MTV Awards: Ed Sheeran wins best artist, song of the year

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has won best artist and best song for “Bad Habits” at the 2021 MTV’s Europe Music Awards.

Meanwhile, K-pop stars BTS snatched four awards at the ceremony, which returned as an in-person event after a virtual 2020 edition due to the covid-19 pandemic.

MTV said the 2021 EMAs, held at the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sport arena, would be “a global celebration of music for all audiences around the world”.

Lil Nas X was awarded best video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” while Korean band BTS won the most awards (four), including best pop, best K-pop, best group, and biggest fans.

First-time EMA winners Måneskin took home best rock, while show host and performer Saweetie won best new.

Nicki Minaj earned a top award for best hip-hop, Olivia Rodrigo was awarded best push, Maluma won best Latin, and YUNGBLUD snagged the award for best alternative.

The show derived inspiration from Budapest’s popular thermal spas and the Danube River, which runs through the capital, with stages that appeared to be floating.

Grammy award-winning Sheeran opened the night surrounded by neon graffiti to perform his latest single, “Overpass Graffiti.” Later he performed his chart-topping hit “Shivers.”

Imagine Dragons returned to the EMAs for the debut of their new single “Enemy.” Bathed in laser lights, the best-selling band rocked the stage alongside Grammy-nominated rapper and artist J.I.D and a squad of dancers.

Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and best alternative award winner YUNGBLUD closed the night with a pyrotechnics-filled performance of his latest single “fleabag”. 

Reuters/Hauwa Abu