Chlöe Bailey made her debut as a solo performer at the 2021 MTV VMAs—and what a debut it was. 

The 23-year-old expertly performed her song “Have Mercy” dressed in a stunning pink get-up and flanked by dancers. Naturally, she matched them step for step, executing her moves like a seasoned pro. It was giving Britney and Beyoncé; a serve of the highest degree. 

As for the aesthetic? Bailey started the Halloween season early with spooky backdrops and lighting—theatrics that would make both Lady Gaga and Disturbia-era Rihanna proud. 

Something about the performance just felt special—like an artist coming into her own in front of the world. Twitter users agreed, with so many fans taking to the platform to praise Bailey’s set (plus Doja Cat and Normani, who also crushed their numbers during the show). 

 

Chlöe Bailey’s debut solo album is coming soon. She’s previously made music with her sister, Halle, as the duo Chlöe x Halle. On the differences between making music with her sister and alone, she told Billboard, “When my sister and I create, we don’t try to dim the other’s light, so the creative process for me has been exactly the same. Now it’s just me in my bedroom. But it was a little scary in the beginning, because [I was used to] having Halle be there to ask, ‘Is this sounding good?’ Having her sign of approval meant so much to me. Now I have to be my own voice and be proud and confident in what I bring to the table.” 

When asked if this makes her feel more pressure, she said, “I don’t feel pressure when it comes to awards and accolades—I feel pressure with making myself proud and making sure that I’m saying and singing the things that I want to say and sing. I’m not going to lie [and say] that it doesn’t go through my mind, like, ‘I hope people like this sound from me, because it’s different from what me and my sister do together.’ Other than that, as long as I’m walking in my light and my purpose, I’m OK.”

Lil Nas X is on fire this year. The 22-year-old rapper has released two hit singles, “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” and “Industry Baby”with Jack Harlow, which reached number one and two on Billboard‘s Hot 100, respectively. And his album Montero, out September 17, is one of the most-anticipated projects of the year. 

To kick off his album-release week, Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow took the stage at the MTV VMAs 2021 to perform “Industry Baby,” and of course they nailed it. They essentially recreated the iconic music video, and Lil Nas X even threw in some “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” at the end. With choreo! 

“I think [Lil Nax X] is giving a voice to a lot of people and kids who could use one,” Harlow recently told Variety. “I think the community he represents could use someone who’s succeeding on a mainstream level—it doesn’t have to be a niche thing, it can feel like, Yo, you can be number one, you can be the greatest. I really recognize what he’s doing and I think he gets a lot deeper than the jokes and whatever gimmicky stuff people wanna associate—I really think he’s an icon. I really recognize what he’s doing, and I admire him—I admired him long before we met.” 

And Lil Nax X himself told Variety, “Honestly, I believe the pandemic helped me get out of the idea of trying to please everybody, and the idea of ‘He’s a cool gay person; he’s an acceptable gay person,’” Nas says. “I used to see things like that as a compliment, but it’s not. It just means you’re a people pleaser, and they never become legends. I wanted to be even more authentic in my music and let people into my life. I’m much more confident now—in my music, myself, my sexuality, the things that I believe that I stand for.”

The MTV VMAs 2021 red carpet had so many stylish stars—but who reigned supreme? We sorted through all the looks to come up with the best-dressed stars—a welcome treat given the dearth of  celebrity fashion during the last year. 

But these were looks that went beyond just stylish—stars came ready to play and their risks paid off. From Avril Lavigne (!!!) in punky plaid to Lil Nas X’s purple pantsuit, these are the best-dressed celebrities at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. 

Olivia Rodrigo

In Atelier Versace. 

Avril Lavigne

In Area, Christalea, Stuart Weitzman, and Jimmy Choo.

Lil Nas X

Kacey Musgraves

In Valentino and Schutz

Camila Cabello 

In Alexis Mabille and KATKIM.

Simone Biles

Megan Fox

In Mugler. 

See every look at the MTV VMAs 2021 red carpet here.

Megan Fox showed up at the 2021 MTV VMAs wearing, essentially, a few raindrops and a good attitude. Though technically a dress, it’s more like a handful of rhinestones thrown through a sunbeam in a way that references the concept of a dress.

Fox walked the red carpet wearing Mugler. She looked like a Vegas showgirl crossed with a Roman goddess—the aesthetic is sparkling, see-through, and champagne-colored. Her gown compliments the spangled scarlet suit worn on the carpet by her boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly. (He said on the red carpet that his performance this evening draws from the world of musical theater, which—good for you, Machine Gun Kelly!)

“He was like, ‘You’re going to be naked tonight,’” Fox reported on the carpet, of her exchange with Kelly ahead of the event. “And I was like, ‘Whatever you say, daddy. Whatever daddy says.’” 

