Music video is still a prominent way that singers and groups can get their works into the limelight and be appreciated by fans and music lovers. Even in an age where music video no longer plays on MTV, there is still the MTV Video Music Awards. These are the highlights of the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) including winner lists, recap videos, and performances for the night.
2016 VMA Performances:
The MTV Video Music Awards aired at 9 PM on Sunday, August 28, at 9PM ET, broadcasted from Madison Square Garden. According to US Weekly's minute-by-minute update, first to hit the floor was Rihanna, kicking off the show with a choreographed medley including "Don't Stop the Music", "Found Love", and "Where Have You Been".
Also performing was the one-and-only Ariana Grande with "Side to Side", and was joined on stage by Nicki Minaj. There was also an unexpected performance from Alicia Keys, who paid tribute to the 53rd anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Kanye West took the stage to essentially be Kayne West, and debuted his new video for "Fade".
Of course, the big winner of the night was Beyoncé, who really brought down the house for her number of "Pray to Catch Me", as well as a rocking rendition of "Don't Hurt Yourself". It ended with her literal winning song of "Formation", which ended with a formation of her dancers in the female symbol.
One of the big return performers is Britney Spears, who performed "Make Me", and it was the first time she has performed at the VMA since 2007.
Also taking the stage is the Final Five gymnasts, without Gabby Douglas, who was gone due to medical issues.
Rihanna took the stage again with "B___h Better Have My Money", and then later on for "Stay" and then "Love on the Brain".
2016 VMA Awards List
As for who won the awards, a full list of all the award winners can be found at Billboard, but here are some of the highlights.
Video of the Year when to Beyoncé for "Formation", with director Melina Matsoukas.
Best Female Video also went to Beyoncé for "Hold Up", directed by Jonas Akerlund and Beyoncé Knowles Carter.
Best Male Video went to Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna with "This Is What You Came For", directed by Emil Nava.
Best Collaboration went to Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $ign with "Work From Home", by someone known as Director X.
2016 VMA Video Recaps
If you want to see more of the event itself, check out a link to a live video here for recap videos:
