Everything You Missed from the 2021 MTV VMAs
The celebs arrived in Brooklyn for a night of wild performances, vintage fashion moments, and exciting wins.
It's official—award shows are back and 2021 MTV VMAs kicked off the event's in-person return with a night of electrifying performances and runway-ready fashion moments. While a few setbacks preceded the evening's festivities—mainly Lorde canceling her performance due to COVID-19 restrictions—your favorite celebrities deliver a night to remember.
While Justin Bieber and Megan Thee Stallion walked into the night with the most nominations, the evening's biggest winners were Olivia Rodrigo and Lil Nas X. The 18-year-old singer won Best New Artist and Song of the Year for her hit single "Driver's License," while the "Old Town Road" rapper took home Best Direction, Best Visual Effects, and the night's biggest honor, Video of the Year for his song "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)."
If you missed it, continue on to see all the biggest moments from last night's 2021 MTV VMAs.
Lil Nas X's "Industry Baby" Performance
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After taking over the Internet with their song "Industry Baby," Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow hit the stage to perform with the inclusion of key elements from the music video—primarily the hot pink prison pants and naked shower scene. While the rapper couldn't go completely commando—this is live TV we're talking about—he and his backup dancers did perform in sparkling pink hot shorts to stay on theme.
Vintage Fashion Moments
Prior to the show, your favorites hit the red carpet in their best eveningwear, but some of the younger celebrities attending the show opted for the vintage route. Madison Beer recreated Beyoncé's lace-up Dolce & Gabbana look from 2003, while beauty influencer Bretman Rock rocked a vintage Roberto Cavalli gown that Aaliyah notably wore to the 2000 MTV VMAs. A staunch supporter of vintage clothing, Rodrigo donned a vintage Versace gown from the brand's Spring/Summer 2001 Haute Couture collection—making the dress older than her!
Doja Cat's Outrageous Wardrobe Changes
Since the beginning of her meteoric rise from TikTok fame to all-out stardom, Doja Cat's penchant for exaggeration and theatricality has always set her performances and her style apart from the crowd. As host, nominee, and performer, the "Say So" singer graced the stage in an array of shocking—and, at times, puzzling—ensembles, from her punk-inspired red carpet dress by Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood to her "worm" look from Thom Browne.
Chlöe's Solo Debut
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Stepping away from her duet with her sister Halle, Chloe Bailey—now known as Chlöe—sang her new single "Have Mercy" for her debut solo performance during the show. The 23-year-old also proved her triple-threat status during a dance break—no doubt inspired by her mentor, Beyoncé.
Machine Gun Kelly's Red Carpet Brawl
It seems some people can never stop working. While walking the red carpet, UFC fighter Conor McGregor threw his drink and tried to start a physical fight with Machine Gun Kelly. The two men "had to be pulled apart," said a source for Page Six.
“They scuffled, then it settled down and Conor went for him again,” the insider explained before mentioning that the photographers were “saying they were going to boycott Conor because they were worried MGK and Megan [Fox] wouldn’t walk.”
