The 2021 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) was back with a bang at Barclays Center in New York City on September 12th, having a full live audience and dazzling performances by high-profile artists. Some of the greatest icons in music like Doja Cat, Camila Cabello, Olivia Rodrigo, Chlöe, Normani and Justin Bieber rocked the stage with fantastic performances. There was also a surprise performance by Busta Rhymes.
Hosted by Doja Cat, big winners of the night included Justin, winning Artist of the Year, and Lil Nas X walking away with Video of the Year award for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”.
Here are some of the performances that stood out from the night:
Doja Cat – ‘Been Like This’ and ‘You Right’
Doja performed two songs including one of the singles from ‘Planet Her’ with The Weeknd ‘You Right’ and another track from the album ‘Been Like This’. She graced the stage with an aerial act and contemporary dance elements.
Lil Nas X – ‘Industry Baby’ and ‘Montero’
Lil Nas X left the audience stunned with the first live performance of his Billboard number-one single ‘Industry Baby’, and was joined by fellow rapper Jack Harlow. Ending his performance with a dance break that segwayed into his other number one hit ‘Montero’.
Camila Cabello – ‘Don’t Go Yet’
The ‘Cinderella’ star brought some Spanish flair to the VMA stage with her new song ‘Don’t Go Yet’.
Justin Bieber – ‘Stay’ and ‘Ghost’
Joined by The Kid LAROI, the ‘Sorry’ hitmaker performed their hit song ‘Stay’ along with his song ‘Ghost’.
Olivia Rodrigo – ‘good 4 u’
One of the biggest new artists on the music scene, the ‘drivers license’ hitmaker went for a prom inspired performance of ‘good 4 u’.
Normani – ‘Wild Side’
Following an online campaign to get her on the VMAs stage, Normani delivered a subdued rendition of ‘Wild Side’.
Chlöe – ‘Have Mercy’
After months of waiting, Chlöe dropped ‘Have Mercy’ on Friday and also debuted the first live performances of her debut solo single keeping with the college and Medusa inspiration from the music video. She had a high energy stage presence.
Busta Rhymes – ‘Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,’ ‘Scenario,’ ‘Touch It,’ ‘Pass The Courvoisier,’ and ‘Look At Me Now’
The greatest surprise of the night was the legendary rapper who performed a medley of hits to an audience which was probably too young to appreciate it, but hit the right spot for all the millennial viewers.
—Silviya Yohannan