The MTV Video Music Awards returned big Sunday night at New York City’s Barclays Center as the entertainment network celebrated 40 years on the air. Lil Nas X, Justin Bieber Doja Cat, and Olivia Rodrigo were among the nights big winners, as VMA veterans Cyndi Lauper and Madonna were on hand to pay homage on MTV’s ruby anniversary. Here are a few highlight’s from the night’s festivities.
PHOTOS: Best of MTV 2021 Video Music Awards
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Spliff Star, left, and Busta Rhymes perform at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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David Lee Roth presents the award for video of the year at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Ozuna performs “La Funka” at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Chris Shiflett, from left, Nate Mendel, Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear of the Foo Fighters perform at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Doja Cat, left, and SZA accept the award for best collaboration for “Kiss Me More” at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Normani performs “Wild Side” at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Chloe Bailey performs “Have Mercy” at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Doja Cat performs at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Camila Cabello performs “Don’t Go Yet” at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Shawn Mendes performs “Summer of Love” at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Lil Nas X performs “Industry Baby” at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Sofia Boutella, left, and Dave Grohl arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
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Kacey Musgraves performs “Star-Crossed” at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Justin Bieber performs “Stay”at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Olivia Rodrigo performs “Good 4 U” at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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Bella Poarch arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
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Wyclef Jean, left, and Claudinette Jean arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
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Billie Eilish arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
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Cyndi Lauper arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York.
(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)