The look, styled by Maeve Reilly, is one of the most arresting in an awards night that is not exactly known for subtlety. With hip length, drenched-looking hair and sparkling detail, it evokes the famous “wet” gown that Kim Kardashian wore to the 2019 Met Gala, likewise designed by Mugler. It’s also a little reminiscent of Britney Spears’ 2000 VMAs mid-performance outfit change into a sparkly triangle bra and matching skintight leggings.

Most likely of all, the dress is influenced by Rose McGowan’s iconic 1998 VMAs look, designed by Maja Hanson. If you’re enjoying Fox’s look, remember what her predecessors went through to achieve it. McGowan told Yahoo News of the response to her ’98 dress, “They slut-shamed me like crazy.” She got through it without much public support, adopting the attitude, “Sorry you’re square and I’m not. Bummer.”

Fox’s look seems to be getting an enthusiastically positive response—the word “queen” is being thrown around. Just don’t slut-shame her, or you’re a square. 

Jenny Singer is a staff writer for Glamour. You can follow her on Twitter. 

Simone Biles attended the 2021 MTV VMAs on Sunday, September 12, and she looked gorgeous in a one-strap, baby-pink dress. In fact, I’d venture to say she was channeling a Disney princess. An Olympic medal-winning Disney princess.

See the look for yourself below. 

The 2021 MTV VMAs ceremony was the first major event Simone Biles has attended since the Tokyo Olympics, in which she withdrew from a few categories after experiencing the “twisties.” The 24-year-old still won a bronze and silver medal at the Games, though, and she opened up about her experience on Instagram. 

“Definitely not the way I planned the olympics going but I wouldn’t change anything for the world,” she wrote. “I’m proud of myself and the career I’ve had thus far. this olympics doesn’t erase the past accomplishments I’ve achieved nor does it define who I am as an athlete. I’ve pushed through so much the past couple years , the word quitter is not in my vocabulary. for some of you that may be how you define me but keep talking because I can’t hear you over my 7 olympic medals which tied me for the most decorated gymnast EVER as well as most decorated american gymnast.”

She echoed this sentiment in a separate IG post, writing, “Not at all how I imagined or dreamed my second olympics would go but blessed to represent the usa. I’ll forever cherish this unique olympic experience. thanks everyone for the endless love and support. I’m truly grateful – leaving Tokyo with 2 more Olympic medals to add to my collection isn’t too shabby!”Not too shabby indeed. 

Since the Olympics, Biles has been living her best life, taking some much-needed R&R both with friends and her football player boyfriend, Jonathan Owens. This gorgeous VMAs look is just another examples of her being iconic. 

Who’s performing at the VMAs? Well, many, many of your favorite singers, that’s who.

Yes, the MTV VMAs 2021, happening September 12, will be a star-studded event. Everyone from Camila Cabello to Lil Nas X and Olivia Rodrigo is expected to take the stage, and the performances will surely be show-stopping. Below, see a complete breakdown of the performances. Are any of your faves on the list?

Performing: “Don’t Go Yet”

Nominations: Song of Summer

Chlöe of Chlöe x Halle 

Performing: “Have Mercy”

Performing: “Been Like This” and “You Right”

Nominations: Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, Song of Summer, Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects

Doja Cat is also hosting this year’s show. “I am glad that people enjoy my personality enough to have me on the show and host,” she told Billboard. “It’s beautiful. I don’t know what’s going to happen as far as my hosting debut. I still don’t know the little quirks of it all or the pieces that we will be doing, but I know that I’m excited and glad that they enjoy who I am. ”

Foo Fighters 

Performing: Unknown.

Nominations: Best Rock, Group of the Year, Best Choreography, Best Cinematography, MTV Global Icon Award

Justin Bieber and The Kid Laroi 

Performing: “Stay”

Nominations: Best New Artist (The Kid Laroi), Push Performance of The Year (The Kid Laroi), Song of Summer (“Stay”). Bieber’s nominations: Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, Song of Summer, Best Cinematography, Best Direction, Best Editing

Kacey Musgraves

Performing: “Star-Crossed”

Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow 

Performing: “Industry Baby”

Nominations:  Lil Nas X’s nominations: Video of the Year, Video for Good, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects 

Nominations for Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow: Song of Summer 

Ozuna 

Performing: “La Funka”

Machine Gun Kelly 

Performing: “Papercuts”

Nominations: Best Alternative

Normani

Performing: “Wild Side”

Nominations: Song of the Summer

Performing: “Good 4 U”

Nominations: Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best New Artist, Push Performance of the Year, Best Pop, Song of Summer

Performing: “Summer of Love”

Nominations: Song of the Summer; for Mendes: Best Pop

Twenty One Pilots

Performing: “Saturday”

Nominations: Best Alternative, Group of the Year

For more info on all things MTV VMAs 2021, click here. 

The MTV VMAs for 2021 will be a hybrid of last year’s show and the pre-COVID ceremonies. Because of the delta variant, restrictions will still be in place, but the vaccine allows for a larger live audience and guest list. If you’re looking to watch the VMAs from home, though, don’t worry: There are still many ways to do that. From your standard cable to the VMAs live stream, taking in the show is easier than ever. 

