MTV VMAs 2021: Everything to Know About the Performers, Nominees, Host and More

Credit: Shutterstock (3)

MTV VMAs 2021: Everything to Know About the Performers, Nominees, Host and More

The VMAs are back in Brooklyn! Eight years after the MTV Video Music Awards made their Brooklyn debut, the iconic awards show will return to the Barclays Center in the New York City borough for 2021. This year's ceremony will also bring back a live audience after the 2020 show was filmed without one due to the coronavirus pandemic. "The 2021 show will feature epic performances from the biggest names in music and bring fans together from across the globe to celebrate the return of live entertainment," MTV promised in a June press release. "The health and safety of artists, fans, staff and partners remain the No. 1 priority, and MTV and Barclays Center are working closely with state and local officials to implement best practices in order to safely bring together music fans from around the globe." Ahead of the show, MTV is also planning a week of activities related to the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in collaboration with the nonprofit organization 9/11 Day. "The alliance between MTV and members of the 9/11 community — which dates back nearly 20 years to the 'Concert for New York City' — will encourage participation in various acts of charitable service across the country on September 11 to honor the lives lost, their families, those injured and those who rose in service in response to the attacks," the network explained in a statement. Another big change at this year's awards? The iconic Moon Person statue, which was redesigned by artist Kehinde Wiley ahead of the show. The painter is perhaps best known as the one behind the official portrait of former President Barack Obama on view in the National Gallery of Art. Unveiled during an August ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new statue design was commissioned to commemorate the 40th anniversary of MTV. Visitors to the center can also view a life-size replica of the award at the NASA facility's visitor center. The network previously enlisted artist KAWS for the trophy's first redesign, marking the first time its look had changed since the VMAs debuted in 1984. In 2015, fashion designer Jeremy Scott gave the award another update, adding a rainbow-tinted finish and a peace-sign necklace. For the third redesign, Wiley added winding vines and flowers, giving the astronaut a more naturalistic look. But who will win one? Keep scrolling for everything we know about the 2021 VMAs: [podcast_block]

Credit: Shutterstock (3)

MTV VMAs 2021: Everything to Know About the Performers, Nominees, Host and More

The VMAs are back in Brooklyn! Eight years after the MTV Video Music Awards made their Brooklyn debut, the iconic awards show will return to the Barclays Center in the New York City borough for 2021. This year's ceremony will also bring back a live audience after the 2020 show was filmed without one due to the coronavirus pandemic. "The 2021 show will feature epic performances from the biggest names in music and bring fans together from across the globe to celebrate the return of live entertainment," MTV promised in a June press release. "The health and safety of artists, fans, staff and partners remain the No. 1 priority, and MTV and Barclays Center are working closely with state and local officials to implement best practices in order to safely bring together music fans from around the globe." Ahead of the show, MTV is also planning a week of activities related to the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in collaboration with the nonprofit organization 9/11 Day. "The alliance between MTV and members of the 9/11 community — which dates back nearly 20 years to the 'Concert for New York City' — will encourage participation in various acts of charitable service across the country on September 11 to honor the lives lost, their families, those injured and those who rose in service in response to the attacks," the network explained in a statement. Another big change at this year's awards? The iconic Moon Person statue, which was redesigned by artist Kehinde Wiley ahead of the show. The painter is perhaps best known as the one behind the official portrait of former President Barack Obama on view in the National Gallery of Art. Unveiled during an August ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new statue design was commissioned to commemorate the 40th anniversary of MTV. Visitors to the center can also view a life-size replica of the award at the NASA facility's visitor center. The network previously enlisted artist KAWS for the trophy's first redesign, marking the first time its look had changed since the VMAs debuted in 1984. In 2015, fashion designer Jeremy Scott gave the award another update, adding a rainbow-tinted finish and a peace-sign necklace. For the third redesign, Wiley added winding vines and flowers, giving the astronaut a more naturalistic look. But who will win one? Keep scrolling for everything we know about the 2021 VMAs: [podcast_block]

Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

When Does It Air?

The 2021 MTV VMAs air on MTV Sunday, September 12, at 8 p.m. ET. The show will also be simulcast on CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1 and the CW.

Credit: Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock

Who's Hosting?

Doja Cat will pull double duty as a performer and host. "I’m hosting the 2021 #VMAs this year," she tweeted in August. "Wowowowowowow 🤯." The "Say So" singer is also nominated for five awards, including Video of the Year and Artist of the Year.

Credit: Shutterstock (3)

Who Is Performing?

In addition to Doja Cat, Camila Cabello, Lil Nas X, Lorde, Foo Fighters, Machine Gun Kelly, Olivia Rodrigo, Shawn Mendes and Twenty One Pilots are set to perform. Chlöe Bailey, one half of sister duo Chloe x Halle, will also make her solo debut with a performance of her new single, "Have Mercy."

Justin Bieber will make his first awards show appearance in six years while Kasey Musgraves will perform her new song, "Star-Crossed," live for the first time. 

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

Who's Nominated?

Justin Bieber earned the most nods in 2021 with seven nominations, including Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop and Best Cinematography. Megan Thee Stallion has six, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. Other nominees include Cardi B, Ariana Grande, BTS, Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, DJ Khaled, Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, Blackpink, Selena Gomez, H.E.R., John Mayer, Maluma, Demi Lovato, Travis Scott and Miley Cyrus.

Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

The New Moon Person

“Kehinde Wiley’s Moon Person sculpture represents inclusivity and diversity marked by the historical, environmental and [natural] relevance of the botanicals,” MTV told Rolling Stone in a statement about the special-edition statue. “The design features botanical vines seamlessly flowing up and around the figure’s legs, body and arms as a commentary on the ethnic histories that surround America. Each intertwined vine or leaf has a different historical relevance, such as the seeds from African slaves, that are woven into the American tapestry."

Credit: James Shaw/Shutterstock

Performance Shake-Ups

Days before the awards, Lorde dropped out of the performance roster, later reassuring "concerned" fans in a newsletter that she was "totally fine." She explained that the "the (very necessary!) safety protocols" due to COVID-19 restricted her creative vision.

Nicki Minaj, who was not originally announced on the lineup, tweeted in September that she had "pulled out" of performing. The network later confirmed that Ed Sheeran would be taking the stage.