This past weekend, the MTV Video Music Awards turned 40-years-old! It was a night marked by surprise appearances, incredible performances, as well as some truly awkward and bizarre moments .
If you missed the action, there’s no need for concern. Below, I’ve managed to compile a list of the most awkward, as well as the best moments, from the 2021 VMAs .
1. **Awkward:** Doja Cat as a worm.
Don’t get me wrong — seeing the variety in Doja Cat’s outfits was unquestionably one of the highlights of the entire evening. I was just at a total loss with this one and I feel like I’m not the only one.
2. **Best:** Ja Rule and Ashanti reunite on stage.
In the late 90s and early 00s, Ja Rule and Ashanti ruled the airwaves. Their track “Always On Time” still turns heads and gets club crowds pumping even 20-plus years after its release. I was hoping for a performance; maybe next year?
3. **Awkward:** Justin Bieber’s giant hood and sport coat.
Justin is certainly well known for his odd sense of fashion, but this outfit was pushing it even for him. That suit jacket is about two sizes too big and the hood isn’t helping anyone.
4. **Best:** Foo Fighters receive the Global Icons Award.
Dave Grohl is the greatest rock star of the past 30 years. He’s a two-time Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee (Nirvana/Foo Fighters) and one of the greatest frontmen to ever stand in front of a microphone. Watching the band perform “Learn To Fly” was deeply satisfying.
5. **Awkward:** Travis Scott failing to mention Kylie Jenner.
Acceptance speeches can be anxiety-inducing. It can be difficult to voice all that you have to say and give everyone their dues. That said, Travis literally shouted out everyone except the pregnant mother of his child.
6. **Best:** Ed Sheeran performs “Bad Habits.”
For years I’ve tried in earnest to resist the charms of Ed Sheeran. I balked at his sultry voice and scoffed at his soulful melodies. But even an old gatekeeper like me can’t deny that “Bad Habits” is a jam and Ed Sheeran freaking killed it.
7. **Awkward:** MGK’s performance of “Papercuts.”
I don’t understand the appeal of MGK. I never have and I more than likely never will, either. But even someone who espouses how talented the Blonde Don is must be able to look facts in the face and admit that this performance was terrible.
8. **Best:** Cyndi Lauper stands up for feminism.
Cyndi Lauper won a Moon Person statue at the very first MTV Video Music Awards back in 1984 for her song “Girls Just Wanna Have Fune.” During her speech, she said that girls also want funds, equal pay, and control over their own bodies.
9. **Awkward**: Billie Eilish’s reaction to seeing Jennifer Lopez.
When JLo walks out on the stage, everyone in the building stands up and gives her the ovation she deserves. All except Billie Eilish, who remains seated the whole time and can’t even be bothered to clap.
10. **Best:** Lil Nas X’s purple pantsuit.
Despite what Jamila Mustafa had to say about Lil Nas X’s outfit — he was dressed to kill. The hip-hop artist’s purple pantsuit, and Jheri-curl wig, was the perfect homage to the late great Rick James.
11. **Awkward:** Conor McGregor and Machine Gun Kelly’s “fight” on the red carpet.
Conor McGregor’s star power in the MMA world is shrinking at an alarming rate. These days, it seems as if the former champion is willing to do anything in order to stay relevant — even if it means picking a fight with MGK.
Not much is known about the altercation, other than MGK and Conor reportedly exchanged words shortly upon arrival.
In an instant, Conor throws his glass of whiskey and lunges like a crazed animal. When ET asked Conor to comment on the altercation, he denied anything had happened at all and claimed to not even know who Machine Gun Kelly was.
12. **Best:** Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow’s mind-blowing performance.
If you’re someone who finds themself sitting on a fence when it comes to the artistic capability of Lil Nas X — you really need to watch this video. Lil Nas X has moves that would make JLo jealous.
13. **Awkward:** Madonna’s opening monologue.
There’s no denying that the name Madonna still commands respect and adoration from artists and fans from all over the world. When she first walked out on stage, the building practically erupted in ear-splitting cheers and shouts.
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In true Madonna fashion, the legendary pop artist drew critique as well as raised a few questions about her overall demeanor.
The coat drop for dramatic effect just came off as odd. On top of that, Madonna seemed to be swaying back and forth at the microphone stand — and even appeared to forget what she was saying for a moment.
What was your favorite moment from the 2021 VMAs? Leave a comment and let us know!