Oh MTV Video Music Awards – never change. The combination of effort and effed is always a welcome distraction.

The 2021 MTV VMAs were almost destined to become a colourful mess. People – and by people I mean me – are craving something, anything, that gives us a taste of the good old days. 

Geddit Lil Nas X! Taking home the award for Video of the Year for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”. Image: Getty.

Thankfully everyone came to the party. And by everyone I mean everyone. On the one side you have current pop powerhouses Lil Nas X, Justin Beiber and Shawn Mendes. Icons David Lee Roth, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper. And the new breed of stars, courtesy of TikTok and social media – Jxdn, Addison Rae. Someone else wouldn’t be able to name in a lineup.

There was even a bit of old-fashioned biffo courtesy of Machine Gun Kelly and Connor Why Was He Even Invited McGregor. While McGregor’s team has denied any issues, footage clearly shows the Irish MMA fighter lunge for the whitest rapper. Clearly his broken foot hasn’t tempered his temper. 

Unlike other red carpets, the MTV Video Music Awards have historically guaranteed an all-out banger for the fashion. This is the event that gave us Lady Gaga in a meat dress.

Lil’ Kim’s iconic purple jumpsuit and nipple pasty. And a constant onslaught of menswear that would have been better off left at home.

This year, you could smell the nostalgia as folks turned up and turned out the best and worst of early 2000s fashion, including the celebrity lineup. The not-as-famous-as-Justin boys from NSYNC looking less boyband and more creepy uncle; Avril Lavigne; and Megan Fox.  Seems like that 20 year cycle is as true as ever.

MTV VMA
The three kinds of dodgy uncle at the barbecue. Image: Getty.

Straight outta my high school mixtape, Travis Barker is evidence that acting your age comes with a whole new wardrobe of black studded suits. Feels like Kourtney Kardashian’s influence and I welcome it for the former skate rat rocker.

If you needed any further evidence that this is the Year of the Twink, look no further than Australia’s very own Troye Sivan, who turned up in Fendi’s unforgettable SS21 crop top ensemble, and phenom Lil Nas X who absolutely nailed it in custom Atelier Versace and looked like a modern-day Rick James. Or at least, Dave Chappelle as Rick James. The singer cleaned up for his hit of the year, Montero (Call Me By Your Name) taking home three awards including Video of the Year

Take a look below to see the best and dodgiest from the red carpet. See you tomorrow for the Met Gala!

David Lee Roth

MTV VMA
David Lee Roth does his best impression of David Lee Roth. Image: Getty

Ed Sheeran

MTV VMA
Old mate Ed in Versace. Nicely done lad. Image: Getty.

Lil Nas X

Prince, I mean Rick James, I mean Lil Nas X in Atelier Versace. Image: Getty

Travis Barker

MTV VMA
When I remember that Travis Barker is older than I am yet sang about not being able to act his age… Image: Getty.

The Kid LAROI

MTV VMA
Straight outta Waterloo, Sydney – The Kid LAROI. Image: Getty

Travis Scott

MTV VMA
Surprisingly simple from Kylie Jenner baby daddy, Travis Scott, who wore Bottega Veneta. Image: Getty.

Shawn Mendes

MTV VMA
This is what Shawn Mendes chose to wear, that’s correct. Image: Getty.

Troye Sivan

MTV VMA
King of the Twinks, Troye Sivan in Fendi SS21. Image: Getty