Many of the performances of this year’s MTV Video Music Awards were lukewarm at best. That said, the ones that killed it tonight stood out, making their performances seem even better. Below, we have ranked the best performances of the night.
6. Olivia Rodrigo -- good 4 u
18-year-old Olivia Rodrigo was one of the first performances of the night, and she started it off by descending from a cloud of disco balls maintaining her prom theme.
Olivia Rodrigo Performs "good 4 u" | 2021 VMAs | MTV
Olivia Rodrigo performs "good 4 u" at the 2021 VMAs. Check out more from the 2021 VMAs here: http://www.mtv.com/vma#VMAs #MTV #OliviaRodrigoParamount+ is her...
5. Lil Nas X feat. Jack Harlow -- Industry Baby and Montero (Call Me By Your Name)
Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow’s went with a marching band-themed performance of “Industry Baby.” Though Lil Nas X performed another high-energy and elaborate set, it wasn’t nearly as groundbreaking as his BET Awards performance. We still give him kudos for having hot male dancers twerk for us in hot pink, following with a grind session in the showers.
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow Perform "Industry Baby" & "Montero" | 2021 VMAs | MTV
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow perform "Industry Baby" and "Montero" at the 2021 VMAs. Check out more from the 2021 VMAs here: http://www.mtv.com/vma#VMAs #MTV #L...
4. Kacey Musgraves -- star-crossed
Kacey Musgraves, known for country music, gave us an unexpectedly beautiful performance with “star-crossed.” The stage was adorned with candles and heart and dagger-shaped neon lights, giving us major Romeo + Juliet (1996) vibes. A heart-shaped torch alights towards the end of her stripped down performance that let her voice shine. She definitely gained new fans tonight.
Kacey Musgraves Performs "star-crossed" | 2021 VMAs | MTV
Kacey Musgraves performs "star-crossed" at the 2021 VMAs. Check out more from the 2021 VMAs here: http://www.mtv.com/vma#VMAs #MTV #KaceyMusgravesParamount+ ...
3. Busta Rhymes feat. Spliff Star -- Medley of Hits
Busta Rhymes has still got it! The New York Native performed “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” “Scenario,” “Touch It,” “Pass The Courvoisier” and “Look At Me Now” in a flawless and very hype performance.
Busta Rhymes ft. Spliff Star Perform a Medley of Hits | VMAs 2021 | MTV
Busta Rhymes ft. Spliff Star perform a medley of hits - "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See," "Scenario," "Touch It," "Pass The Courvoisier," and "Look At ...
2. Chlöe Bailey -- Have Mercy
Chlöe’s powerful voice (often likened to that of Beyoncé) and the choreography for “Have Mercy” were flawless. Her high-energy performance brought us back to life after one-after-another snooze fest of performances throughout the night.
Chlöe Performs "Have Mercy" | 2021 VMAs | MTV
Chlöe performs "Have Mercy" at the 2021 VMAs. Check out more from the 2021 VMAs here: http://www.mtv.com/vma#VMAs #MTV #ChloeParamount+ is here! Stream all y...
1. Normani -- Wild Side
Normani’s performance of “Wild Side” was up to par with the music video. She and her backup dancers wore metallic silver outfits, recreating most of the moves from her music video. At the closing of her performance, a woman was hoisted up and strapped on to a cross — that Normani climbs and grinds on.
Normani Performs "Wild Side" | 2021 VMAs | MTV
Normani performs "Wild Side" at the 2021 VMAs. Check out more from the 2021 VMAs here: http://www.mtv.com/vma#VMAs #MTV #NormaniParamount+ is here! Stream al...