BTS wins most awards at MTV Europe Music Awards, followed by Ed Sheeran

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran performs on stage during the MTV Europe Music Awards at the Laszlo Papp Budapest Sports Arena in Budapest, Hungary on Nov 14, 2021. Photo: AFP

Korean pop sensation BTS and British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran were the big winners at the 2021 MTV European Music Awards on Sunday (Nov 14).

BTS won the most awards, including Best Pop, Best Group, Best K-Pop and Biggest Fans, while Sheeran won Best Artist and Best Song for Bad Habits.

Italian rock band and 2021 winners of the Eurovision Song Contest Mineskin took home Best Rock, while show host and performer Saweetie won Best New.

Nicki Minaj won Best Hip-Hop, Olivia Rodrigo Best Push, Maluma Best Latin and YUNGBLUD the award for Best Alternative.

The Best Collaboration award went to Doja Cat ft. SZA for Kiss Me More, while David Guetta won Best Electronic and Billie Eilish was honoured with the Video for Good award.

Among the regional local act categories, Taylor Swift won for the US and Little Mix for Britain and Ireland.

US rapper Saweetie (centre) performs on stage during the MTV Europe Music Awards. Photo: AFP

Justin Bieber, who was the frontrunner with eight nominations, didn't win any awards.

After a virtual 2020, the event was live from the Laszlo Papp Budapest Sportarena in Hungary and aired on MTV in 180 countries.

The show drew inspiration from Budapest's famous thermal spas and the Danube, the river that runs through the city, and featured a water theme with stages that appeared to be floating.

Sheeran opened the proceedings with a rendition of his latest single Overpass Graffiti and later on performed his hit number Shivers.

One of the highlights of Saweetie's hosting routine was interacting with Squid Game-inspired soldiers in hot pink suits and MTV-branded masks.

She also performed a medley of her hits, including Best Friend, Tap In and OUT OUT.

English singer Yungblud performs on stage. Photo: AFP

With a medley of two unreleased songs, Coconuts, and Hit It From The Back, Kim Petras made EMAs history as the first trans artist to perform at the show.

There were also performances by OneRepublic, Maluma, Imagine Dragons, Mineskin, Griff and Girl in Red.

YUNGBLUD closed the night with a performance of his latest single Fleabag. – Reuters