The best acceptance speeches at the 2021 Video Music Awards

The 2021 Video Music Awards aired on Sunday live from New York City and they were filled with a sense of normalcy we are all missing. Music fans were treated to performances from powerhouses like Normani and Justin Bieber. While many celebrities were also in attendance, one of the best parts of the night were the award speeches. Here are some of the award speeches that resonated with the current times we are in.

Award Speeches That Were Timely at the 2021 Video Music Awards

Good for you, Olivia Rodrigo!

The pop darling just took home three moon person’s at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards.

Two of the wins, Best New Artist, and  Best Song of The Year win for “Drivers License”  aired lived on the broadcast. “Drivers License” beat out “Dynamite” by BTS, “WAP”, by Cardi B, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, “Mood” by 24KGoldn, and “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars. She was on a short list against Kid Laroi for Best New Artist.

Although her wins were impressive, what got attention across social media- as they do in many award shows – was her speech. Her speech for Best Song of The Year spoke to her young female audience.

Olivia said in her acceptance speech:

"“I want to dedicate this award to all of the other girls who write songs on their bedroom floor. There are lots of people who will try to dim your light, but speaking your mind and sharing your heart are the most beautiful things in the world and here’s to that."

Acceptance speeches are the motivation we all need. They also spark attention at current events. Justin Bieber did this during his award speech. He took home two awards including Artist of the Year and Best Pop Award for “Peaches” with Daniel Caesar and Giveon.

He said during his 2021 Video Music Awards acceptance speech:

"“As we know there is so much going on in the world as we speak. I know you guys have probably heard it a lot but we are in unprecedented times right now with this Covid thing that is happening. It is not a thing but is a big deal. I just wanted to say that music is an amazing opportunity and an amazing outlet to reach people and to bring us all together. That’s why we’re all here right now. We got more in common than we don’t. I look around and see so many beautiful faces. I really do believe the best is yet to come. “"

Watch his speech and the other speeches of the 2021 Video Music Awards night below:

And in case you just want to know the winners in the top categories, here is the list below.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
DJ Khaled ft. Drake – “Popstar” (starring Justin Bieber)
Doja Cat ft. SZA – “Kiss Me More”
Ed Sheeran – “Bad Habits”
Lil Nas X – “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” — WINNER
The Weeknd – “Save Your Tears”

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande
Doja Cat
Justin Bieber — WINNER
Megan Thee Stallion
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift

SONG OF THE YEAR
24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior – “Mood”
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open”
BTS – “Dynamite”
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
Dua Lipa – “Levitating”
Olivia Rodrigo – “Drivers License” — WINNER

BEST NEW ARTIST 
24kGoldn
Giveon
The Kid LAROI
Olivia Rodrigo — WINNER
Polo G
Saweetie