Yahoo News Olivia Rodrigo’s breakout success continues with two MTV VMA wins
Olivia Rodrigo’s 2021 huge breakout success continued on Sunday as she won two MTV Video Music Awards.
The annual ceremony brought some of the biggest names in pop to the Barclays Centre in New York City–with Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran and the Foo Fighters among a star-studded list of performers.
At her first VMAs, 18-year-old Rodrigo was named best new artist and won song of the year for her megahit Drivers License.
Rodrigo, a Disney Channel actress whose debut album Sour topped the charts in the UK and US earlier this year, writes her own music.
Accepting song of the year, Rodrigo thanked her army of fans and said: “This has been the most magical year of my life and it’s all because of you.”
She added: “I want to dedicate this award to all the other girls who write songs on their bedroom floor.
“There are a lot of people who will try to dim your light but speaking your mind and sharing your heart are the most beautiful things in the world and here’s to that.”
Meanwhile, Lil Nas X won the top prize - video of the year - for Montero (Call Me By Your Name) and gave a tongue-in-cheek thank you to the “gay agenda”.
Lil Nas X is frequently criticised for performances unashamedly celebrating his sexuality.
The music video for Montero (Call Me By Your Name) featured the musician sliding down a pole into hell before giving the devil a lap dance.
Accepting the prize, the delighted rapper, 22, said: “First, I want to say thank you to the gay agenda! Let’s go, gay agenda!”
The star, who has emerged as a vocal advocate for LGBT rights, used a performance during the VMAs to raise awareness of HIV in the US South.
He stripped down to a pair of sparkling pink briefs while surrounded by similarly dressed backing dancers for a medley of Industry Baby and Montero (Call Me By Your Name).
Bieber was named artist of the year. Billie Eilish, 19, won the fan-voted video for good award for Your Power, a song about an older man abusing his position over a younger woman.
Accepting the prize, Eilish said: “We need to protect our young women at all costs, for real.”
Doja Cat and SZA won best collaboration for their sensual summer hit Kiss Me More while superstars BTS were awarded best K-pop for Butter.
Doja Cat, 25, both hosted the show and performed on stage in a series of bizarre and over-the-top outfits.
Megan Fox lead the red carpet arrivals. The actress, 35, was joined by rapper boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly, 31. Fox turned heads in a completely sheer custom Mugler dress, paired with towering heels. Kelly also stood out in a bright red high-shine metallic suit. They were not the only couple on the carpet.
Kourtney Kardashian was joined by Blink-182 rocker Travis Barker and wore a black, strapless leather dress for the occasion, while Barker opted for a black suit without a shirt.
Here is a full list of the main winners.
Video of the year – Lil Nas X (Montero (Call Me By Your Name))
Artist of the year – Justin Bieber
Best new artist – Olivia Rodrigo
Song of the year – Olivia Rodrigo (Drivers License)
Push performance artist of the year – Olivia Rodrigo
Best pop – Justin Bieber, Giveon, Daniel Caesar (Peaches)
Video for good – Billie Eilish (Your Power)
Best hip hop – Travis Scott featuring M.I.A. and Young Thug (Franchise)
Best collaboration – Doja Cat featuring SZA (Kiss Me More)
Best K pop – BTS (Butter)
Group of the year – BTS
Song of summer – BTS (Butter)
VMA global icon award – Foo Fighters
Best alternative – Machine Gun Kelly featuring Blackbear (My Ex’s Best Friend)
Best R&B – Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak (Leave The Door Open)
Best rock – John Mayer (Last Train Home)
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