The 2021 VMAs Celebrate All Things Music and Entertainment

The 2021 Video Music Awards took place on September 12, 2021 and were hosted live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The award show was hosted by pop singer and rapper Doja Cat who also took home a win in the best new artist category and performed her biggest hits from her new album “Planet Her.” The show also featured performances from many stars such as Justin Bieber and the Kid Laroi, Olivia Rodrigo, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, and many more. 

Tons of talented artists were nominated in various categories but the winners were well deserved. Lil Nas X won for video of the year in his song “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” in competition with Cardi B, Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, and more. Olivia Rodrigo won her very first VMA for song of the year with her record breaking song “Driver’s License” as well as best new artist and also performed her song “Good 4 You.” She faced criticism for this performance with people saying she simply didn’t sound as good live. However, despite this her millions of fans still have her back and support her no matter what. Justin Bieber won the award for artist of the year and Doja Cat and SZA won in the category for best collaboration in their song “Kiss Me More”. Harry Styles won in the category for best choreography in his song “Treat People With Kindness.”

Besides the big winners of the night and the amazing music performances, stars also got to walk the red carpet and show off their looks for the night. Some such as Dove Cameron and Charli D’Amelio played it more on the safe side with simple monochromatic looks. However, most dressed to impress and took risks with their outfits. Kim Petras stood out like no other by wearing a look from Richard Quinn’s Fall/Winter 2021 Collection complete with a face mask. TikTok viral star Bella Poarch went full goth glam in a completely black lace dress and bustier top.  Kacey Musgraves pulled off a stunning all purple Valentino mini-dress and feathered headdress that definitely made a statement in the crowd. Couple Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox subtly coordinated with her wearing a Mugler tan dress with him in a red Dolce & Gabbana suit. Lil Nas X made a memorable appearance on the carpet in a light purple two piece set from Atelier Versace featuring an off the shoulder long sleeve top and elegant train. The final looks that definitely did not disappoint were Doja Cat’s six outfit changes throughout the night. After showing up to the red carpet wearing Look 36 from Vivienne Westwood’s FW19 collection, she kept the same corset but put on a black skirt with a silver waist chain and also had a hair change. After that she switched into her performance outfit which was a red jumpsuit featured from thousands of feet in the air during her set. The next look was a colorful and structured Thom Browne dress that she said made her look “like a worm” but still made her look fashionable as she accepted her award with SZA. The final look of the night was a cowgirl-inspired hat, trench coat dress, and claw heels that made a final statement.

Overall, the 2021 Video Music Awards were a celebration of fashion, music, and all things entertainment as they brought pleasure to the TV screens of millions.

Joanna Meskos, '23
Joanna Meskos is a senior and co-editor of the Lifestyle section for Fashion and Food. She enjoys sharing her love of fashion and food with the RamPage!