- ♪ MTV ♪
Downloaded from YTS.MX
- ♪ I got you ♪
- That's right. That's right.
Welcome to the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards Pre-Show.
Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX
We're here in Brooklyn, New York,
on the red carpet at the Barclays Center
gearing up for an incredible show.
As you could see, the energy out here is crazy tonight.
As always, tonight's show will be jam-packed
with the hottest artists
that dominated your speakers and your screens all year
like Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X,
Normani and Justin Bieber,
and that's just to name a few.
I'm Nessa, one of your hosts tonight,
and I'll be joined by my all-female hosting team.
We will be running this red carpet, okay?
Say hi to my cohost, Jamila...
- ♪ And even if I wanted to, I can't stop ♪
[laughter]
- And recording artist, pop star
and tonight's celebrity correspondent, Tinashe.
[cheers and applause]
That's right. This is going to be a ton of fun,
and until the main show starts,
we're here on the carpet counting down
with exclusive performances, interviews and awards.
This is the best party of the year,
so let's not waste any more time getting into it.
Oh, by the way, I saw Doja Cat.
All right. Let's see what's going on with Jamila.
Who do you have over there?
- Thank you so much, Nessa.
Now, this carpet is going to be red-hot tonight,
and heating things up right now
is an incredible artist who's performing,
and not only that, he's nominated for one,
two, three, four, five, six nominations for VMAs!
It's Lil Nas X.
[cheers and applause]
- Yay, Lil Nas! Good for me!
- Let's jump right into it.
We already talked about the accolades.
How does it feel being back on the red carpet for the VMAs?
- Wow, I'm nervous as [bleep].
Everything feels good. It feels good though, you know?
I'm happy. - Now, in 2019
when you accepted your award,
you rolled out a scroll, okay? If you do win tonight,
do you have another scroll, and where are you hiding it at?
- I don't know what I'm going to do
when I win tonight honestly,
but, you know, it's going to be something great. Yeah.
- Listen. I see how you threw in,
"When I win," okay? That's how you claim it, okay?
- Manifestation.
- Manifestation, and you performed "Panini"
on the main stage as well back in 2019.
I mean, it was iconic. Do you plan on topping that?
Do you try to outdo your performances or...
- Absolutely.
This is going to be one to remember.
It's going to be a really good performance.
- Okay. How you topping it? Tell me in this ear.
- I can't... Look.
- I got you. Now listen.
Also, okay, you know, your debut album...
- My debut album.
- Your debut... Say it in the mic.
- "Montero," my debut album, "Montero"...
- Comes out... -... September 17th...
-... 17th. You... He's... -... Friday.
- He taking all my lines. September 17th.
- I'm sorry. It's going to be a...
- But it is one question. -... world-stomper.
You ready for it? - A world-stomper?
- You ready? - This is my question for you.
What direction are you taking "Montero" in?
What can your fans expect? Because it's hard.
- The future.
- Mm. - The future.
- Sum up the future in one word.
- We're going to say the future.
- What does that look like for you?
- The future looks like, "Montero,"
the album, September 17th.
- [laughs]
Listen. Thank you so much for chatting with me,
Lil Nas X. Listen.
I know that you are going to have an amazing show tonight.
You have so much in store. Go ahead.
Let me see that cape walk off. Let me...
Oh, I love it. I love it.
Okay. Enough of him. Put the carpet on me.
I have to see what else is going on on the red carpet.
[cheers and applause]
- What's up, everyone?
I'm coming to you straight from the fan pit.
There isn't a better place to be if you love music,
and we, myself included, are so excited
about what's going to happen tonight like introducing
our first preshow performer. Are you guys ready?
[cheering]
This Chicago-born rapper dropped his third studio album,
"Hall of Fame," this summer,
and it immediately became a number one.
Please give it up for... Say it with me, you guys!
One, two, three, Polo G!"
[Polo G's "RAPSTAR"]
♪ ♪
- ♪ Shout-out my [...] Cinco ♪
♪ ♪
- ♪ Uh, copped a BMW ♪
♪ New deposit, I picked up another bag ♪
♪ Like I'ma count while I'm in it ♪
♪ I hear planes flying ♪
♪ Crowds screaming, money counters ♪
♪ Chains clanging ♪
♪ I guess that's how it sound when you winning ♪
♪ I ain't joking ♪
♪ Do it sound like I'm kidding ♪
♪ I been making like 2,000 a minute ♪
♪ So high up through the clouds, I was swimming ♪
♪ I'm probably going to drown when I'm in it ♪
♪ I bet she going to get loud when I'm ♪
♪ And we might have a-- I won't love a-- ♪
♪ After we [...] she can't get near me ♪
♪ Only [...] I give a conversation to is Siri ♪
♪ My pants Amiri ♪
♪ Yes, I'm winning, clearly ♪
♪ I'm the chosen one, seen my potential ♪
♪ So they fear me ♪
- Polo G! - Polo G, over here!
♪ Lately I've been praying ♪
♪ God, I wonder, can you hear me ♪
♪ Thinking about the old me ♪
♪ I swear I miss you dearly ♪
♪ Stay down until you come up ♪
♪ I've been sticking to that theory ♪
♪ Every day a battle, I'm exhausted, and I'm weary ♪
♪ Make sure I smile in public ♪
♪ When alone, my eyes teary ♪
♪ I fought through it all ♪
♪ But that [...] hurt me severely ♪
♪ I've been getting high to hide behind my insecurity ♪
♪ Taking different pills, but I know it ain't gon'-- ♪
♪ Copped a BMW ♪
♪ New deposit, I picked up another bag ♪
♪ Like [...] I'ma count while I'm in it ♪
♪ I hear planes flying, crowds screaming ♪
♪ Money counters, chains clanging ♪
♪ I guess that's how that sound ♪
♪ When you say I ain't joking ♪
♪ Do it sound like I'm kidding ♪
♪ I been making like 2,000 a minute ♪
♪ So high up through the clouds, I was swimming ♪
♪ I'm probably going to drown when I'm in it ♪
♪ I bet she going to get loud when I'm [...] ♪
♪ They say I'm Pac rebirthed ♪
♪ Never put out a weak verse ♪
♪ Homicides when we lurk ♪
♪ I'm a step until my feet hurt ♪
♪ Been putting them streets first ♪
♪ White tees turned burgundy T-shirts ♪
♪ Looking for something real ♪
♪ He stuck in a deep search ♪
♪ Anxiety killing me, I just want to leave Earth ♪
♪ When they ask if I'm okay ♪
♪ That just make everything seem worse ♪
♪ Try and explain your feelings ♪
♪ Sound like something you rehearsed ♪
♪ Stabbed me in my back with a clean smirk ♪
♪ Looking so deep into your eyes ♪
♪ I can read your thoughts ♪
♪ So shut the-- I mean, please don't talk ♪
♪ I done been through too much, and I don't need another loss ♪
♪ Put that on every war scar for every battle I fought ♪
♪ Copped a BMW, new deposit ♪
♪ I picked up another bag ♪
♪ Like yeah, I'ma count when I'm in it ♪
♪ I hear planes flying, crowds screaming ♪
♪ Money counters, chains clanging ♪
♪ I guess that's how it sound what you say? ♪
♪ I ain't joking Do it sound like I'm kidding? ♪
♪ I been making like 2,000 a minute ♪
♪ So high up through the clouds, I was swimming ♪
♪ I'm probably going to drown when I'm in it ♪
♪ I bet she going to get loud when I'm [...] ♪
♪ And we might have a child when I'm finished ♪
♪ When I'm finished When I'm finished ♪
VMAs, thanks for having me.
♪ ♪
- Listen, now, that's how you kick off a pre-show.
I mean, do I even have to introduce
this incredible artist that I'm right here next to?
They've been chanting your name all day, Doja Cat.
Listen. You are here. Congratulations.
Now I want to go back a little bit with you, Doja.
Last year was your first VMAs.
This year, you're running the show.
I feel like you gave me a job this year. Thank you.
- I still haven't processed it yet.
This is amazing.
- Yes. - This is amazing.
- Now this is from my understanding first time
in history a host
is going to be performing as well as nominated.
You have different hats.
How are you balancing all of this?
- With hats.
I have a lot of funky hats tonight.
- Do you?
- No, you literally gave me the perfect opener
for that just now. I'm wearing really crazy hats.
I don't really want to spoil it.
- Spoil it. - But I got some...
No, uh-uh. I'll say I am wearing furniture somewhere.
- Furniture? - That's... I spoiled it.
That's a spoiler. - We love the visuals.
You have a beautiful vision. - Yeah, thank you.
- What else can you tell us about your performance tonight?
Just a little something?
- So I already spoiled that I'm doing "Been Like This"
and "You Right." - Yes!
- And it's going to be very different in a sense
that it's not upbeat and crazy.
It's more emotional and intense.
- Ooh, ooh, yes.
- Yes. - I like this energy.
- Lots of emotions. - So tell me,
how did you prepare to become a host tonight?
Did you tap into anyone and ask for hosting tips?
- I mean, we last-second this entire thing,
and I feel like that's fine with me
because I usually like to improvise,
and I think everyone trusted me,
so I think it's going to be good, no preparation, but yeah.
- Oh, oh, I like that. - No preparation.
- How about any rituals before you get out here?
- Any rituals?
I quit my rituals. I used to have a little bit,
a little shot, a little something.
- A little something?
- I think I quit just because it's too much now.
- But it's all right. Listen. I can't wait to see you
in there. So great to see you again.
Congratulations on all the success.
- Thank you.
- All your fans were chanting your name, Doja Cat.
Can't wait to see you kill it. Meow!
- Thank you. - Yes, absolutely.
- Thank you. - Give it up for Doja Cat.
Now we know songs don't just blow up if you aren't playing,
sharing and listening to them, so we asked you
why you loved the nominees for Song of the Year.
Here's what you had to say.
[upbeat music]
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
- Song of the Year, 24kGoldn,
featuring iann dior, "Mood."
