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The MTV Music Video Awards are widely known throughout the music industry, but do the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) even ring a bell?
The EMAs were established in 1994 by MTV Networks in Europe. But while they were originally conceived as an alternative music awards show to celebrate European artists, the main categories this year mostly consisted of famous American artists – even the presenters were mostly American. The EMAs function like an exact replica to the more mainstream VMAs, they just take place outside of the U.S.
On Sunday night, stars walked the red carpet to take photos before the show kicked off in Glasgow, Scotland.
The common choice of dress at MTV awards tends to be much more casual than the sophisticated, classy, black tie and ball gown standard of events such as the Academy Awards or Grammys. British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran looked like a normal guy in a dark blue checkered flannel with the sleeves rolled up to array his colorful tattoos. Later that night, Ed performed his new romantic single, “Out Loud.”
Once known for being on Nickelodeon’s sitcom “Victorious,” Ariana Grande attended the EMAs this year as a much-grown international pop star. Not surprisingly, Grande picked up the award for Best Song for her catchy single, “Problem,” featuring Iggy Azalea. Grande then went on to win Best Female Artist and may have known that she would be walking up to the podium many times that night, as she wore a long black dress with slits revealing lots of skin. Risqué, yet classy.
Though Justin Bieber has been gaining more negative attention from the law than positive vibes with his music, he surprised viewers on Sunday when he won two out of three nominations. Bieber bagged Best Canadian Act and Best Male Artist. Surprised? Infuriated? When bad boy Bieber prevails over tremendously talented nominees like Eminem, Pharrell, Justin Timberlake and Ed Sheeran, questions about the voters’ ability to actually vote correctly are justified.
On the other end of the spectrum, Katy Perry took away two wins out of seven nominations, claiming Best Look and Best Video for “Black Horse.” Perry beat out Iggy Azalea, Kiesza, Pharrell and Sia in this category.
We cannot fail to mention our host, Nicki Minaj. These days, we just can’t seem to get enough of the “Anaconda” singer. Minaj is famous for her ability to rap like a god and booty pop on stage, but who knew she was such a entertaining and talented host? The big ball of energy did not disappoint the crowd as she told jokes when she introduced acts, performed “Super Bass” and her new single, “Bed Of Lies” and — of course — took selfies with the crowd.
Click here to watch highlights and recaps of this year’s amusing EMAs.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Audrëy Rodríguez@ auro8713@colorado.edu.
