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What You Might Have Missed at the MTV Video Music Awards
Highlights from one of this year’s biggest nights in music
September 22, 2021
After over a year-long hiatus from live shows, MTV’s Video Music Awards returned to its usual order on Sunday, September 12th, with many artists and celebrities in attendance. Hosted by nominee and performer, Doja Cat, the three-hour television event felt like a homecoming for the celebration of music.
While previous—pre-pandemic—editions gave us those iconic performances, awkward interruptions (queue Nicki Minaj’s infamous “Miley what’s good?” confrontation), and surprising reveals, the 2021 MTV VMAs had their fair share of memorable moments, too. Here’s a look at the best of what went down at Brooklyn’s Barclay Center.
Megan Fox’s (and Machine Gun Kelly’s) Red Carpet Entrance
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Fox turned heads and nearly broke the internet when she stepped onto the red carpet in a sheer gown. The Transformers star confirmed that it was her boyfriend who decided on the outfit.
“He was like, ‘You’re gonna be naked tonight,'” she said in a red carpet interview with ET. “I was like, ‘Whatever you say, daddy!’ Whatever daddy says.”
Olivia Rodrigo’s VMAs Debut
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The “Driver’s License” singer stepped on the VMAs red carpet for the first time ever. She enhanced the awards show by performing a song from her hit album “Sour” and it did not disappoint. This may have been Rodrigo’s first appearance here at Barclay Center, but it certainly won’t be her last.
Olivia Rodrigo Performs “good 4 u” | 2021 VMAs | MTV
Lil Nas X’s VMAs performance featuring Jack Harlow
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Lil Nas X just dropped his first album this past week. But prior to his album launch, he put on a show at the video music awards. The “Old Town Road” singer wowed fans with his performance mashup of “Industry Baby” featuring Jack Harlow and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” The nearly five-minute-long performance was so detail orientated. The energy was unbeatable.
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow Perform “Industry Baby” & “Montero” | 2021 VMAs | MTV
Alicia Keys’s touching tribute to New York City
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Born and raised in New York City, Alicia Keys is undoubtedly known for her love and representation of the Big Apple, so her appearance at the VMAs was especially fitting. Keys’s performance kicked off with the debut of “LaLa” with rapper Swae Lee. The “Fallin’” singer then showed love to her city with a touching performance of “Empire State of Mind,” just a day after the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Chlöe’s fiery “Have Mercy” performance
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Chloe’s debut solo performance on Sunday was one for the books. It was creative. It was full of energy. It was everything — not to mention, it had the internet talking, too. While originally one half of Chloe and Halle, the “Have Mercy” singer did not only provide vocals, but executed an entire dance performance as well.
