|
 Newcomer Olivia Rodrigo and
K-pop band BTS were also among the big winners
at the first major awards shows in New York to
be held with a full audience of fans and
celebrities since the coronavirus pandemic
Bieber, 27, returned to the VMA stage for the
first time in six years and took home Moon
Person statuettes for artist of the year and
best pop for his single "Peaches."
"Music is such an amazing outlet to be able to
reach people and to be able to bring us all
together," said Bieber, referring to the dark
days of the pandemic.
Last year the VMAs took place in New York
without a live audience and with most
performances recorded in advance because of the
pandemic.
Lil Nas X, 22, a gay, black musician who had a
breakout hit with "Old Town Road" two years ago,
won video of the year for his gay rights anthem
"Montero (Call Me By Your Name)."
"Let's go gay agenda!" said the musician,
accepting the award.
Alicia Keys sang "Empire State of Mind" outdoors
against the backdrop of the New York City
skyline, while Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, veteran New
York rapper Busta Rhymes, Camila Cabello, Shawn
Mendes and Machine Gun Kelly were among those on
stage.
Sunday's ceremony also marked the 40th
anniversary of the launch of MTV as a channel
dedicated to playing music videos.
Madonna, also celebrating her 40 years in the
music business, opened the show in a surprise
appearance. "They said we wouldn't last. But
we're still here," Madonna said.
[to top of second column]
|
 Jennifer Lopez and Cyndi Lauper
sent fans wild with unexpected appearances, with
Lauper weighing in on abortion rights saying
that women want "control over our bodies."
Rodrigo, 18, took home three
awards, including best new artist and song of
the year for "Drivers License" in the fan-voted
awards, capping a break-out year.
"This is so insane. This has been the most
magical year of my life," Rodrigo said,
dedicating her win to "all the other girls who
write songs on their bedroom floor."
BTS was named group of the year and won best
K-Pop for single "Butter", and sent thanks by
video from South Korea.
Rock band Foo Fighters got the Global Icon Award
recognizing their 25 years in the music
industry.
The 12 time Grammy-winning band performed a
medley of hits with "Charlie R.I.P" scrawled on
their drum kit in tribute to the late Rolling
Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Karishma
Singh and Gerry Doyle)
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