MTV VIDEO AWARDS BACK IN BROOKLYN
Galaxy of stars, live crowd to amp up energy after virtual ’20
MTV’s Video Music Awards are tuned up and ready to go in the show’s much-anticipated return to Brooklyn.
Doja Cat, Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo and more big-name nominees and performers take the stage Sunday at the Barclays Center for one of the most high-profile events to hit New York since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
And, of course, anything can happen at the VMAs.
After all, the last time Barclays Center hosted the annual award show was in 2013, when Miley Cyrus famously twerked with Robin Thicke and NSYNC reunited to help Justin Timberlake accept the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
There will be no shortage of stars on hand to make new memories at the 2021 event, and a live audience should only add to the excitement.
“The ‘VMAs’ are set to be one of the first fan-filled awards shows in NYC since the city’s reopening,” organizers said. “The health and safety of artists, fans, staff and partners remain the No. 1 priority, and MTV and Barclays Center are working closely with state and local officials to implement best practices in order to safely bring together music fans from around the globe.”
The VMAs were originally scheduled to take place at Barclays Center last year, but the pandemic forced the event to transition to a virtual format instead. The 2020 ceremony still captured the spirit of the city, however, with performances taking place throughout the five boroughs.
This year, though, should feel more like a traditional show, with live performances in one of the city’s premier venues.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2021 VMAs.
How to watch
There’s no shortage of ways to watch Sunday’s festivities, with MTV, MTV2, VH1, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Logo, Pop, Paramount Network, TV Land and The CW Network each airing the award show. The Paramount+ streaming service also plans to broadcast the event.
The main ceremony begins at 8 p.m., but coverage from the arena in Brooklyn starts even earlier. MTV will kick off the night with a preshow telecast beginning at 6:30 p.m., during which Swedish House Mafia, Polo G and Kim Petras will each perform.
Host
Handling the hosting duties will be hit-making rapper and pop star Doja Cat, who is known for catchy songs such as “Kiss Me More,” “Say So” and “Best Friend.” The energetic entertainer is emceeing the VMAs for the first time.
Known for her eccentric music videos, Doja Cat released her third studio album, “Planet Her,” in June.
Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Dlamini, is no stranger at the VMAs, having performed multiple songs at the 2020 ceremony. She also won the award for best new artist last year.
The 25-year-old will look to add to her trophy case on Sunday, as she’s among the most-nominated artists with five nods, including for artist of the year.
Nominees
Doja Cat faces steep competition in her quest to win another moon man trophy, as she’s up against some of music’s most prominent performers.
Look no further than the race for artist of the year, which also includes Bieber, Megan Thee Stallion, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Rodrigo.
Bieber — a four-time winner at past VMAs — leads all artists with seven nominations this year, with Megan Thee Stallion being a close second with six nods.
The night’s top honor — video of the year — features a loaded list of finalists, with Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More,” Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP,” Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits,” The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears,” DJ Khaled and Drake’s “Popstar” and Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me by Your Name).”
Rodrigo, 18, is also among the top nominees, having received five nods following the breakout success of her chart-topping debut album, “Sour.”
Her nominations Sunday include best new artist, as well as song of the year for her first No. 1 single, “Driver’s License.”
Rodrigo’s competition for song of the year are “WAP,” BTS’ “Dynamite,” Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” 24kGoldn’s “Mood” and Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s “Leave the Door Open.”
MTV will also unveil a new career achievement honor Sunday when it recognizes rock band Foo Fighters with the Global Icon Award.
“The uber-prestigious Global Icon Award celebrates an artist/band whose unparalleled career and continued impact & influence has maintained a unique level of global success in music and beyond,” the show’s organizers said. “The ‘VMAs’ will honor the global icon who has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape and continues to influence, inspire and evolve.”
Led by Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters have been churning out music since the mid1990s, with hits including “Best of You,” “The Pretender” and “Everlong.”
Performances
As if the star-powered races for trophies wasn’t enough for viewers, the impressive lineup of performers should certainly strike the right note.
Doja Cat will take a break from her hosting duties to perform “Kiss Me More,” while Rodrigo will take the stage for her megahit “good 4 u.”
It will be Rodrigo’s first time performing at the VMAs. The award show will also feature its first-ever performance by country star Kacey Musgraves, who will play her new song, “Star-Crossed.”
Pop star Camila Cabello will sing “Don’t Go Yet,” while Shawn Mendes performs “Summer of Love.”
Other performers on the docket include Bieber, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker.
Presenters
The VMAs feature an A-list lineup of presenters that makes it worth watching for that alone.
Billie Eilish, Hailey Bieber, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Porter, Avril Lavigne, Lance Bass, Megan Fox and Simone Biles are only a few of the stars who will introduce nominees and announce winners Sunday.
Several artists from New York, including rappers 50 Cent and Fat Joe, are also set to be presenters.