MTV EMAs 2022
Taylor Swift is the winner of the evening
Taylor Swift made a surprising appearance in Düsseldorf.
© Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images for MTV
The MTV Europe Music Awards were presented in Düsseldorf on Sunday evening. The winner of the night was Taylor Swift.
On Sunday evening (November 13th) this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) took place in Düsseldorf. Rita Ora (31) and her partner, director Taika Waititi (47), hosted the evening. Stars like DJ legend David Guetta (55), the rock band Muse and the Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra created a relaxed atmosphere in the PSD Bank Dome. But one guest was not only the surprise of the evening, but also the undisputed queen in terms of the number of awards: Taylor Swift (32).
A good evening for Taylor Swift
The American singer caused quite a stir among fans waiting on the red carpet to see the stars of the night. The 32-year-old appeared there without an official announcement from the organizer. A little later it became clear that her trip to Germany was definitely worth it. Because the singer-songwriter won four of the coveted trophies – in the categories “Best Video”, “Best Artist”, “Best Pop” and “Best Video Longform”.
Overall, Swift was nominated six times. Only the British superstar Harry Styles (28) had more nominations, he could hope for the prize in seven categories. In the end, the former One Direction star, who did not travel to Düsseldorf, was only awarded “Best Live Act”.
Live performances in Dusseldorf
US rapper Nicki Minaj (39), who delivered the “Best Song” with “Super Freaky Girl”, was also not present. She also won a trophy in the Best Hip-Hop Artist category. In contrast to Minaj, French DJ David Guetta was on stage – and opened the award ceremony together with singer Bebe Rexha (33). They performed the joint song “I’m Good (Blue)”, elaborate lighting effects and a number of dancers made the audience cheer. They were later awarded “Best Collaboration”. Guetta also received the coveted prize for “Best Electronic Artist”.
The band Muse heated up the audience with their performance of the song “Will of the People” – including flames on stage. The British trio was happy about the title “Best Rock”. The band Gorillaz performed their hit “Cracker Island” – but it was recorded in the Tonhalle Düsseldorf and not in the PSD Bank Dome. Nevertheless, there was the “Best Alternative” award for the artists.
Other award winners
Sam Smith (30) and the German singer Kim Petras (30) were honored with their song “Unholy” in the category “Best Video for a Good Cause”. Neither Smith nor Petras was there to collect the award. Instead, Smith thanked his fans via video message. Brazilian singer Anitta (29) was named “Best Latin Act”.
South Korean boy band BTS overtook everyone in the Biggest Fans category. The boy band Seventeen, also from Korea, can now call themselves “Best Newcomer” and “Best Push Artist”. Singer Chlöe (24) has been honored as “Best R&B Artist”. In the new category “Best Metaverse Performance” the band Blackpink won for “The Virtual Pubg Mobile”. The hostess of the evening, Rita Ora, also received an award. She won in the Best Look ‘Personal Style’ category.
In the sign of Ukraine
This year’s “MTV Generation Change Award” went to the Ukrainians Lina Deshvar, Anna Kutova and Anfisa Yakovina, who have been working in the country since the Russian army attacked, among other things, to care for people. The Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra also provided a special moment when they performed their song “Stefania”, with which they won the “Eurovision Song Contest” in 2022. The arena was bathed in blue and yellow light – the Ukrainian national colors.
In addition to the ESC winners, singer Ava Max (28), Stormzy (29) and Lewis Capaldi (28) were also on stage. While Gayle (18) jumped on the bed in a teenager’s room for the performance of her hit “abcdefu”, OneRepublic performed the theme song “I Ain’t Worried” from the film “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022). Leading actor Tom Cruise (60) even spoke up via video message.
In the run-up to this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards, the winner of the “Best German Act” was announced on Friday evening in Düsseldorf. The prize went to the artist Badmómzjay (20). She prevailed against colleagues Kontra K (35), Leony (25), Nina Chuba (24) and Giant Rooks. The rapper accepted the award at the small ceremony in the night residence.
Marius Müller-Westernhagen is happy for the city
For the first time in ten years, the music award ceremony took place in Germany. The event was broadcast live in over 170 countries. The musician Marius Müller-Westernhagen (73) thinks it’s “good for the city” that the EMAs are taking place in his home town of Düsseldorf this year. “I grew up here, which means I was also shaped by the city,” he told the news agency spot on news on the red carpet. He was lucky enough to grow up there at a time “when Düsseldorf was a cultural city”. “The different arts were more interwoven. I think that’s important too.” Does every name on the nomination and appearance list mean something to him? “Gorillaz says something to me,” said the 73-year-old. After that it gets “thin”. “I hope I’ll be surprised,” said the German veteran.
Creative Director Thomas Hayo (53) raved about the mood in the German fashion city. “I’ve been to a lot of red carpets and it’s usually a bit more sedate. But here you feel like you’re in Los Angeles or New York.” “It’s really great that people can be so happy.” But after all, it is also “an event for the fans”.