- I think the song "Mood" should win
Song of the Year at the VMAs this year.
It is totally addictive.
- Your grandparents know it. Your parents know it.
Your cousin knows it. Your neighbors know it.
"Mood" was the song of the summer.
- ♪ I'm a leave the door open ♪
- Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic,
"Leave the Door Open."
- "Leave the Door Open" by Bruno Mars
should win Song of the Year. It's amazing, gets me hyped.
- Think about it, man.
It went all the way back to the '70s era.
It had me feeling like I was listening to The Temptations.
- Give it up for Bruno Mars! Woo!
- BTS, "Dynamite."
- This song broke so many records.
It always had stayed at the top of the charts and always--
everyone has been playing it, constantly playing it,
and I know I have.
- Go, go, go for the Song of the Year. Go, "Dynamite."
- Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion, "WAP."
- Song of the Year, Cardi and Megan, "WAP."
- I love the choreography.
I love the looks. I love the colors.
It was very entertaining to watch.
- "WAP" for Song of the Year! Woo!
- Olivia Rodrigo, "Driver's License."
- Ever since she put out this masterpiece of an album,
she has just blown me away.
- No one has done it like she has in the span of 8 months.
I mean, who remembers life before "Driver's License"?
- ♪ I'm levitating ♪ - Dua Lipa, "Levitating."
- Leaping for Dua Lipa because I hope her song,
"Levitating," wins Song of the Year.
- Everyone, let's hear it up! Everyone loves that song,
"Levitating"! Come on! Come on!
- Listen! Okay.
This is an insanely good group of nominees.
Our preshow coverage has just been begun.
Stay tuned, because coming up,
we have performances from Kim Petras and Swedish House Mafia
plus even more exclusive red-carpet arrivals, awards,
A-list interviews, more of Jamila and,
guess what, this year's most amazing talent on the planet,
all that and more right after the break.
So why would you guys turn that dial?
Keep it locked. We got more coming up.
- ♪ It's like a ghost town ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Baby ♪
♪ Where do these [...] be at ♪
♪ When they saying they doing all this and all that ♪
[indistinct shouting]
♪ ♪
[cheers and applause]
[indistinct chatter]
[mellow soul/pop playing]
♪ ♪
[indistinct announcer in background]
♪ ♪
[cheers and applause]
- MTV always has their eye on the next big thing
and every month, they feature a new artist,
bringing you a steady stream of the latest and greatest
on the music scene via MTV PUSH.
Let's learn a little more about this year's MTV PUSH artist
and then take a look at the supersonic glow-up of another.
♪ ♪
- Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Sizza--
some of tonight's biggest performers
and nominees had their big debuts right here on MTV PUSH.
And continuing in that tradition,
12 new breakout artists are now nominated
for PUSH performance of the year.
- This is crazy.
- I'm just really excited to see what happens.
- Everyone watching this, remember the name Madison Beer.
- Let's meet some of them, shall we?
- ♪ Why you holding on if you can't go back? ♪
When you say something that you dream about
and you touch your dreams for the first time,
it makes you start to dream bigger.
It makes you realize how much more you can do
and how limited you were looking at the world.
- All of this, all the lights, all the cameras,
all these interviews, performances.
That all came from a dream and a belief that I had in myself.
So I been saying before anyone else said it.
I'm gonna be the biggest artist in the world.
Now it's just time for the world to catch up.
♪ Coco Chanel ♪
- ♪ Shouldn't love you, but I couldn't help it ♪
You guys should give me a VMA because
I have a video of myself when I'm like three years old
and I'm singing the "Star-Spangled Banner"
and then at the end of it, I'm like, "Thank you, MTV!"
And I blow a kiss at the camera
and that would be a really cute Instagram post
thanking you guys if I got a VMA.
- ♪ Without you ♪
I feel like whatever happens is gonna happen
and all I know is that I'm working my hardest to do it.
If it works, it works,
if it doesn't, it's not meant to be, you know? So.
- Who will take home the Moon Person
for best PUSH performance of the year?
Keep it locked to find out.
- ♪ Without you ♪
- ♪ Can you kiss me more? ♪
- The Doja Cat is out of the bag.
Meet the hosts of the 2021 VMAs.
After winning last year's PUSH Award,
Doja Cat is nominated for six VMAs tonight
including artist and video of the year.
- Performing live on Planet Her is Doja Cat. Enjoy.
- ♪ Do it like that ♪
♪ And I'll repay it ♪
♪ Don't be scared, I ain't afraid ♪
♪ Just like that, come my way ♪
♪ 'Cause I like it ♪
- And the VMA goes to...
Doja Cat!
- I just wanna say thank you to my fans.
When I stand here right now and tell you
that I'm so thankful to have you as supporters,
I love you, and thank you, and thanks, Mom.
- Her musical versatility and out-of-this-world visuals
are redefining pop music for a whole new generation
of fans.
- I wanted to travel outside of the planet
and kind of try to inspire people fashion-wise
when it comes to the videos
and Choice Awards
and melodies and combinations musically.
I want it to feel otherworldly.
I just wanna make music that sounds good.
If you wanna dance, I did my job.
- Watch Doja Cat make history
tonight on the 2021 VMAs.
Meow!
[photographers shouting]
♪ ♪
[cheers and applause]
[overlapping shouting]
♪ ♪
- ♪ You say these are the golden years ♪
♪ But I wish I could do something...♪
- In 2021, Olivia Rodrigo blew up.
- It's brutal out here.
- She released her debut album,
became the youngest artist to top the Billboard 100,
and got nominated for one, two, three, four,
five, six VMAs.
I'd say this year was good for her.
But what do you think?
- ♪ Well, good for you, you look happy in hell ♪
I've been writing songs since I was so young.
I really have so much fun making music,
and it's just so fun that I get to do this for my job,
and at the end of the day, best thing I can do
is just, you know, do my best work,
and the rest is out of my hands.
♪ Good for you ♪
- Fans from 14 to 40 could relate to the lyrics
on Olivia's first hit single "Driver's License,"
catapulting it quickly to number one
on the radio charts.
- I've been working so hard on making music
for as long as I can remember,
and it's really cool to have people resonate
with what I have to say.
We're all so much more alike than we are different,
you know what I mean,
and we've all sort of felt like that.
I think honesty and vulnerability
is always relatable,
which is really like a nice thing to remember
as a songwriter.
You don't have to try to be something you're not.
- Will the VMA rookie send the stage
into overdrive tonight?
You gotta stay tuned to find out.
- ♪ I drive alone past your street ♪
[crowd cheering]
- Welcome back to the 2021 VMA Red Carpet!
Now, as you already know,
the VMAs is like a night like none other
for all of our nominees,
but one of my favorite moments of the night
is watching a new artist get their shine on,
right here, on the VMA stage, okay?
Now, MTV always acknowledges
some of the most talented newcomers
for the award for Best New Artist, presented by Facebook.
And this year is no different.
Now, the fandoms came together and voted which VMA rookie
they think should take home the award this year,
and we have narrowed it down to just two top contenders.
Now you guys at home can vote on Twitter
using these hashtags, right there.
And the winner will be announced later on
during the main show.
So make sure you keep it locked right here
to see who takes home the Moon Person for Best New Artist.
Now, let's see what else is going down on the red carpet.
- So much is happening out here,
and I'm extremely excited
because look who decided to show up to the VMAs,
Kid LAROI. Hi! - Hi, what's up.
- Listen, you see all the superstars walking right by.
I'm happy that you're here.
Three nominations tonight, including Best Artist.
How does this feel for you?
- Yo, this is my first awards show, so I'm so--
it's a lot, you know what I'm saying?
- It's a lot? - It's a lot.
Very confused as to what's going on.
But they told me that this is a great thing to do.
So, what's up? - Yes.
No. I'm so happy that you're here.
So how did you prepare for tonight?
What are we going to see?
- Well, I rehearsed a couple times,
I'm performing my song, "Stay," with Justin.
- Nice. - And--
- Wait, let's put some-- you know,
let's make sure we say that right.
Justin Bieber, you know. That's going to be great.
So did you guys talk
and discuss what it's going to be like?
Can you tell us any inside scoop?
- Yeah, so we've done the song,
like, quite a few times, just various places.
And then he just brung me the set build and was like,
"Yo, let's do mountains." And I was like, "Sick."
And yeah. So you're going to see mountains.
- This is exciting. Is there anyone in particular
that you're looking forward to seeing at all?
- I'm excited to see Olivia, as my friend.
- Yeah. Aw. - I'm going to say,
"what's up" to her. - I love that.
- And Jack. - Yeah, of course.
- Going to say "what's up" to Jack.
Yeah, lots of people. - Well I'm so excited for you.
How are we doing so far? Are you having fun?
- I am. I'm having lots of fun.
I see my friend, Omo, over there, so--
- Where, where, where? Oh, yes!
- They're right ahead. Yeah, there he goes.
- We saw Lil Nas X earlier.
Look at this. So much love.
- Yeah, let's go!
- See, I like this. You liking it?
- Yeah, I'm liking it now because my friends are here!
It was a little weird before. - No, no, no, no, no.
I'm your friend. I'm not you're friend?
- You're my friend. Yeah, you're my friend.
- Okay, good, okay good. Well, listen,
I know you're going to go join your friends right now.
Thank you so much. Can't wait to see you out there.
- Of course. Thank you for having me.
- Have an amazing night. Absolutely!
Now let's see what else is happening
on the red carpet. Ladies?
- I'm here with pop heartthrob, Shawn Mendes,
who is a nominee and a performer tonight.
What's up, Shawn? How are you doing?
- How you doing? You look amazing.
- Thank you so much. - This is so nice. Yeah.
- You're no stranger to the VMA stage,
and you're performing again tonight.
Any surprises in store for us?
- No surprises.
I'm just really happy to be here and see people in person.
- It's been a long year. How are you feeling
to see people again and feel that energy?
