Is there a record out there for most number of backup dancers at an award show? No? Well, there should be, because the EMAs would have definitely shattered it Sunday. Pop star Dua Lipa kicked off the telecast surrounded by dozens of yellow-clad dancers, and was followed by just as elaborate numbers from British-Swedish singer Mabel, and rapper Akon and Becky G.
2) Rosalía's performance
"Warning: The place is going to go insane during this next song," Becky G explained before "Spanish sensation" Rosalía took the stage, as presenter Dua Lipa gushed about the singer's mix of flamenco, pop, reggaeton and dance. Sure enough, the crowd members lost their minds when Rosalía launched into a mesmerizing performance of "Di Mi Nombre," surrounded by an entire choir and her own crew of backup dancers.
3) The rockers
Green Day played their new single, "Father of All," and then really brought down the house with the 25-year-old hit "Basket Case." Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong accepted their award for best rock and dedicated it to SWMRS, his son's punk band that was involved in a car accident last week. He gave a shout-out to the guitarist who is recovering from injuries in a rehab clinic. "Max Becker, we love you, and we're all supporting you," Armstrong said.
Later, Oasis star Liam Gallagher won the inaugural Rock Icon award. Although his introductory video alluded to his many controversies, he kept his acceptance speech short and drama-free. "I want to congratulate MTV for recognizing my brilliance. Thanks for the award. I'll wear it well," he said. He closed out the show with new song "Once" followed by "Wonderwall," and tweaked the famous lyrics: "There are many things that I would like to say to you, but I don't . . . speak Spanish."
4) NCT 127 makes EMAs history
In the 25-year history of the EMAs, a K-pop act has never performed on the show - until now. Judging by the screams of the audience and the ecstatic comments flooding social media all day in anticipation, we're guessing that NCT 127 won't be the last.
5) The no-shows
Multiple A-list nominees couldn't make it to Spain, but they all made sure to send video messages to express gratitude. This is included Nicki Minaj, who won best hip-hop ("Thank you guys so much for voting for me to win this award, I love you very, very much."); Eilish, who won best new artist and best song for "Bad Guy" ("Thank you so much to the MTV EMAs and all my fans. . . . I will see you soon, hopefully."); and Swift, who won best U.S. artist and best video for "ME!" ("Thank you to Brendon Urie for just giving his all in the video and in the song and doing this song with me. And Dave Meyers the director, who's incredible. But mostly the fans.")
Best Pop Ariana Grande Becky G Camila Cabello Halsey - winner Jonas Brothers Shawn Mendes
Best Collaboration BTS and Halsey, "Boy With Luv" Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus, "Old Town Road (Remix)" Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus, "Nothing Breaks Like a Heart" Rosalía and J Balvin feat. El Guincho, "Con Altura" - winner Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, "Señorita" The Chainsmokers and Bebe Rexha, "Call You Mine"
Best Hip-Hop 21 Savage Cardi B Cole Nicki Minaj - winner Travis Scott
Best Rock Green Day - winner Imagine Dragons Liam Gallagher Panic! At The Disco The 1975
Best New Artist Ava Max Billie Eilish - winner Lewis Capaldi Lil Nas X Lizzo Mabel
Best Video Ariana Grande, "Thank U, Next" Billie Eilish, "Bad Guy" Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus "Old Town Road (Remix)" Rosalía and J Balvin feat. El Guincho, "Con Altura" Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco, "ME!" - winner
Best Artist Ariana Grande J Balvin Miley Cyrus Shawn Mendes - winner Taylor Swift
Best Song Ariana Grande, "7 Rings" Billie Eilish, "Bad Guy" - winner Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus, "Old Town Road (Remix)" Post Malone and Swae Lee, "Sunflower" Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, "Señorita"
Best Live Ariana Grande BTS - winner Ed Sheeran P!NK Travis Scott
Best Alternative FKA Twigs - winner Lana Del Rey Solange Twenty One Pilots Vampire Weekend
Best Electronic Calvin Harris DJ Snake Marshmello Martin Garrix - winner The Chainsmokers
Best Look Halsey - winner J Balvin Lil Nas X Lizzo Rosalía
Biggest Fans Ariana Grande Billie Eilish BTS - winner Shawn Mendes Taylor Swift
Best Push Ava Max - winner Billie Eilish CNCO H.E.R. Jade Bird Juice WRLD Kiana Ledé Lauv Lewis Capaldi Lizzo Mabel Rosalía
Best World Stage Bebe Rexha - Isle of MTV Malta 2019 Hailee Steinfeld - Isle of MTV Malta 2018 Muse - Bilbao, Spain 2018 - winner The 1975 - Lollapalooza Paris Festival 2019 Twenty One Pilots - Lollapalooza Paris Festival 2019
Best US Act Ariana Grande Billie Eilish Lil Nas X Lizzo Taylor Swift - winner
Best Canadian Act Alessia Cara Avril Lavigne Carly Rae Jepsen Johnny Orlando - winner Shawn Mendes
