The 2016 MTV Video Music Awards sure did have a lot of memorable moments. Nick Jonas was at a diner, Jimmy Fallon impersonated Ryan Lochte, Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps introduced hip-hop rapper Future, Kanye West revealed his new music video, and many, many more.
The night was studded with both fist-pumping and eye-brow-raising moments, so here’s our own take on one of the biggest music video awards show.
The Kanye West ‘Speech-cum-Confession’
Kanye was given a full four minutes to talk, but most of them were filled up with impertinent sentences and thunderous applauses from the audience. Apart from him introducing his new video, and calling out Taylor Swift, he sounded like a nervous kid doing an impromptu speech. Sorry, Yeezy fans!
Britney’s “Comeback” Performance Was Not Quite A Comeback
While we’re happy to see our pop princess, Britney Spears, back on track, her hot and steamy performance with G-Eazy was not quite the comeback we were hoping for. But hey, she got all the basics right; super-hot yellow costume, knee-high boots, provocative dance moves, and intense chemistry with her co-singer. What else could we ask for?
Rihanna Performed FOUR Times
As the hosts aptly put it, “You’re watching an extended Rihanna concert, featuring the VMAs.”
Absolutely. Rihanna not only had four performances, both opening and closing the show. Towards the end of the night, she was also honoured with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award, presented by a smitten Drake.
Our favourite part? Drake confessing his love for her, and then tried to kiss her on live TV. Yes, TRIED.
Calvin Harris Thanks Only Rihanna For “This Is What You Came For”
Calvin Harris couldn’t be at the VMAs that night, so naturally we watched his acceptance speech for Best Male Video on screen. The 32-year old Scottish hottie appeared absolutely thrilled, and goes on to thank Rihanna for being the amazing woman that she is. Seems like he missed out his ex-girlfried, Taylor Swift, who co-wrote the song with him. Honest mistake? Revenge? We’ll find out.
Queen Bey Smashed Camera Lenses
Beyonce set the stage on fire with her squad, belting out hits like “Pray You Catch Me,” “Sorry,” “Hold Up,” “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Formation” from her epic visual-album, Lemonade. At one point, she picked up a baseball bat and smashed the camera right in front of her!
Even then, her performance was the highlight of the night, and everyone was left jaw-dropped and heavy-breathing at the end of her performance. Queen Bey also picked up awards for Best Pop Video, Video of the Year, Best Female Video, amongst others.
Michael Phelps Finally Reveals The Story Behind His Viral “Angry Phelps” Meme
“There is no rapper today more inspiring than Future”, said the Olympics gold-medal swimmer as he took the stage to introduce the rapper.
“Remember in Rio when I made that face that ended up ALL over the internet? I was in the zone, with Future’s track, “Stick Talk”, blaring in my headphones.” he finished, with a big grin on his face.
Well, now we know!
Do you have a favourite moment from the VMAs? Let us know.
Here’s the full list of winners from the VMA 2016:
Video of the Year: “Formation,” Beyonce
Michael Jackson Vanguard Award: Rihanna
Best Hip-Hop video: “Hotline Bling,” Drake
Best Male Video: “This is What You Came For,” Calvin Harris
Best Female Video: “Hold Up,” Beyonce
Best New Artist: DNCE
Pop Video: “Formation,” Beyonce
Rock Video: “Heathens,” twenty one pilots
Electronic Video: “How Deep Is Your Love,” Calvin Harris & Disciples
Best Collaboration: “Work from Home,” Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Best Visual Effects: “Up&Up,” Coldplay
Best Editing: “Formation,” Beyonce
Best Cinematography: “Formation,” Beyonce
Best Choreography: “Formation,” Beyonce
Best Art Direction: “Blackstar,” David Bowie
Breakthrough Long Form Video: “Lemonade,” Beyonce
Song of Summer: “All in My Head,” Fifth Harmony featuring Fetty Wap