- Oh my. I mean, nervous. Like, I don't even know
what to do with all the energy actually.
And I feel like this is just like--it's weird.
It feels like the first VMAs again. So it's nice.
- Absolutely. And you have a new project
that you're performing tonight. How does that feel,
performing your new project for your fans?
- It feels so good. It feels really, really good.
I'm really excited to see my girlfriend play, actually.
I think she's going to-- - Ooh!
I think her performance is going to be spectacular.
- Ah! Spicy.
Well, congratulations on your nomination for "Wonder"!
What is it about "Wonder" that you think resonates
with your fans?
- I think it's true. I think I took a lot of time
to, like, really find something authentic inside of me.
And I feel like I really cared about it
and it came out very honest, you know,
and they always connect with my truth.
- Absolutely. I think fans can tell the difference
when it's authentic.
Well, thank you so much, Shawn.
We're so excited to see you perform.
- Thank you.
- Thank you, guys, for saying hi!
Enjoy the show, and let's check out what else is happening.
- Now I don't know. Okay, no one told me this.
But I just have a feeling
that it's going to be a huge night
for this next artist.
It's Olivia Rodrigo!
What is going on? - [chuckles shyly]
- Wow.
[cheering]
Take that moment in! Take the moment in, okay?
Now, Olivia, this is your very first MTV VMA.
What is it like being here tonight?
- Oh, my gosh. It's so exciting,
The energy is incredible,
and I'm just so stoked to be here, really grateful.
- I'm stoked for you to be here.
Now, not only are you here attending
and all those other great things,
but you will be gracing the stage.
What can you tell us about your performance tonight?
- Ooh, it's going to be super fun.
There's going to be dancing and sparkles
and there might even be a little flying,
which is going to be really exciting.
- Oh, okay. I have to wait and see.
I won't even ask you any more questions, okay?
But you are nominated for so many awards tonight.
And one of them-- one of those categories
that you're nominated for is
the PUSH Performance of the Year.
Now, we all know that MTV PUSH, you know,
they highlight emerging artists that are on the rise.
Those artist who are next up to become global icons, okay?
What has your life been like since then?
- Oh, my gosh. I mean, this year has been so incredible.
I put out my first song this January,
and that's just been this crazy, magical roller coaster.
And I also graduated high school.
So it's just be all around a great year.
- Wow. And it sounds like things are exciting for you.
So things are about to get
a little bit more exciting for you, okay?
Now, I have to just say this, because you just won.
Are you ready? Okay, I don't want to make it a big deal.
But you just won PUSH Performance of the Year,
Olivia. - Oh!
Oh, my gosh. It's so heavy.
I literally have no upper body strength. Thank you.
- Listen. - Oh, my gosh. It's beautiful.
- Listen, I was back there doing push-ups
just so I can practice holding it for you.
So I want you to do me a favor, Olivia, if you will.
Look right there into the camera, okay?
You see your millions of fans?
What would you like to say to them as you accept this award?
- Oh, my gosh. Huge thank you.
I couldn't be more grateful,
and all of this is because of you guys.
So thanks a million. I appreciate it.
- Congratulations, again.
And enjoy the rest of your night.
I'm so excited for you! - Thank you. You too!
- Go kill it! Okay.
Now I have to see what else is happening.
Listen, more from the 2021 VMA Red Carpet coming up.
Nessa also catches up with pop rocker icon,
Avril Lavigne, and so, so much more!
Trust me, you do not want to miss it.
But first, let's just take a look
at one of the night's biggest nominees.
- ♪ Let it roll ♪
- Join me in welcoming, BTS!
♪ ♪
- ♪ Get it, let it roll ♪
- After dropping their latest album last year,
K-pop phenomenon BTS
is still riding a wave of success
across the entire globe.
- Hi, MTV and everyone watching out there.
Hello! We are... all: BTS!
- Their song, "Butter" is nominated for six VMAs,
and it's still on the charts after its release last May.
- ♪ Smooth like butter ♪
♪ Like a criminal undercover ♪
- Pretty smooth.
- The album's main concept is shedding a hopeful light
during this new global climate
and reminding listeners that our life goes on.
- And the winner for Best K-pop is...
BTS!
- Best K-pop for 2 years running.
[all cheer] - We love you, ARMY,
and we'll make sure to give back this love
with even greater music and performances.
- ♪ Shinin' through the city with a little funk and soul ♪
♪ So I'ma light it up like dynamite, whoa-oh ♪
- How many Moon People will they take home tonight?
Watch and find out.
- ♪ Whoa-oh ♪
[cheers and applause]
[energetic music]
♪ ♪
[crowd cheering]
[rock/pop music]
♪ ♪
[indistinct chatter]
[photographers shouting]
- Now, you could go to any old red carpet
and find looks, but you come to the VMA red carpet
for the looks, period.
Let's check out some of the most iconic fashion
from the last three decades of the VMAs.
- ♪ Oh, baby ♪
- It wouldn't be the VMAs without the jaw-dropping,
sometimes shocking, and always unforgettable
fashion on the carpet.
Do you remember your favorite VMA fashion moment?
Here's some of ours.
♪ ♪
- And the VMA for video of the year
goes to...Lady Gag!
- I never thought I'd be asking Cher
to hold my purse.
- I thought the Mayor of New York
had outlaws outfits like this.
This is amazing!
- Well, tonight I just thought
that I'd do something that just say
"Look at her."
- Wow, that's Katy Perry, ladies and gentlemen.
Okay, how we doing? Good to see you.
What are you wearing right now?
- We're wearing Versace, custom Versace, of course.
- This is a Vera Wang ensemble,
and my publicist was a little nervous, so...
I am wearing things under this garment.
♪ ♪
- Hey, Miley, how's it going?
- You look great. - Hold that smile
right here, Miley!
- What about what you're wearing.
Describe this. What is this?
Who inspired it? - Jean-Paul Gaultier.
- Give it for Lady Gaga, you guys!
- ♪ Come a little closer 'cause you looking thirsty ♪
♪ I'ma make it better, sip it like a Slurpee ♪
- ♪ Snow cone chilly, get it free like Willy ♪
♪ In the jeans like Billie ♪
♪ You be poppin' like a wheelie ♪
- Okay. You caught me having a little fun.
Welcome back to the 2021 VMA Pre-Show.
I'm your girl, Jamila Mustafa,
and I am coming to you live from the Barclays Center
right here in Brooklyn, New York.
Now, I'm here on the red carpet right now with singer,
songwriter and VMA first-timer, Lil Huddy!
- Yes, ma'am. - What's going on, Lil Huddy?
- Not too much, man. This is my first time here.
I'm really excited. - Oh, my goodness!
Now, when you say excited, right,
because that's just, "I'm excited."
What does that really mean to you?
- These are so many artists I've looked up to for 3,
4, 5 years, and being able to be here for the first time
and experience it live is just amazing.
- Oh, my goodness, and you look fabulous.
- Thank you.
- I have to say, a lot of artists
that are performing tonight, they have a stage name,
but that's not their birth name,
and I don't know, okay? I'm not your sister,
but I'm guessing that your parents
didn't put "Lil Huddy" on the birth certificate.
- No, ma'am, no, they didn't.
- Okay, so listen, I want to have some fun.
Is it okay if I get some fans
and we try to guess who the real Lil Huddy is?
- Yeah, I'm okay with that, yeah.
- Ah! Okay, he's game! - Let's do it,
- Let's do it! Okay, here we go, okay?
So I have you guys. I've enlisted some fans,
and they're going to see if they can reveal this.
Now, this cue card right here, that's all scrambled up.
It actually says your real name,
and whoever can unscramble it in 10 seconds wins.
- Oh, yeah. - Okay, now what you win is,
you are crowned royalty right here on the red carpet.
It doesn't get better than that.
- No, it doesn't. - Are you ready to do it?
- I'm ready. - Yes. Let's go!
- All right.
- C. It starts with a... His last name starts with an H.
- Five! Four! Three! - Okay. Chase Hudson!
- Two!
- Oh! - That's the one.
- Good answer, that's it. - There you go!
- Wow! - Good job.
- That is correct. Come on, that's correct.
The name is Chase Hudson, AKA Lil Huddy.
- Good job.
- Thank you. - Good to meet you.
- And I just absolutely love it,
so many exciting things from you this year,
and I know that you actually recently teamed up
with Burger King as a part of their
Keep It Real Meals campaign. - I did.
- Also, Lil Huddy has some new music on the way.
- Oh, yeah, so I'm doing a challenge
with Burger King on TikTok.
I've also been working with them for a while now.
I went, me and my friends, and we all tried
every single item on the menu,
made sure we had the perfect menu option for me.
We narrowed it down. We had a whiteboard and everything,
and yeah, I've been working on this album
for about a year and a half, and it's been a real process.
It's been a challenge for me.
I've never done something like this before,
and I'm really excited for the world to hear it, man.
- Well, you're not the only one.
I'm really excited for this project
to come out. Thank you for your time.
Congratulations tonight. - Thank you so much.
- And I know that you're just going to kill it, okay?
You guys, let's go check in
to see what my other co-hosts are doing.
I know they're not having as much fun as us.
- I'm thrilled about this person joining me
on the red carpet, Jack Harlow. How are you?
- Tinashe, how are you?
- I'm amazing, happy to be here.
- Good to see you. Good to see you.
- You look good in the leather.
- You look good. - I got the leather on
as well. - Yeah, I love your hair.
- Thank you. You're returning to the VMAs this year
after a stellar pre-show performance last year.
How does it feel to be back tonight?
- It's good.
I was a little worried last year.
I didn't want all my success to take place on the Internet.
Now we're here in real life. It's a good feeling.
- Absolutely. We hear you and Lil Nas X
have something pretty huge planned
for tonight's performance. What can you tell us about it?
- You know him. He's a moment maker.
I'm just happy to be with him. He's a hell of a guy.
He's over there looking incredible.
- Yeah, I see him over there, stunning.
- Yeah, I'm excited.
The people are in for something.
