Ahead of the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards taking place in Budapest, Hungary next month, the channel has released this year’s list of nominees and, unexpectedly, Justin Bieber is this year’s frontrunner securing eight nominations.
Bieber’s nods include “Best Artist,” “Best Pop,” two “Best Song” noms for his global hits “Peaches” featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon and “STAY” with The Kid LAROI, “Best Video” for “Peaches,” “Best Collaboration” alongside The Kid LAROI and “Biggest Fans.”
Doja Cat and Lil Nas X follow Bieber with six nods each, both across “Best Song,” “Best Video” and “Best Collaboration.” Meanwhile, British global superstar Ed Sheeran and EMA newcomers Olivia Rodrigo and The Kid LAROI follow closely with five nominations each, including “Best Pop” and “Best Song” for Sheeran and Rodrigo.
African artists are also put under the spotlight with Amaarae, Diamond Platnumz, Focalistic, Tems and Wizkid scoring a nod in the Best African Artist category.
Naturally, this is a massive honour for our African artists who are thrilled to be recognised. “I am so happy and proud to be nominated at the 2021 MTV EMA’s, it means a lot to me, my generation, the Swahili nation and the whole of Africa, I truly appreciate it,” commented Diamond Platnumz tells us.
Focalistic adds “To be nominated as the Best African Act at the 2021 MTV EMA’s means a lot to me. Taking my music to the world means that Amapiano is taking over and this a big stride for the genre and South African music. Let us make more noise and make sure we vote and bring this one home.”
Voting is now open at mtvema.com until November 10th at 11:59pm CET.
Here is the full list of nominees:
Best African Act
Amaarae
Diamond Platnumz
Focalistic
Tems
Wizkid
Best Artist
Doja Cat
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
Lil Nas X
The Weeknd
Best Pop
BTS
Doja Cat
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Olivia Rodrigo
Best Song
Doja Cat ft. SZA – Kiss Me More
Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits
Justin Bieber – Peaches ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)
Olivia Rodrigo – Drivers License
The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY
Best Video
Doja Cat ft. SZA – Kiss Me More
Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits
Justin Bieber – Peaches ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)
Normani ft. Cardi B – Wild Side
Taylor Swift – willow
Best Collaboration
Black Eyed Peas, Shakira – GIRL LIKE ME
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – Leave the Door Open
Doja Cat ft. SZA – Kiss Me More
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – INDUSTRY BABY
The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande – Save Your Tears (Remix)
Best New
Giveon
Griff
Olivia Rodrigo
Rauw Alejandro
Saweetie
The Kid LAROI
Best Electronic
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Joel Corry
Marshmello
Skrillex
Swedish House Mafia
Best Rock
Coldplay
Foo Fighters
Imagine Dragons
Kings Of Leon
Måneskin
The Killers
Best Alternative
Halsey
Lorde
Machine Gun Kelly
Twenty One Pilots
WILLOW
YUNGBLUD
Best Latin
Bad Bunny
J. Balvin
Maluma
Rauw Alejandro
Rosalía
Shakira
Best Hip Hop
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
Kanye West
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Best K-Pop
BTS
LISA
Monsta X
NCT 127
ROSÉ
TWICE
Best Group
BTS
Imagine Dragons
Jonas Brothers
Little Mix
Måneskin
Silk Sonic
Best Push
24KGoldn
Fousheé
girl in red
Griff
JC Stewart
JXDN
Latto
Madison Beer
Olivia Rodrigo
Remi Wolf
SAINt JHN
The Kid LAROI
Biggest Fans
Ariana Grande
BLACKPINK
BTS
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift
Video for Good
Billie Eilish – Your Power
Demi Lovato – Dancing With The Devil
girl in red – Serotonin
H.E.R. – Fight For You
Harry Styles – Treat People With Kindness
Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)
Best US Act (BEST LOCAL ACT*)
Ariana Grande
Doja Cat
Lil Nas X
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