Below, see how to watch the VMAs live from your own home. 

Traditional cable

The VMAs air live Sunday, September 12 at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. It will simulcast on CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1, and The CW.

Streaming

The VMA show stream is available on Paramount+. Also, if you have a live TV streaming service, like Hulu Live, you can watch it there, as well. 

To see the full list of nominees  for the MTV VMAs 2021, click here. Below, see the major categories. 

Video of the Year

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

DJ Khaled ft. Drake: “Popstar” (Starring Justin Bieber) – OVO / We The Best / Epic Records

Doja Cat ft. SZA: “Kiss Me More” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

Ed Sheeran: “Bad Habits” – Atlantic Records

Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” – Columbia Records

The Weeknd: “Save Your Tears” – XO / Republic Records

Artist of the Year

Ariana Grande – Republic Records

Doja Cat – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

Justin Bieber – Def Jam

Megan Thee Stallion – 300 Entertainment

Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records

Taylor Swift – Republic Records

Song of the Year

24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior: “Mood” – Records LLC / Columbia Records

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic: “Leave the Door Open” – Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic Records

BTS: “Dynamite” – Bighit Music

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

Dua Lipa: “Levitating” – Warner Records

Olivia Rodrigo: “Drivers License” – Geffen Records

Best New Artist

24kGoldn – Records LLC / Columbia Records

Giveon – Epic Records / Not So Fast

The Kid Laroi – Columbia Records

Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records

Polo G – Columbia Records

Saweetie – Warner Records

The nominees for the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards are here, and everything’s coming up Bieber. Justin Bieber scored a total of seven nominations, the most for any single artist. Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Cardi B are in the mix too, with multiple nominations each. But will your fave be going home with a Moonperson trophy? You can vote here on the categories up to 20 times a day between now and the big night on September 12. Happy clicking!

Below, check out all the 2021 VMAs nominees: 

Video of the Year

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

DJ Khaled ft. Drake: “Popstar” (Starring Justin Bieber) – OVO / We The Best / Epic Records

Doja Cat ft. SZA: “Kiss Me More” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

Ed Sheeran: “Bad Habits” – Atlantic Records

Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” – Columbia Records

The Weeknd: “Save Your Tears” – XO / Republic Records

Artist of the Year

Ariana Grande – Republic Records

Doja Cat – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

Justin Bieber – Def Jam

Megan Thee Stallion – 300 Entertainment

Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records

Taylor Swift – Republic Records

Song of the Year

24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior: “Mood” – Records LLC / Columbia Records

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic: “Leave the Door Open” – Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic Records

BTS: “Dynamite” – Bighit Music

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

Dua Lipa: “Levitating” – Warner Records

Olivia Rodrigo: “Drivers License” – Geffen Records

Best New Artist

24kGoldn – Records LLC / Columbia Records

Giveon – Epic Records / Not So Fast

The Kid Laroi – Columbia Records

Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records

Polo G – Columbia Records

Saweetie – Warner Records

Push Performance of the Year

Wallows: “Are You Bored Yet?” – Atlantic Records

Ashnikko: “Daisy” – Warner Records

Saint Jhn: “Gorgeous” – Godd Complexx / HITCO

24kGoldn: “Coco” – Records LLC / Columbia Records

JC Stewart: “Break My Heart” – Elektra Music Group

Latto: “Sex Lies” – RCA Records

Madison Beer: “Selfish” – Epic Records / Sing It Loud

The Kid Laroi: “Without You” – Columbia Records

Olivia Rodrigo: “Drivers License” – Geffen Records

Girl in Red: “Serotonin” – World in Red / AWAL

Fousheé: “My Slime” – RCA Records

Jxdn: “Think About Me” – DTA Records / Elektra Music Group

Best Collaboration

24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior: “Mood” – Records LLC / Columbia Records

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

Doja Cat ft. SZA: “Kiss Me More” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

Drake ft. Lil Durk: “Laugh Now Cry Later” – OVO / Republic Records

Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon: “Peaches” – Def Jam

Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa: “Prisoner” – RCA Records

Best Pop

Ariana Grande: “Positions” – Republic Records

Billie Eilish: “Therefore I Am” – Darkroom / Interscope Records

BTS: “Butter” – Bighit Music

Harry Styles: “Treat People With Kindness” – Columbia Records

Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon: “Peaches” – Def Jam

Olivia Rodrigo: “Good 4 U” – Geffen Records

Shawn Mendes: “Wonder” – Island Records

Taylor Swift: “Willow” – Republic Records

Best Hip-Hop

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

Drake ft. Lil Durk: “Laugh Now Cry Later” – OVO / Republic Records

Lil Baby ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “On Me (remix)” – Quality Control / Motown

Moneybagg Yo – “Said Sum” – N-Less Entertainment / Interscope Records

Polo G: “Rapstar” – Columbia Records

Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A.: “Franchise” – Cactus Jack / Epic Records

Best Rock

Evanescence: “Use My Voice” – BMG