Justin Bieber leads nominees for 2021 MTV Video Music Awards

Posted August 11, 2021 7:00 am

By MARK KENNEDY

NEW YORK (AP) - Justin Bieber leads this year's list of nominees at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, followed closely by Megan Thee Stallion, Billie Eilish, BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, Giveon, Lil Nas X and first-time nominee Olivia Rodrigo.

Bieber has seven nods, including video of the year and best direction for 'œPOPSTAR,'ť artist of the year, best cinematography for 'œHoly'ť and best pop song, best editing and best collaboration for 'œPeaches.'ť

Megan Thee Stallion is right behind with six nominations, mostly from her hit song 'œWAP,'ť triggering nods for video of the year, artist of the year, best collaboration and best hip-hop song. She also was nominated for a second time in the best hip-hop song category for her work on Lil Baby's 'œOn Me (The Remix).'ť

Eilish, BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, Giveon, Lil Nas X and Rodrigo each have five nominations. Bieber and Megan Thee Stallion will compete with Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift for artist of the year.

The video of the year category is filled by 'œWAP" by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion; 'œPOPSTAR'ť by DJ Khaled featuring Drake and Bieber; 'œKiss Me More'ť by Doja Cat featuring SZA; Ed Sheeran's 'œBad Habits'ť; Lil Nas X's 'œMONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)'ť; and The Weeknd's 'œSave Your Tears.'ť

'œWAP'ť is also up for song of the year, alongside 'œMood'ť by 24kGoldn featuring iann dior; 'œLeave The Door Open'ť by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak and Silk Sonic; 'œDynamite'ť by BTS; Dua Lipa's 'œLevitating'ť and Rodrigo's 'œdrivers license.'ť

The 2021 VMAs will return to New York City, airing from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sept. 12. The show will simulcast across CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1 and The CW Network.

The best new artist nominees are: 24kGoldn, Giveon, The Kid LAROI, Olivia Rodrigo, Polo G and Saweetie. Best rock song nominees are Evanescence's 'œUse My Voice,'ť Foo Fighters' 'œShame Shame,'ť John Mayer's 'œLast Train Home,'ť The Killers' 'œMy Own Soul's Warning,'ť Kings Of Leon's 'œThe Bandit'ť and Lenny Kravitz's 'œRaise Vibration.'ť

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