The 2021 MTV Video Music Awards returned to Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York City. When MTV announced that Doja Cat would host the event, we all expected fireworks, and we got exactly that! We look at some of the best highlights from this eventful night, from Doja’s funny outfits to Lil Nas X’s video of the year speech; this was a night to remember!
Doja was on double duty as the host to the event, as well as a performer. During the show, Doja performed an exciting acrobatic performance for her song “Been Like This,” in which she looked like a pro. She then scooped the best collaboration award for her song “Kiss Me More” with Sza. She is a perfect example of a host with the most.
When Chloe Bailey arrived on the red carpet, we were not expecting what she was about to serve on the stage. Chloe made her debut solo appearance with a feisty performance. The star performed her single “Have Mercy” and set the stage on fire, literary! The performance included male and female dancers backing her up. She shut down the stage with her seductive dancing and booty hops. Two words to sum it up? – Have Mercy!
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X is becoming more flamboyant with each appearance. The star arrived at the pre-show red carpet dressed in a long part suit, part cape – purple and sparkly Versace ensemble which looked like a ball gown from an angle and perfectly matching boots. Lil Nas X owned the VMA stage when he re-created a prison shower set with dimmed pink lights while performing his songs “Industry baby” and “Montero (Call Me by Your Name),” which he later won Video Of The Year for. The performance raised awareness about HIV. Lil Nas X had Southern AIDS Coalition’s director of community investments – Mardrequs Harris, perform with him on stage. Harris’s outfit had the number 433,816 in red which is the universal color of recognition and support for people living with HIV in the South as of 2015 – according to GLAAD.
Just when we thought we had seen the best performances of the night, Normani took us back to the 2000s with her performance. The artist paid homage to Janet Jackson with a full-on sexy performance for her lead single “Wild Side which is off her upcoming debut album. The sultry slow jam is her first solo follow-up to her big song “Motivation.” She appeared on the stage with a white backdrop and a group of backup dancers against the backdrop. She channeled Janet Jackson in her choreography, and the moment that blew us all was when Teyana Taylor was brought out by a muscular man strapped in a BDSM style cross, and Normani gave the singer a lapdance. This is straight from the Jackson tour playbook. That was an MVA moment that will never be forgotten! Normani had the BEST performance of the night!
Fun Fact:
Normani wasn’t originally scheduled to perform at the VMA’s, but a fan-driven petition on social media convinced MTV to give the singer stage time just a few days before the show. Thank God if Normani didn’t perform, the night wouldn’t have turned out so great! We love Normani’s stage presence and cannot wait to see what’s to come!
Drop a comment below and tell us what your best moments of the night were.
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