The “2021 MTV EMAs” returned live from the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna in Hungary with a global celebration of music for ALL. The epic event, which aired on MTV in 180 countries, featured electrifying performances from today’s hottest stars and honored some of the world’s biggest artists while also celebrating music, love, and equality. Fans in Southeast Asia can catch the same-day premiere on the MTV Asia channel at 8 pm (SG, MY, PH) and 7 pm (WIB) tonight.
Ed Sheeran took “Best Artist” and “Best Song” for “Bad Habits.” Lil Nas X was awarded “Best Video” for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” and BTS snagged the most awards with four including “Best Pop,” “Best K-Pop,” “Best Group,” and “Biggest Fans.”
First-time EMA winners Måneskin took home “Best Rock,” while show host and performer Saweetie won “Best New.” Nicki Minaj earned a top award with “Best Hip-Hop,” Olivia Rodrigo was awarded “Best Push,” Maluma won “Best Latin,” and YUNGBLUD snagged the award for “Best Alternative.”
The “Best Collaboration” award went to Doja Cat ft. SZA for “Kiss Me More,” while David Guetta nabbed “Best Electronic,” and Billie Eilish was honored with “Video for Good.”
Ed Sheeran, opened the night surrounded by neon graffiti to perform a lively rendition of his latest single, “Overpass Graffiti.” Later in the show, the British singer-songwriter performed his chart-topping hit “Shivers.”
Global Latin superstar Maluma brought the heat for the world premiere performance of his new single “MAMA TETEMA.” Tanzanian singer Rayvanny and a team of dancers joined him on stage for the high-energy performance set in a club and featuring rain.
Imagine Dragons returned to the EMAs for the debut of their new single “Enemy.” Immersed in a flood of laser lights, the best-selling rock band rocked the stage alongside Grammy-nominated rapper and artist J.I.D and a squad of dancers. First-time EMA performers Måneskin lit up the stage with a rousing rendition of their hit single “MAMMAMIA.”
Kim Petras made her EMAs debut and EMAs history as the first trans artist to perform at the show. The international pop star brought the sexy and the camp with a medley of two new unreleased songs, “Coconuts,” and “Hit It From The Back.” British rising star Griff made her EMA debut performing “One Night” with a shadow dancer and dancer dressed in a mirror ensemble.
Norwegian, indie-pop musician and MTV PUSH artist, girl in red made her EMA debut performing her hit single “Serotonin” from her internationally charting debut album if I could make it go quiet.
World Stage headliners OneRepublic performed a lively rendition of their single “Run” in front of a sold-out crowd at Heroes Square in Budapest complete with a fireworks finale. Multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter YUNGBLUD closed the night with a high-octane, pyrotechnics-filled performance of his latest single “fleabag.”
Additionally, MTV celebrated all the local EMA winners from different regions around the globe from Spain to Latin America, to Hungary and Africa. JJ Lin took home the “Best Southeast Asia Act” award.
