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MTV VMAs 2021 winners list: Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo and more

2:49
VMAs celebrate 40 years with star-studded surprises on music's big night
Kevin Mazur/MTV Vmas 2021/Getty Images
ByDanielle Long and Megan Stone
September 13, 2021, 1:40 PM

The MTV Video Music Awards are back.

The awards show celebrated MTV's 40th anniversary on Sunday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, with an opening performance from pop icon Madonna, who ushered in a series of performances from The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber and Olivia Rodrigo.

In between outlandish outfit changes by host Doja Cat -- one of which included her wearing a chair on her head -- the night was full of star power. Other artists who took to the stage included Kasey Musgraves, Lil Nas X, Twenty One Pilots, Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Normani, Ozuna and Busta Rhymes.

Doja Cat speaks onstage during the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sept. 12, 2021 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images

The entertainment also included a few firsts, with Alicia Keys performing "La La," her new duet with Swae Lee. Chlöe, of the sister duo Chlöe x Halle, also served up a sultry production of her first single as a solo artist, "Have Mercy," for her first VMAs performance.

While the flashy performances were plentiful, trophies were handed out -- as it is an awards show, after all. Lil Nas X, Rodrigo and BTS each took home three Moonpeople each.

Lil Nas X took home video of the year, for "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," while Rodrigo took home statues for song of the year, for "Drivers License," as well as best new artist.

PHOTO: Olivia Rodrigo performs onstage during the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sept. 12, 2021 in, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Olivia Rodrigo performs onstage during the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sept. 12, 2021 in New York City.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images

BTS won best K-pop as well as group of the year and song of summer for their hit "Butter."

Bieber, who returned to the VMA stage after six years, also took home two awards, including artist of the year and best pop, for "Peaches."

The VMAs also honored the Foo Fighters with the 2021 Global Icon Award.

Here's a list of this year's winners:

Video of the year
Lil Nas X, "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)"

Artist of the year
Justin Bieber

Song of the year
Olivia Rodrigo, "Drivers License"

Best new artist
Olivia Rodrigo

Push performance of the year
Olivia Rodrigo, "Drivers License"

Best collaboration
Doja Cat ft. SZA, "Kiss Me More"

Best pop
Justin Bieber ft. "Peaches"

Best Hip-Hop
Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A., "Franchise"

Best R&B
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak and Silk Sonic, "Leave the Door Open"

Best K-pop
BTS, "Butter"

Best Latin
Billie Eilish & Rosalía, "Lo Vas a Olvidar"

Best rock
John Mayer, "Last Train Home"

Best alternative
Machine Gun Kelly ft. Blackbear, "My Ex’s Best Friend"

Best group
BTS

Video for good
Billie Eilish, "Your Power"

Best direction
Lil Nas X, "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)"

Best cinematography
Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN and WizKid, "Brown Skin Girl"

Best art direction
Saweetie ft. Doja Cat, "Best Friend"

Best visual effects
Lil Nas X, "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)"

Best choreography
Harry Styles, "Treat People With Kindness"

Best editing
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak and Silk Sonic, "Leave the Door Open"

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