- Okay, great. Are there going to be any
elements from the music video in your performance tonight?
- Little sprinkles.
- Okay, okay, keeping it a secret.
We love that. What would middle school Jack
have to say about you being here at the VMAs tonight?
- He'd be like, "Finally." - Finally.
- "I told you." - Exactly.
- He knew what it was.
- It's happy to be here, happy to be here.
- Very.
- Well, thank you so much for chatting with me.
Enjoy your night. - Thanks for having me.
- Hopefully you don't sweat too much in this leather!
- I'm glad it was you.
People don't know, this the first time we really met.
- It is the first time we've met.
- Yeah. Thank you.
- Well, we're excited to be here at the VMAs.
- And I'm standing here with another star.
Ozuna, so great to see you again!
- Yeah, yeah, second time to see you.
- Yes! Welcome back to the VMAs.
How you feeling right now?
- Thank you, thank you. I'm so happy, so, so, so happy.
I got something special tonight.
- Tell me. You can't just go in there
without saying something. Come on, we're friends.
- Come on, it's secret,
but I got something special to my people.
It's my premiere of my next single, "La Funka,"
from the next album is [indistinct].
- This is going to be amazing. What can you tell us?
What's going to happen on stage, a little?
- I take every, every stage to "La Funka,"
and thanks the VMAs to take time for me,
take this moment and give me my moment to me to premiere,
to do something special and something new.
- Yeah. Well, who are you hoping
to run into tonight, anyone special?
- Ooh, so special, and I'm dancing.
I got some flavor, good vibes to my people,
to Latin people and American people see me in VMA.
- That's going to be amazing. Did you see anyone
on the red carpet that you were happy to see yet?
- I see Lil Nas. I see Paris Hilton.
Everybody look beautiful.
- I know, right? Isn't this a moment?
- Yeah.
- What makes the VMAs different
than any other award show?
- He give the opportunity to the talents
and present new single new something and got good vibe,
got good family vibe. Everybody got take photo.
And got the pandemic the last time,
so come this year to open
and see your people is beautiful.
- Isn't it nice to see all the humans around here?
- Yes, I'm taking my photo. - I know! Did you see us?
We took so many pictures right now.
Your fans love you. - I know.
- Are you checking your DMs after this?
- I'm check every, every social media.
Everybody say, "Yo, I see you on the VMAs!"
- Well, Ozuna, thank you so much.
I know you got to run and get ready for the show.
- Thank you.
- We can't wait to see what you're going to do.
Welcome back to the VMAs.
- Thank you. Thank you for your time, VMAs.
- Of course. Now, there's so much more VMA Pre-Show left,
including performances by Kim Petras and Swedish House Mafia,
plus, you'll have to wait to see who wins
one of our biggest awards tonight--
Artist of the Year.
Let's take a look at what 2021 had in store
for this year's nominees and why you, the fans,
couldn't get enough of them.
♪ ♪
Ariana Grande.
- She's the moment, she is the voice.
She is a god.
God is a woman, and her name is Ariana Grande.
- Never misses a beat, always hard-working.
She definitely deserves this one.
- Justin Bieber.
- Even over a decade in his career,
he's pulling numbers and breaking records as it is,
and I just think he should be recognized for that.
- He's an incredible artist. He has incredible energy.
And overall, he's just amazing,
so...Justin!
- Olivia Rodrigo.
- I'm so excited that my favorite artist
Olivia Rodrigo is nominated for Artist of the Year.
- Olivia is a musical powerhouse,
and every single day, she's proving
that she's here to stay.
- Taylor Swift.
- I would love for Taylor Swift
to win Artist of the Year at the VMAs.
- It was pure magical.
I can't even find words to describe
how amazing this video is.
- Definitely deserves to be the Artist of the Year
because nobody does it like Taylor Swift.
- Doja Cat.
- Doja Cat, I'm such a big fan of hers.
She is so iconic. She's literally the Moonman.
- "Planet Earth's" a terrific album, I love it.
- She is a strong woman who's not afraid to take risks
with her music.
- Megan The Stallion.
- I think Artist of the Year should go to
Megan The Stallion
because her music and her music video this year
has betrayed body positivity
and women empowerment for women all around the world.
So she absolutely deserves this one--period.
- ♪ We gotta come right back...♪
♪ ♪
[overlapping chatter]
[cheers and applause]
♪ ♪
- Two of the biggest names in music, Ariana Grande
and Lil Nas X are nominated
for a combined eight awards tonight.
Let's just take a look at their journeys to the VMA.
[upbeat music]
- The biggest names in the business are here tonight
including one of the new faces of pop, Ariana Grande.
♪ ♪
How excited are you about this? - I'm very excited.
I'm very nervous, too, but I'm very excited.
What's up, Brooklyn!
♪ All I'm tryna say is you're my everything, baby ♪
♪ ♪
Whoo!
♪ Oh, baby ♪
♪ The part when I break free ♪
♪ 'Cause I can't resist it no more ♪
- Ariana Grande!
- This is incredible.
I didn't think I was gonna win one of these.
I want to thank my fans, who I love so, so much.
I love them more than anything.
And I want to thank MTV for supporting me and my music.
Thank you so, so, so, so much. Whoo!
- Charlamagne here with Ariana Grande.
Tonight, you're nominated for five VMAs,
including Best Female Video, Best Pop Video,
and Best Collaboration. How does it feel?
- I'm very excited. I'm very honored to be nominated.
It's awesome.
♪ Talking way too much ♪
♪ Say I should give you up ♪
♪ Can't hear them, no ♪
♪ Oh ♪
♪ Been here all night ♪
- And the VMA goes to Ariana Grande, "No Tears Left To Cry."
- Thank you guys so much.
I'm so grateful, first of all, to my fans.
I love you guys so much.
♪ [vocalizing] ♪
♪ My one ♪
♪ When all said and done ♪
♪ You'll believe God is a woman ♪
♪ Oh, yeah, baby ♪
♪ You'll believe God is a woman ♪
[cheers and applause]
- ♪ Call me when you want ♪
- Call him by his name... - Lil Nas X!
- ♪ Call me when you want, call me when you need ♪
♪ Call me out by your name, I'll be on the way ♪
- Over the last few years,
Lil Nas X has made his mark on the VMAs.
- With his VMA debut,
performing his brand-new single, "Panini."
- ♪ Hey, Panini, don't you be a meanie ♪
- He's performed...
- ♪ Why you tryna keep me teeny? ♪
- And the VMA goes to Lil Nas X!
[indistinct shouting]
- He's won...
- This is my first award ever!
And I--I got a little speech, so you know?
- And tonight, with six nominations,
let's see if Lil Nas X can do it again.
♪ ♪
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd cheering]
- ♪ And we cuddle ♪
♪ Sure, I do love it ♪
♪ But I need your lips on mine ♪
♪ Can you kiss me more? ♪
♪ We're so young ♪
♪ Boy, we ain't got nothing to lose, uh-oh ♪
- Welcome back to the VMA Red Carpet Pre-Show.
Now I am joined by...
Oh, I don't even want to tell you.
I am joined by the girl from Rio herself, Ms. Anitta.
- Hi. How are you?
- It is so great to see you here.
- Thanks. Thank you so much.
- On a scale of one to 10, how excited are you?
- Yeah, I'm so happy. It's my first time here.
- What was that like? It is your first time.
- It's crazy. It's the first time
there's a Brazilian person here at all,
so I'm actually so happy. I feel so honored.
- Listen, you should be proud of yourself.
You are representing yourself and your culture.
And I know about your fandom, but tell us a little bit
about the energy from your fans watching back home.
- Well, they are very intense.
I would say that. They are crazy.
We've been, like, talking before.
You see that they go intense.
They answer every one. They send questions.
They are crazy, in a good way.
- They support you, and that's why you're here tonight.
- For sure. - Now, listen,
you are representing Brazil to the fullest,
and you're performing later on tonight in the show.
I cannot wait for that.
But you even teamed up with Burger King
as a part of their Keep It Real Meals campaign,
but what can you tease, okay?
And tell us a little bit about tonight's performance.
- It's going to be very royalty.
I'm going to have my two mamas, the two personas--
my real one, which is Larissa, the one I'm, like, in my house,
you know, and the Anitta one.
It's a diva, singer,
all this fancy, glamorous style.
So people are going to see Anitta and the real me.
Keep it real. - And speaking of real you--
'cause you look all real tonight--
I wanted to ask you about that, okay?
Because when you hit the stage, that's right, she's Anitta,
but when you're at home chilling, you are Larissa.
So I wanted to know, who are we really going to get tonight,
and are we going to be able to tell the difference?
- I think you guys are going to get a little bit of both.
In the beginning, a little bit of Larissa
for you guys to just say hi, very quick,
and then we go full diva moment.
- Ooh, well, listen, we live for alter ego tonight.
- I mean, yes.
And then we can just keep going until the end of the night,
party, after-party. - Oh!
- Getting drunk, having fun. That's it.
- Okay! Listen, show us how you do it in Brazil.
Best of luck of you tonight. Enjoy this moment.
- Thank you. - And congratulation, Anitta.
- Thank you. - Ooh, ooh, I mean Larissa.
Well, let's see who else is on the red carpet.
- Wow. Wow. Can we just take a moment?
Have mercy! What is happening, Chloe and Halle?
How are you? - We are so great.
And so happy to be here together and kicking ass,
and it's going to be a great night.
- Now, Chloe, this is going to be,
you know, your solo main stage debut.
Halle, what are you going to be doing in the meantime,
when she's up on that stage?
- I'm going to be screaming my head off, okay?
I'm so excited. This has just been
such a wonderful time, watching her rehearse.
Nobody is ready for this performance,
is all I have to say. - I love you.
- Wait a minute. You can't just say that
and not give us some insight. Tell us something!
The visuals-- are we going to see some
of what we saw in the "Have Mercy" video on that stage?
