“I don’t take any of these moments for granted”, Bieber said at the show.
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Having broken down in tears at the MTV Video Music Awards in August, there was a good deal of anticipation around his performance on Sunday, but he managed to maintain his composure.
Justin Bieber performs on stage.
“I don’t know what to say, I got these looks from my mamma”, Bieber added.
Justin won Best Male, Best North American Act, Best Collaboration for “Where Are You Now?” with Skrillex and Diplo, Biggest Fans and Best Look.
R&B star Rihanna, who is also preparing to release a long-awaited album, won for Best Female and British boy band One Direction scored in the Best Pop category.
None of those acts were on hand to accept, and only Minaj sent along a video “thank you”.
In contrast, Taylor Swift, who was not present on the night, was victorious in only one category, despite being nominated for a record-breaking nine awards.
As in earlier years, no costs were spared for elaborate sets, lighting effects and a powerful sound that gave an extra boost to appearances by artists including Pharell Williams, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Jason Derulo and Justin Bieber.
The audience reacted with long screams and wild applause to every nomination and every performance.
The duo subsequently collected the award for best video for “Downtown”, thanking their fans worldwide. #WorthIt8. The banter between Ed Sheeran and Ruby Rose just in general.
“We’re not on a major label; we don’t have a big budget”. It comes as he walked away with the Video Visionary Award for his V Festival, Hylands Park performance in 2014.
Andrea Bocelli made his MTV EMA debut, lulling the Italian crowd into a sing-along of his hit “Con te partiro” before singing a duet with best newcomer nominee Tori Kelly.
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Last but not least, pop star Justin Bieber gave everyone something to talk about in his all-red ensemble and super slicked-back hair.
