the “best song”. “That was the most magical year of my life,” said Rodrigo and thanked her fans. “I’m so grateful that I can write music and do things that I love and call that my job.” The most coveted prize of the gala, in the “Video of the Year” category, went to Lil Nas X for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name) “. “I love you guys so much,” the 22-year-old rapper shouted to his fans. “I don’t take this for granted.”
Billie Eilish, Travis Scott and Machine Gun Kelly were also able to collect prizes – in the form of “Moonman” trophies, little astronauts on the moon holding MTV flags in their hands. Before that, fans could vote online for their favorites. The 38th edition of the “VMAs”, which is considered a fun event at the end of the summer, was moderated by singer Doja Cat. Hailey Bieber, Rita Ora, Ed Sheeran, Simone Biles and Kourtney Kardashian also showed up. Many spectators and also some artists wore masks.
To congratulate both the award winners and MTV on their 40th birthday, the old MTV guard was allowed to stop by again. “MTV has always provided the music and videos that defined our generation, where we sang and danced together and had moments none of us will ever forget,” said musician Jennifer Lopez.
“Girls Just Want To Have Fun” singer Cyndi Lauper recalled that she had won a prize at the very first “VMAs” in 1984. “Things look a little different now. Girls still want to have fun, but they also want money, equal pay, control over their bodies, and fundamental rights. ”Members of the Backstreet Boys, Nsync and 98 Degrees remembered their boy band weddings, Alicia Keys and Busta Rhymes celebrated their hometown New York – and the Foo Fighters received the “Global Icons” award. “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!” [Dpa]