- Yes, definitely. I'm bringing the music video
to life, and I'm so happy to perform,
and I'm going to feel comfortable on that stage
because my beautiful sister is going to be presenting me.
So I'm more than excited and grateful.
I've just been over the moon excited
and happy with the response to "Have Mercy."
I'm so grateful, and we get to be here together,
and it's going to be really special.
- Is it going to be kind of weird
not to see her right next to you on that stage?
- It is, but I will, because I'm going to look right up,
and she's going to be right there in her beautiful gown,
and I'm going to be like, "Okay. I feel better.
I can do this because she's right there."
- You've got this. It's all under control right now.
- Yes, yes. - Well, how do you both
prepare for a night like this?
Do you give each other pep talks?
How does this work?
- Pray. Yeah. - Pray.
It's really prayer, and then, yeah, that's it.
- Lots of notes. I like--I...
[chanting] - Listen.
You hear that?
"Chloe and Halle" is the chant right now.
Look at your fans. Look at this.
What a moment. - I'm gonna cry!
- Oh, my gosh. This is--
- I'm going to cry right now. - I can't cry my makeup off.
- Well, we can't cry.
The makeup is too gorgeous right now.
But, you know what? To see you on this journey,
and I've seen you for years now,
I am so proud of the both of you,
and to see the support system right now.
- That's my best friend, right here.
- Well, tell me the inspiration behind the outfits.
I can't let you guys run off without telling me something.
- Well, I was definitely inspired by, like, the Medusa,
witchy vibe for the video, and I'm wearing Marni,
and it's so fun and comfortable.
And, sis, what are you wearing, darling?
- Yes, I am wearing Monot, and it is just comfortable,
and that's all I needed.
- And, yes, very comfortable, and it's just like,
"Wow. It's all well put together."
Well, what's your must-have when you hit the red carpet?
- Each other. - Each other.
- And...a piece of gum so our breath doesn't stink.
- Yeah, and some perfume so I'm not smelling up--
- I forgot the gum, so I hope it's all right over here.
- I got the gum for you guys. Don't even worry.
Well, thank you to the both of you.
- Thank you. - You look amazing.
Best of luck on that stage.
- Thank you. - Can't wait to see you.
Can't wait to hear you scream for your sister.
It's going to be amazing.
There's still so much more pre-show to come.
What else is happening on the red carpet?
- Our next performer is here to sing "Future is Now"
from her upcoming album.
But before Kim Petras performs,
let's see how this trailblazing icon
got ready for her VMA show debut.
[exciting music]
- What's up, MTV? I'm Kim Petras.
I'm at rehearsals for the VMAs.
So the inspiration for this performance came from...
It happened after Lollapalooza in Chicago.
I always feel like going on stage
and performing really frees my brain up.
And I woke up the next morning, and I was like,
"I have the idea."
And a little tease would be
that it's sticky, and it's pure pop.
It's bubblegum pop, you could say.
I came up with this idea with my amazing team.
We made it happen, and it was amazing today to see it,
like, my kind of vision of it, I guess, for the first time,
and it's-- I'm really proud of it.
Of course, I can't do the VMAs without a little change.
I can't just give you one look,
so stay tuned for the end of the performance,
but I am so happy with it.
I just tried it on for the first time,
and it hits, slaps. All right, MTV.
That's all I can show you, or I'll give it all away.
♪ ♪
Love you. Mw-ah.
- And now, this bubblegum pop princess is ready to rock out.
Give it up for Kim Petras!
- It's so good to see you guys.
♪ ♪
♪ Ain't nobody gonna stop me ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Don't you let the music stop now ♪
♪ You're more than just anybody ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Don't give up, the future starts now ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Worry 'bout it in the mornin' ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Take it to another level ♪
♪ ♪
♪ You're more than just anybody ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Don't give up, the future starts now ♪
♪ ♪
♪ One day, everyone will notice ♪
♪ The world is yours, and you should know it ♪
♪ ♪
♪ So don't let love get out of focus ♪
♪ Don't give up, the future starts now ♪
♪ ♪
♪ I know you can take the pressure ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Turn it into something better ♪
♪ ♪
♪ So take the pain and make it pleasure ♪
♪ Yeah, don't give up, the future starts now ♪
♪ Le futur ♪
♪ C'est maintenant ♪
♪ Un, deux, trois, quatre ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Ain't nobody gonna stop me ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Don't you let the music stop now ♪
♪ ♪
♪ You're more than just anybody ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Don't give up, the future starts now ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Worry 'bout it in the mornin' ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Take it to another level ♪
♪ ♪
♪ You're more than just anybody ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Don't give up, the future starts now ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Lose control, take control, anything you want tonight ♪
♪ On a roll, good to go, let the moment blow your mind ♪
♪ Take your time, take your time ♪
♪ Baby, it don't matter ♪
♪ Let it ride, let it ride ♪
♪ Take it to the afters ♪
♪ Let your heart decide ♪
♪ Let it change your life tonight ♪
♪ Yeah, you're almost there ♪
♪ You can almost touch the light ♪
♪ If you're lost, and you find that you need somebody ♪
♪ In the dark, baby, don't you know the future starts now ♪
♪ Le futur ♪
♪ C'est maintenant ♪
♪ Un, deux, trois, quatre ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Ain't nobody gonna stop me ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Don't you let the music stop now ♪
♪ ♪
♪ You're more than just anybody ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Don't give up, the future starts now ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Worry 'bout it in the mornin' ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Take it to another level ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, you're more than just anybody ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Don't give up, the future starts now ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Le futur ♪
♪ C'est maintenant ♪
♪ Un, deux, trois, quatre ♪
♪ [vocalizing] ♪
♪ ♪
[gulping]
Ah!
[cheers and applause]
[overlapping chatter]
[funky music]
♪ ♪
- Olivia, [indistinct]
[overlapping chatter]
- ♪ Try not to abuse your power ♪
- ♪ Calling my phone like I'm locked up, nonstop ♪
♪ From the plane to the [...] helicopter, yeah ♪
- ♪ Champagne and drinkin' with your friends ♪
♪ You live in the dark, boy, I cannot pretend ♪
- ♪ The more that you say, the less I know ♪
♪ Wherever you stray, I follow ♪
- ♪ Yup, in my white tee, yeah ♪
♪ Call up Hype Williams for the hype, please ♪
- ♪ Two, four, five hundred stacks for the hood ♪
♪ Call me lumberjack 'cause I wish a [...] would ♪
- ♪ Brown skin girl ♪
♪ Your skin just like pearls ♪
- ♪ I'm not your friend or anything, damn ♪
- ♪ Another splinter under the skin ♪
- ♪ Feels so holy, holy, holy, holy, holy ♪
- ♪ My biggest enemy is me, pop a 911 ♪
- ♪ Solar ♪
♪ Power ♪
- ♪ Time already, time already ♪
♪ Time already, it's time already ♪
- ♪ Do my bad habits lead to wide eyes stare into space ♪
- ♪ This is biological stasis ♪
♪ My mood's shifting too many places ♪
- ♪ Romantic talkin'? You don't even have to try ♪
♪ You cute enough to [...] with me tonight ♪
- ♪ That's my best friend, she a real bad [...] ♪
♪ Drive her own car, she don't need no Lyft ♪
- ♪ Begging for you to take my hand ♪
♪ Wreck my plans, that's my man ♪
- ♪ This ain't build a B ♪
♪ You don't get to pick and choose ♪
- ♪ Saved me over and over for so long ♪
- ♪ Girl, I want you like you want me too ♪
♪ I feel that energy ♪
- ♪ Please, Tangerine, sugar, honey, sweet ♪
♪ Got what I need, Tangerine ♪
- ♪ Call me when you want, call me when you need ♪
♪ Call me in the morning, I'll be on the way ♪
- ♪ You throw your head back and you spit in the wind ♪
- ♪ Don't need to side [...] no ♪
♪ Got the neighbors yelling "Earthquake!" ♪
- ♪ High like the moon, rock with me, baby ♪
- ♪ My bad habits lead to late nights endin' alone ♪
- ♪ Another season of loneliness ♪
- ♪ Maybe we can find a-- ♪
- ♪ Don't know why you hide ♪
♪ From the one and close your eyes ♪
- ♪ So if you tryna lay in these arms ♪
- ♪ Know that I got that heat ♪
♪ Let me show you 'cause talk is cheap ♪
♪ ♪
- ♪ Hey, yuh, I got one ♪
♪ My lawyer got one and that there is the only two ♪
- ♪ All we ever want is auto all the time ♪
- ♪ And I say oh ♪
♪ There's nothin' like your touch ♪
- ♪ Prisoner, prisoner ♪
♪ Locked up, can't get you off my mind ♪
♪ Off my mind ♪
- ♪ Got the magic touch ♪
♪ You can call me Midas ♪
♪ This is what it's like when you're on my list ♪
♪ Shoot, don't miss ♪
♪ Loving how it feels when we're just vibing ♪
♪ Don't fight it ♪
♪ Canceled all my plans, all the side chicks ♪
- So much happening right now. Welcome back,
and I'm fangirling a little bit right now
because I'm joined by the iconic pop star,
rocker, trendsetter,
VMA vet, Avril Lavigne. Hi, Avril!
- Hi. How are you?
- Great. Welcome back to the VMAs.
- Thank you! It's great to be here!
- I know.
Now I know you've had memorable moments at the VMAs.
Do you have an all-time favorite memory?
- Well, the VMAs hold a very special place in my heart
because this is where I won my very first award ever,
a Moonman, for Best New Artist, so I love to be at the VMAs.
- Do you have any advice for an upcoming artist
right now after sharing that story?
- My advice is always just be true to yourself
and follow your heart
and have as much fun as possible...
- That's right. -... and just,
yeah, be true to yourself. Do your thing.
- And one of the best parts of the VMAs is the fans!
- Absolutely. [cheering]
- Now how's everybody feeling tonight?
- Everyone is so excited tonight!
- I know, but they're outside, and I feel like the best part
of everything is happening on the inside.
