It's that time of the year again. School's starting, summer's ending and the long awaited 2016 MTV Video Music Awards have finally arrived. The ceremony which usually takes place in Los Angeles switched it up and took over New York City's Madison Square Garden for the first time since 2009. There were surprises all over the place. But in case you missed it, here are the highlights from this year's MTV VMAs.
1. Rihanna Opening the VMAs
It's no secret that Rihanna is this year's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient. She opened up the show with classics such as Please Don't Stop The Music," "Where Have You Been," and "Only Girl In The World." This was only the beginning however, as she not only kicked off the awards, but also performed FOUR TIMES. I'll get to that later, but for now, let us enjoy the talent that is Rihanna, and more.
2. Key & Peele
Many didn't realize that the comedic duo of Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele were playing a parody of two bloggers going by the names of Lizard Sheeple and The Shamester. They weren't in on the joke of it either. Perhaps they're an acquired taste for some? Nonetheless, they kept the energy going and in some cases, said what everyone was thinking in-between performances.
3. Diddy Presenting Drake's Award
Now if you remember, there was a point in time (2014 to be exact), where Drake and the music mogul were having a bit of a feud. Allegedly, it was over Drake's 0-100 with buzz about it really being Diddy's record? (Who knows). But anyway, Diddy was the presenter for the first award of the night, best Hip-Hop video. The winner was ultimately Drake's Hotline Bling, for which he could not physically accept, due to being "stuck in traffic."
4. Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj
Back in 2014, these two ladies graced the VMA stage along with Jessie J for their hit, Bang Bang. Now this year, they've reunited and performed their new single, "Side To Side." The video for the record drops on Monday, so you know they had to give us a peek on what to expect with this melodic, island vibrant track. Will the record be a hit? Only time will tell, but I wouldn't be surprised if it does.
5. Future's First VMA performance
6. Kanye's Four Minutes
MTV decided to give Kanye West four minutes of leeway, meaning ANYTHING he wanted. So, in true Yeezy fashion, he spoke. "...But for people to understand how blessed we are. It was, an expression of our now, our fame right now. Us on the inside of the TV..." Speaking on both his and wife Kim Kardashian West's fame, "...This is fame bruh, like...We came on the same boat, and we all in the same bed," in reference to his recent and controversial video, Famous. West also nodded fellow Chicago native, Chance The Rapper as "the future" of hip hop (rightfully so). At the end of his speech, he debuted the music video to Fade with Teyana Taylor as the muse. To say that Taylor was serving Jennifer Beals in Flashdance meets Janet Jackson realness was an understatement. Not to mention that she instantly became the internet's body goals. Not bad for an eight months post-baby body. Fade also showed her fiancé, Cleveland Cavaliers Shooting Guard Iman Shumpert and their adorable baby, Junie with the video ending in a strange, yet unique manner.
7. Rihanna (again)
Legendary supermodel Naomi Campbell introduced Sunday night's bad gal of honor for her second perfomance of the show. Rihanna slayed with 2005 bashment realness, with a rendition of "Rude Boy, "What's My Name," and "Work." Clad in a durag, fur bra, baggy pants and heels, she showed the world that she would never forget her island roots. Her third performance consisted of "Needed Me," "B**** Better Have My Money," and "Pour It Up."
8. Queen Beyoncé
Performing "Pray You Catch Me," "Hold Up," "Don't Play Yourself," "Sorry" and "Formation," it's only fair that Beyoncé would perform songs off one of 2016's hottest albums. The visuals of Lemonade came to life as dancers and scenery depicted a part of the story that is being told by way of visuals, music, and spoken word. At the very end of the performance, Beyoncé concluded her performance by smashing a camera at the end with a bat. Because, why not?
9. Britney's Comeback
After a long anticipated wait, the original princess of pop performed her comeback single "Make Me" with rapper G-Eazy. Although full of mixed reviews, Britney Spears set off an interesting performance set. Some say it was great, others deemed it awkward, especially given the obvious lip-synching. Either way, it seemed to have lost the crowd's attention for a short period of time.
10. An Appearance From The Final Five
The members of the U.S. Olympic gymnastic team were present to give the award for Best Female Video. But before they did, they addressed the absence of their fifth person, Gabby Douglas as she wasn't in attendance for medical reasons. Between their own giggles and the booming applause from the audience, they announced Beyoncé's "Hold Up" as the winner of the category. All of these ladies slayed and of course have received the recognition they deserve.
11. DNCE Wins For Best New Artist.
DNCE accepted the award from 2014 winners Fifth Harmony. Joe Jonas, the band's frontman along with guitarist JinJoo Lee, bassist Cole Whittle and drummer Jack Lawless vowed to evolve creatively and stay true to themselves. It's not hard to believe that their smash hit, "Cake By The Ocean" not only achieved radio play, but also remained as a pop staple in 2015. Their fellow contenders, Bryson Tiller, Lukas Graham, Zara Larsson and Desiigner proved that this would be a tough decision in it's own right. But the people have spoken, and they picked the best in their eyes, so congratulations to them!
12. Beyoncé Winning Video Of The Year for Formation
....But we knew that already because as the song says, "I Slay."
13. The Finale
For the final performance, Mary J. Blige took to the stage to introduce Rihanna one last time for the night. Starting out with the ballad "Stay," then "Diamonds," and finally, "Love on the Brain," Rihanna reminded us that she is not just talented, but is versatile in crossing-over genres. In an interesting, but adorable effort, Drake presented her with the 2016 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The Toronto rapper also gave a speech, mentioning that he first met Rihanna in 2005 when she was filming the music video for her debut single, "Pon De Replay." He also went on to publicly declare his love, stating that he felt that way since he was 22. When it was Rihanna's time to speak however, she was so grateful and humbled to receive the honor, noting that "it's the closest this award has ever been to my country." It's hard to believe that it's only been 11 years since we first heard Rihanna at the tender age of 17. Congratulations on her success as an artist, and here's to it not going anywhere anytime soon.
14. The Prince Tribute, Or Lack Thereof