- No way! No way!
- So I think we should fix this if that's okay.
- Do you guys have tickets to the shows, to the VMAs? No?
- Oh, no, no, no, no.
- Can we do something about that?
- I think we can.
Actually, thanks to GEICO and MTV, it's going to happen.
Everybody's getting tickets! - Oh, my God!
- You're going to be inside the 2021 VMAs!
- Aw, that's so amazing! Yeah!
- I love this!
Avril, isn't this beautiful... - This is awesome!
-... that joy, that excitement?
- Yeah. - It's amazing.
Well, listen, Avril. Have an amazing time inside.
- Thank you. - You all are so amazing!
Have fun, okay?
- Have fun at the show! - Now let's go ahead and check
out what's happening on the red carpet.
- Y'all so silly. - Beautiful.
- You're so silly. Mm, come on.
I am standing right here with three pop music icons.
I'm talking about Lance Bass, AJ McLean, and Nick Lachey.
- Thank you! What up? - Oh, my goodness.
Now I can't. [crowd cheering]
- Thank you.
- Oh, yeah! - We paid him to do that!
- Oh, yeah! - That's my family over there!
- There we go. Now I can't lie, gentlemen.
This is every '90s girl's dream right here, okay?
And I just have to say that you are representing
three of the greatest boy bands of all time.
- Wow. Thank you. Thank you. - Thank you.
- You got to put respect on the name, okay?
Now I know what it means
for fans to see you guys here, to get the love.
You heard them chanting the songs,
but I got to ask you guys as the OGs, the icons,
what is it like gracing the red carpet once again?
- It's awesome.
This is a part of history for all three groups.
I mean, we've been doing this for almost 30 years now,
and to still be able to come here,
MTV VMAs
and get that kind of love and respect is phenomenal.
- They've actually asked us to be the chaperones tonight.
- Yeah, so...
- We're now officially that old.
- To enforce the 6-foot rule. - Yeah, yeah.
- Back, back, back, back, back, back, back.
- What are you doing?
- Really quick, okay, because it's rare
that we get a chance to talk to living icons
that are still as relevant as you guys,
what is your favorite VMA moment really quick?
- Oh, boy. - Oh, my gosh.
- Years ago, we were presenting an award,
and one of the guys from Rage climbed a set
and literally shut down the awards show live.
It was... yeah. - I love it.
You guys are doing some amazing things still.
Nick, I just got to talk about it
because y'all have a very special event
coming up early next year,
and it's called Total Relief Live.
Tell us a little bit about that.
- Yeah, TRL, Total Relief Live.
Putting together a fundraising concert
obviously along with MTV, TRL-era acts coming together
for a fundraising night benefiting Feeding America,
it's going to happen in January in Los Angeles in 2022,
so excited to put that on,
and obviously if you're going to call something TRL,
you got to go to the marquee names of TRL.
- Right here.
- So my boys are here representing tonight.
And we're excited to put this together and excited
to bring it to the world. - I love it.
Well, we're all supporting, and I just got to say, Nick,
AJ, Lance, thank you for your time.
Enjoy tonight. - Thank you.
- Thanks for having us.
- Nessa, what's going on on the red carpet?
Because you know what's happening over here.
- Well, I'm now joined by the incredible global
pop star Troye Sivan. Thank you for being here.
- Thank you for having me. Global pop star, that's nice.
- Oh, you like that? - Yeah, that was very nice.
- Now let's go back a little bit.
I saw you on the red carpet in 2016...
- Crazy. - So I know the VMAs holds
a special place in your heart. - Very, very special.
I remember that day so clearly,
and, yeah, it was a highlight for me.
I really... I loved it. It was great.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
- How does it feel to be back tonight?
- I'm so stoked. - Yeah?
- I'm so stoked.
I've already seen some crazy [bleep],
and I am, yeah, looking forward
to the rest of the night. I think it's going to be good.
- Oh, yeah. It's going to be beautiful.
Now you've already been getting ready for the VMAs
before you even got here. - Yeah.
- You had yours special performance
pushed at a VMAs concert, which was amazing.
- Yeah.
- Thanks to EXTRA Gum for making that happen.
So tell me, how was it to be reunited with your fans again?
- Well, that was the thing. It was my first time
performing live in over 2 years,
and, yeah, I don't know. I just was... I got nervous.
It was like my first show all over again,
but it was amazing. It was a really good time.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
- Well, guess what? We are going to see
some of that performance later on during that show.
That's okay, right? - Yeah, of course.
- That's going to be coming up.
I really appreciate you stopping by, Troye.
- Thanks so much for having me.
- We'll see you in a little bit.
I love the outfit. - Thank you. Thank you.
- I wish I could pull it together,
but here I am trying my best.
- No, you look amazing. What are you talking about?
- I'm trying. Hey, listen. - You look great.
- I'm just trying to be on your level, right?
- No, you're doing it. You're doing it.
- Thank you. Thank you so much.
Now let's see what else is happening on the red carpet
right now.
- Yes, I just have to tell you guys how excited
we are about tonight. We have so much coming up.
There is so much in store, and I just have to say
that there are so many awards to be won tonight.
You guys can hear them. They're getting excited.
We have Polo G right there behind us,
and I just have to tell you that tonight is on fire,
but I have to switch to a more inclusive topic, okay?
We got to talk about something that's very, very important
because the artists nominated tonight
for Video for Good category,
they really took their messages beyond the music,
and they wowed us with their powerful
and inspirational videos this year.
Now these artists addressed topics like oppression,
addiction, division, trauma and abuse,
and they even showed us that no topic is taboo.
Plus we're all in this together.
Now one topic that is very important to us all
is mental health because mental health is health,
so I want you guys to take care of yourself
and the people around you.
If you're struggling, just know there's help.
Go to mentalhealthishealth.us to learn more.
Now let's see what else is going on on the red carpet.
- Foo Fighters, BLACKPINK, BTS,
after the break, 25 million of you guys
voted for our Group of the Year award.
After the break, we'll be announcing the winner,
but first, the Moonperson has repped MTV
since its inception in 1981
because we've always been inspired by the exploration
of new worlds and the idea that anything is possible,
so what better way to celebrate tonight
than with some real-life moon people?
Take a look.
- Hello. I'm NASA astronaut
Megan McArthur of the Expedition 65 crew
aboard the International Space Station
here with my crewmate, Shane Kimbrough.
- We are orbiting the Earth 260 miles above all of you,
and like everyone tonight at the VMAs,
we have an excellent view of the stars,
just different kinds of stars.
- Part of our work here is to advance science and technology
so we can launch our Artemis missions,
which will include sending the first woman
and first person of color to the Moon.
- We want to congratulate MTV on its 40th anniversary
and for recognizing that the sky is not the limit.
From your launch in 1981 with Apollo mission footage
to today with the Moon Person award
and its message of diversity.
- We at NASA share the vision of inclusion
to reach the Moon and beyond.
Have a great night.
[overlapping chatter]
[upbeat music]
♪ ♪
- There's so much awesome talent
that walked down the carpet tonight.
I mean, I'm standing next to one right now, MGK,
and while we know it's always been an honor to be nominated
winning a VMA, it's also a whole mood
when someone walks away with a Moon Person.
Now, here are some past winners
that really had their own moment with their Moon Person.
[upbeat music]
Winning a Video Music Award can get pretty emotional
for not only the winner,
but for all of us watching at home.
Here are some of the artists who had us in our feels.
- I want to share this award with everybody.
Just because we're separated right now
and culture may feel less alive in some ways,
I know a renaissance is coming. This is what I believe.
I want nothing more than to be your artist in 2020.
- And the winner, Miley Cyrus!
- My name is Jesse and I am accepting this award
on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth
in the United States.
I know this because I'm one of these people.
- Recently, I was driving my daughter to school
and she said to me out of the blue,
"Mama, I'm the ugliest girl I know."
I said, you know,
"I really want to know why you feel this way about yourself."
And she said, "Well, I look like a boy."
And I said, "Well, what do you think I look like?"
I said to her, I said, "Do you see me growing my hair?"
She said, "No, Mama."
I said, "Do you see me changing the way
I present myself to the world?" "No, Mama."
"Do you see me selling out arenas all over the world?"
"Yes, mama." "Okay."
- You know, the videos is about, you know, being me,
being Black and Jewish.
I went to this house party one time
and when I showed up there, you know, it was a bunch of kids.
I ended up, like, getting made fun of,
but the point is I want to dedicate this award to, like,
any kid that's ever had a long walk home by yourself.
This is to you, man. For real. We made it, bitch!
[cheers and applause]
[energetic music]
♪ ♪
[photographers shouting]
- ♪ And tonight had something wonderful ♪
♪ My bad habits lead to late nights, endin' alone ♪
♪ Conversations with a stranger I barely know ♪
- Yes. Welcome back. And yes, look who I ran into!
It is happening.
VMA-winning, the Blond Don, Machine Gun Kelly!
- Hi, hi. - We are reunited!
- It's been a while. - We are reunited.
Many years. - Yes, many years.
- I'm so happy to be with you because you've been supportive
of mine for a very long time. - A very long time.
- Yeah. - I am so proud of you.
Last year, we saw you perform during the pre-show.
This year, main stage, thanks to Doritos.
This is going to be incredible. How do you feel about this?
- I mean, one, I always wanted to walk a red carpet with fans
and be able to see people
and the stuff that I watched on MTV when I was growing up.
- That's right, that's right.
- I think, like, manifestation is the key word for me.
I tweeted 9 years ago
that I wanted to perform at the VMAs.
Obviously it's been like a lifetime dream for me.
So the fact that it came true,
I'm glad it's happening now than earlier,
and it made me, like, earn my right to be here, you know?
- Yeah. Remember growing up in Cleveland,
and this moment, did you think it was going to happen?
Talk to me. - Oh, yeah.
Ask anybody in Cleveland, they'll tell you.
I was walking around with mixtapes,
telling everybody like,
"Dude, I'm the hottest thing going here. Like, you'll know."
- Now, we're getting ready for your performance tonight.
You always take it to another level.
How are you going to do that tonight?
- I've been really inspired by,
almost like musical theater, if that makes any sense.
It will when you see it. - Oh, yeah.
- But kind of like an interpretation
of the lyrics that I wrote in my brain,
and then you take it and make what you want of it.
- I'm so excited. And I saw you and your lady,
Megan, walking down this red carpet.
- Yes. Yes. That's my heart.
- Wait, we can't just, you know,
talk through everything and not talk about
how amazing the both of you looked. What?
- Thank you. Yeah, that's all her, but--
- Is she deciding what you're wearing?
Are you helping her? What's that like?
What's that conversation in the room like, MGK?
Come on. - It's 50/50.
This one, she took the lead. - I like it.
- And I get the pleasure of having her on my arm
all night, and she's beautiful.
- Oh, my gosh. Yeah, she is.
She's back there, in case the cameras can't see.
Well, listen, MGK, have an amazing time tonight.
Say hi to your lady. - I will.
- Love seeing you, as always. - Thank you.
- And I know there's more stuff happening
on the red carpet right now. What's going on?
- It's time to give a very special VMA.
And I'm here with one of the trailblazing digital creators
on social media to tell you more about it.
Bretman Rock! - Whoo!
Thank you for having me, I'm so happy to be here.
You know me, Tinashe. - Oh, yes.
- I'm always ready to serve.
- Oh, my gosh, and you're serving
in this vintage gown, looking--
- Yes. Mr. Roberto Cavalli, shout-out to you.
- Chef's kiss.
- This week, MTV has been celebrating the creators,
artists, and songs that blew up on TikTok.
And, honey, there was a lot of them,
and so many performing artists tonight
have inspired huge trends.
Do you think Lil Nas has seen the "Industry Baby" TikTok?
- The one that you did? Honey, everyone has seen it.
- He better have seen it. - I think he has.
Fans voted in TikTok last week for categories like
Best New Artist and Creator Collab and Best Comeback Song.
All but one of the winners were announced on Friday,
during the livestream celebration.
- And so, right here, right now,
we're going to reveal the trendiest VMA winner
for Breakthrough-- Best Breakthrough Song.
- Let's take a look at the nominees!
- ♪ I'm not built for you ♪
- ♪ [vocalizing] ♪
- ♪ There's a whole lotta money in this [...] ♪
- ♪ I get them big bags, yeah ♪
♪ Count 'em and flip ♪
-♪ Fallin' out in a drought ♪
♪ No flow, rain wasn't pouring down ♪
- ♪ He couldn't find a replacement ♪
♪ He done lost a good [...], y'all too basic ♪
- And the winner is...
Claire Rosinkranz! Whoo!
Unfortunately, she couldn't make it here tonight,
so I will be accepting her award on her behalf.
- Well, congratulations.
I know I said this before, but this is my favorite,
favorite time to give out another award.
And next up, it's for Group of the Year.
You guys loved the 2021 nominees--
BTS, Foo Fighters,
CNCO, Jonas Brothers,
Maroon 5, Silk Sonic, and BLACKPINK.
Well, you voted an incredible 25 million times,
which is insane.
That's, like, an insane amount of votes.
- Yes. - If all of those votes
followed me on Instagram, I don't know.
- @Tinashe. - Follow me.
And the winner is...
BTS! - Whoo!
[cheering]
- Congratulations to BTS.
They couldn't be here either tonight,
but they wanted to send their love
and a special thank you to all of their fans.
Let's take a look.
- Hey, we are... all: BTS.
- Thank you, VMAs,
for the Group of the Year award.
- And ARMYs, this is all possible thanks to you guys.
Although we can't meet in person,
we feel your love, every minute and second.
- We love you, and we miss you.
all: Thank you so much!
- Thank you!
- Look who I found.
Okay, Simone Biles here.
By the way I've been stretching,
I've been trying to get right.
But listen, I can't even do a cartwheel.
I can't do anything you do.
You're incredible. - Thank you.
- Thank you so much for taking the time to be here today!
- You're welcome!
- What an event, the VMAs, right?
- I'm very excited.
- Now, I heard you're going to be on stage.
What are you going to be doing on that stage,
'cause I'm so curious now?
- So, I'll be presenting Doja Cat tonight.
- Wait a minute. You said it so casually!
- Yeah. - That's going to be amazing.
- Yeah. - This is exciting.
Any pressure?
- I honestly feel more nervous than I do competing.
And I don't know why-- - What?
- But, I don't know. - What is it?
- It's like a little bit out of my element.
- Okay, a little bit, but you're doing amazing.
- Thank you. - Okay.
So what is your must, go-to item
that you have to have when you hit the red carpet?
- Oh, probably lip gloss. Keep them fresh.
- Lip gloss. Yeah. - Yeah. Nice.
- Can't go wrong with that. No, not at all.
Well, out of all the nominees, who's on your playlist
when you're getting ready to work out?
- Okay, definitely right now, my hype list,
I'm super excited to pronounce--
to announce her, but it's also Doja Cat.
- Really? You're not just saying that?
- No, I'm not just saying that. I'm dead serious!
We're, like, jamming to her. Love her music.
- That is so awesome.
Well, listen, would you be able to teach me a couple moves,
or do you think it's like, I've had my run?
- Maybe afterwards. Yeah. - Maybe afterwards. Wow.
You're so nice. I love it.
Well, Simone Biles, I can't wait to see you on that stage.
Congratulations on all of your success.
We all love you so much. - Thank you so much.
- Of course. It's going to be amazing.
And, of course, there's so much more coming up
from the 2021 VMA Pre-Show.
But first, this is the Video Music Awards,
so it only makes sense to address the biggest award
of the night, and you guys couldn't wait
to tell us why you love the nominees
for Video of the Year.
Let's take a look.
♪ ♪
- Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion, "WAP."
- The different makeup looks, the choreo,
like that video deserves everything,
and I hope it wins.
- I 'm giving the video a 10 outta 10.
- D Khaled, featuring Drake,
"Popstar", starring Justin Bieber.
- I, too, would be lowing up Justin Bieber's phone
if I knew how insane that video was gonna be.
- The collab in Justin Bieber, DJ Khaled, and Drake
was amazing, and seeing the whole concept of the video,
we wish you were there.
- Doja Cat, featuring Sizza,
"Kiss Me More."
- I really think that Doja Cat
should win Video of the Year for "Kiss Me More."
She's super great. She's always super creative
with her visuals.
- I just remember watching it
for the first time, and my mind being
absolutely blown at how amazing the video is.
- ♪ Bad habits...♪
- Ed Sheeran, "Bad Habits."
- Always surprises us.
He always raises the bar.
Everything he does is extraordinary.
- And he's got cool new hair in this music video
with a pink suit and special effects.
The cinematography in this music video deserves to win.
- Lil Nas X,
"Montero, Call Me by Your Name."
- Lil Nas X, guys.
When have you, in the history of ever,
seen a man...
twerk down a pole?
- That was iconic!
- Probably one of the best videos I've ever seen.
- The Weekend, "Save Your Tears."
- The Weekend has to win this award
because "Save Your Tears" is an absolutely favorite,
and he's an icon of his generation.
- See, The Weekend has always found a way
to challenge the average eye visually.
Now, if that is not creative,
then I don't know what is, to be honest with you.
♪ ♪
[energetic music]
♪ ♪
- Now we all know that the artists nominated tonight
are gonna show up.
But we have no idea how they're gonna arrive
or what they're gonna do once they're inside.
How 'bout we take a quick look at just how unpredictable
the MTV VMAs can be.
[upbeat music]
The celebrities who show up to the VMAs
don't just make entrances, they reinvent them.
From yachts to fire trucks to circus animals,
the VMA red carpet arrivals have and will always be
absolutely legendary.
Let's take a look at some of our favorites.
[old school hip-hop music]
- No one has ever made an entrance quite like this ever.
Please welcome to the VMA white carpet
the boys of 30 Seconds to Mars.
- This is typical bike riding chaos right now.
- Wow, you look down Dean Street in Brooklyn,
here comes Pharrell on the red carpet
riding on a bike and a crew of bicyclists doing bike tricks.
What a red carpet entrance this is.
Man, Pharrell Williams.
Give it up for Pharrell, Brooklyn!
[siren wailing]
- And arriving right now to Radio City Music Hall,
it's Pink!
Did they let you play with the siren?
- We got the siren. How's my hair?
- It's windswept.
- And I saw this cat coming in from Long Beach, California.
He's driving up right now up the ramp.
Give it up for Snoop Dogg. How y'all like this car?
[cheers and applause]
- We had the fire truck tonight,
but now, we've got a party bus
with, of course, Cobra Starship.
- And how much grander can you get than this?
Oh, my gosh, the circus has arrived, ladies and gentlemen.
I give you the ringmaster, T-Pain! How you doing, man?
- What's going on, man? - What a beautiful ride.
- I'm trying to do what I can, you know?
- Yes, indeed, the man with the tan, Ricky Martin.
Let's see how long it takes you to disembark from this ride.
♪ ♪
- The VMAs are known for the awards...
[cheers and applause]
fashion, and killer performances.
♪ ♪
But if you think you know what's going to happen,
think again.
Let's check out some of the most unpredictable moments
from the VMA stage.
- Oh, my God! Hello!
[grand orchestral music]
♪ ♪
Whoa, I'm so happy to be back on planet Earth.
You guys look so great.
♪ ♪
- What's poppin', everybody? Welcome to New York!
I got a little surprise for you, you know what I'm saying?
♪ ♪
Welcome to 2018 VMAs!
- ♪ Don't stop ♪
[cheers and applause]
both: ♪ I love it when you call me senorita ♪
- This is a huge surprise...
to be one of the world's most hated rock bands
to be getting an award right now.
- Thanks to that guy right there.
- This guy is rock and roll.
He should be getting the award.
- I wanna thank you guys so much.
I can't hear anything I'm saying.
Let me hold this. Shout out to Kevin and Tiff.
And, Tiff, don't be coming for Fifth Harmony
because Normani is that bitch.
[record scratches]
[crowd ohh-ing]
- ♪ You're the one I always call ♪
♪ When I need to make everything stop ♪
♪ Finally you put my love on top ♪
[cheers and applause]
- ♪ Ain't no other that can sweep you up like a robber ♪
♪ Straight up, I ♪ - ♪ Got you ♪
- ♪ Making you fall like that ♪
- ♪ Break it down ♪
- ♪ Ooh, when I look in the mirror ♪
♪ I'll melt your heart into two ♪
- Welcome back to the 2021 MTV VMA red carpet,
coming to you live from the Barclays Center
in Brooklyn, New York. Earlier, Nessa got a chance
to talk to one of the night's most anticipated performers,
the iconic Ed Sheeran.
Let's see what he had to say.
- I am here with the incredibly talented,
amazing artist.
I've been waiting such a long time
to have this conversation with you, Ed Sheeran.
- Thank you. That's so sweet.
- Such a pleasure. You're so talented.
- Thank you. - And we're in Brooklyn.
Look how beautiful this is right now.
- This is wonderful. It is wonderful to be back.
- Well, how does it feel for you
to be back right here at the VMAs?
- It feels good, yeah, it feels good.
I think my first one was in like 2013,
and that was actually in New York.
That was at Barclays as well, and I've always loved it.
It's always nice.
It's so like different to UK award shows.
It's a bit more free, fun, like, yeah.
- Yes! At every VMA show, incredible moments happen.
We don't know what to expect,
but what are you looking forward to?
- I think it'd be good for a controversial moment to happen.
In the past few VMAs,
it's all been quite sort of like safe and nice.
- Right. - I think it's quite nice
when something out the ordinary happens.
- Now, you're nominated. - Yeah.
- Four different categories, congratulations...
- Thank you.
- Including Video of the Year for "Bad Habits."
- Thank you.
- How did you react when you found out about
all of these nominations?
- I obviously feel really honored,
but then you look in the category,
and you go, "Yeah, I'm not winning that."
- Listen, lots of superstars-- no, but listen.
- Yeah, yeah. - Come on.
So today you're going to do
a special performance for, you know, all the fans,
which is really exciting. - Yeah.
- You're going to be performing
from the Toyota Stage,
and I don't want you to spill everything you're going to do,
but what can we expect? Give us some insights.
- Well, I might as well spill what I'm going to do.
- Yeah, do it! Do it!
- I'm playing my new single, which came out Friday, so yeah.
- "Shivers." - "Shivers," yeah, "Shivers."
I'm doing some other stuff with the band this week,
but it's good fun. - Ed Sheeran,
it was such a pleasure to be having this conversation...
- Thank you for having me. - With you today.
I know you got to get ready.
- Yeah. - It's going to be amazing.
Brooklyn, get ready, for the whole world,
get ready for the VMAs. Let's see what else
is happening on the red carpet with my co-hosts.
- We're having an amazing time,
and it's about to get even better
because our next performers are ready to take this party
to the next level!
After an 8-year hiatus,
they're back with their album "Paradise Again."
It'll be dropping later this year.
Here to perform "It Gets Better" and "Lifetime,"
let's get loud for Swedish House Mafia!
♪ ♪
- ♪ It gets better, baby ♪
♪ Better, baby, better, baby ♪
♪ I want you, baby I want you, baby ♪
♪ Yeah It gets better, baby ♪
♪ Better, baby, better, baby Woo ♪
♪ Let me love you ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Let me love you ♪
♪ It gets better, baby ♪
♪ It gets better ♪
♪ It gets better, baby ♪
♪ It gets better ♪
♪ It gets better, baby ♪
♪ It gets better ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Under the white light ♪
♪ Once in a lifetime, watching the skyline ♪
♪ Don't change your mind while ♪
♪ Under the white light ♪
♪ Once in a lifetime ♪
♪ Watching the skyline ♪
♪ Don't change your mind while ♪
♪ Under the white light ♪
- ♪ Dolla $ign Once in a lifetime ♪
♪ Baby, it's the right time ♪
♪ I'll put on the red light ♪
♪ Told you it was on, on sight ♪
♪ You had on that sundress ♪
♪ Never fail to impress ♪
♪ We had the best sex ♪
♪ We made love all night ♪
- ♪ All night, all night ♪
- ♪ Once in a lifetime, watching the skyline ♪
♪ Don't change your mind while ♪
♪ Under the white light ♪
♪ Once in a lifetime, watching the skyline ♪
♪ Don't change your mind while ♪
♪ Under the white light ♪
[scatting]
♪ ♪
- ♪ Come with me ♪
♪ Take my hand ♪
♪ Follow me, follow me ♪
♪ To a place, a place where we ♪
♪ Can be free, follow me ♪
- ♪ Once in a lifetime, watching the skyline ♪
♪ Don't change your mind while ♪
♪ Under the white light ♪
♪ Once in a lifetime, watching the skyline ♪
♪ Don't change your mind while ♪
♪ Under the white light ♪
♪ Once in a lifetime, watching the skyline ♪
♪ Don't change your mind while ♪
♪ You're under the white light ♪
♪ Once in a lifetime ♪
♪ Watching the skyline ♪
♪ Don't change your mind while ♪
- ♪ Once in a lifetime ♪
♪ You'll have it your way ♪
♪ Don't you let nobody tell you nothing ♪
♪ Ooh, yeah ♪
♪ ♪
- ♪ Whoa, whoa ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
♪ Like a moth to a flame ♪
[indistinct chatter]
♪ ♪
[crowd cheering]
- One of the best-selling musical artists of all time
makes their return to the VMAs tonight
after six whole years.
And baby, baby, baby, ooh! We are thrilled.
It's Justin Bieber.
The Biebs has had so many iconic trips to the VMA stage,
and we thought we'd take a look back
at his storied VMA history.
- ♪ I got my peaches out in Georgia ♪
♪ I get my ♪ - Justin Bieber.
- Justin Bieber.
- ♪ I get my light right from the source, yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, that's it ♪
♪ Baby, baby, baby, oh ♪
- Justin Bieber, what up, bro?
- Nice to meet you, dude. - You're a popular young man.
You're 15, you're at the VMAs, the girls are going crazy.
Life is pretty good, right? - Yeah.
♪ Thought you'd always be mine ♪
- The winner is Justin Bieber!
- ♪ Baby, baby, baby, oh ♪
♪ Like baby, baby, baby, no ♪
Thank you so much, everybody.
This means a lot to me.
You know, thank you to everybody here.
Thank you so much.
♪ What do you mean? ♪
♪ Oh, oh ♪
MTV's always supported me, so for me to come out
and support them and just show love and--
it's always been so mutual, so I just love--I love the VMAs.
- Yeah. - Pretty awesome.
- This is gonna be a performance we're gonna
be talking about for a long time.
- Yeah, for sure. - Yeah.
♪ Oh, oh, oh, what do you mean? ♪
I just kinda wanna take my own path.
I think that-- I think I'll do pretty well.
[cheers and applause]
- ♪ Put him on his knees ♪
♪ Give him something to believe in ♪
♪ Never lost a fight, but I'm looking for a ♪
♪ On the food chain, I'm the one that ♪
♪ He's a bottom-feeder ♪
♪ Stand for big demeanor ♪
♪ I can make you [...] before I ever meet you ♪
♪ If it don't hang, then he can't [...] ♪
♪ You can't hurt my feelings, but I like pain ♪
♪ If he [...] me and ask, "Whose is it?" ♪
♪ When I ride the Benz, spell my name ♪
- Welcome back.
I'm here with the absolutely iconic
and legendary Alicia Keys.
Alicia, you have brought it to the carpet tonight.
We are so happy that you're here with us right now.
You're returning to the VMA stage tonight
to sing your new single. What can viewers expect?
- Oh, man. Tonight is going to be so crazy.
First of all, the energy is outrageous.
Y'all see what's going on already.
[cheers and applause] It is nuts.
"LALA," you're going to hear it for the first time
on the VMA stage, myself and Swae Lee.
And we also got a tribute, my great city, New York City,
so we got to have the elegance, the opulence, the vibe,
the energy, and the love, always.
- Amazing, amazing.
Well, thank you so much for being here with us.
I love you personally. - I love you back.
- You're one of my icons, so--
- Thank you, honey. - Thank you for being here.
Thanks for talking to us, Alicia.
Nessa, what's good?
- Well, listen. It's been an incredible night already,
and the big show hasn't even started.
Listen to this! I'm so happy to be here.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of the pre-show tonight.
The musicians, the performers,
all of the fans right here,
and my amazing cohosts, Jamila and Tinashe.
Now, listen. We've seen some incredible moments
on the red carpet. You can relive it all!
It is happening here, minutes away!
I can't wait for this.
Tinashe, I'm so curious.
What were some of the outfits that stood out to you?
'Cause I can let you know from now, oh, my gosh,
MGK, Megan Fox, they were amazing!
- Yes, there were some pretty amazing icons--
iconic outfits tonight.
My favorite was Lil Nas X.
I mean, how could you forget that purple number?
Showstopper.
But I also like Jack Harlow in the green.
You know, there was a lot of good.
The men showed up tonight, I thought.
- Oh, for sure. Doja Cat looked amazing.
- She did. - Now, Tinashe, I don't know
if you had a chance to see it when I was talking to her,
her fans were chanting her name out here.
- Yes. - I mean, it was so wild.
- That energy. - How about for you?
Who was out there that just fans were losing it for?
- I think the energy here is insane tonight.
Everyone's so happy to be here.
- Got it. - It's so incredible.
- Well, listen. We got to wrap it up.
- Absolutely so much fun. - Here we go.
Enjoy the show, everyone.
The 2021 Video Music Awards starts now.
♪ ♪