Ever since the commencement of the MTV Europe Music Awards in 1994, the accolade organization has been unwavering in its commitment to celebrating the year’s most outstanding artists. For the first time since it commenced, there was no. award night, 2023 marked an unprecedented event when the MTV EMAs were canceled earlier in October. The celebration, originally slated for November 5th, had to be called off due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which had claimed numerous lives. According to the paramount spokesperson for the event, the organizers “have made the difficult decision not to proceed with the 2023 MTV EMAs, considering the volatility of world events. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and partners who come together from all corners of the world to bring the show to life.” Despite the cancellation of the celebration, the recognition of artists was not affected, and this year, we witnessed artists like Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Rema, and Taylor Swift emerged as the biggest winners of the awards and still received their well-deserved honors.
Best Video (“Anti Hero” By Taylor Swift)
Leaving behind strong contenders like “Paint the Town Red” by Doja Cat, and “Bongos” by Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Gorilla” by Little Simz, Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire,” and SZA’s “Kill Bill,” and “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift emerged the Best Video of the Year, earning this billionaire artist yet another prestigious award. Taylor Swift’s introspective and self-critical work strikes a chord with fans, who find themselves reflected in the song’s lyrics. The video for the song further enhances its self-referential quality, intensifying the connection it forges with the audience. Delving deeper into the video, Taylor skillfully aligns each verse with a compelling visual representation, elevating the impact of the song and providing fans with a richer and more immersive experience.
Best Artist
The esteemed title of ‘Best Artist of the Year’ at the MTV EMAs has found its rightful recipient in the unparalleled American singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift. With an impressive collection of 11 Grammy Awards to her name, Taylor Swift’s songwriting prowess is truly exceptional, crafting songs that narrate relatable stories and connect deeply with her audience. Her enchanting voice, which seamlessly blends elements from the best rock and pop, creates a musical experience that is not only enjoyable but also utterly captivating. Taylor Swift’s win is a deserved one.
Best Live (Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour)
In a year filled with live performances, the MTV EMA ‘Best Live’ Winner, the Eras tour stood out as an extraordinary and radiant spectacle, eclipsing the performances of her rivals. This tour not only brought immense wealth and accolades but also consistently set new records. From the moment Taylor Swift announced her Eras tour, it was a groundbreaking event, causing Ticketmaster’s online page to crash due to the overwhelming demand from Swift’s dedicated fans. Swift, who was named the Best Artist of the Year, also achieved a remarkable feat by breaking a Ticketmaster record, selling over 2.4 million tickets in a single day, a milestone unparalleled by any other artist.
Best Hip Hop (“Super Freaky Girl” by Nicki Minaj)
In a genre of music where success is hard-fought, it’s a remarkable achievement when an artist can rise to the top of the hip-hop market that can well be regarded as oversaturated, with more than a
hundred artists vying for recognition amidst fierce competition. Despite this challenging landscape, Nicki Minaj, the first female BET Hip-Hop Award winner, has once again climbed to the top. She was named the MTV EMA Best Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, claiming this prestigious award with her hit song “Super Freaky Girl.” In doing so, she outshone other formidable competitors such as Cardi B, Central Cee, Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi Vert, Metro Boomin, and Travis Scott.
Best Song (Seven by Jung Kook featuring Latto}
Korean pop artist Jung Kook proved he isn’t in the industry to play nor for the crumbs, as he came through and won the MTV EMA Best Song with his single “SEVEN” featuring Latto, Setting a record as the first Korean artist ever to win the Best song on MTV EMAs Pop Artist, Even in the face of tough competition from highly versatile American artists such as Miley Cyrus with “Flowers,” SZA’s “Kill Bill,” Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero,” Rema, and Selena Gomez with “Calm Down,” among others, the artist from BTS left no room for anyone else as he not only secured his award in that category but also claimed ownership of one other, showcasing his exceptional talent and leaving a mark among formidable contenders in the industry.
Best K-pop Artist
Among numerous Korean pop stars, Jung Kook once again has his dominance proven as he claimed absolute ownership of the MTV EMAs for the Best K-pop Artist of the Year, becoming the most awarded Korean artist in the history of MTV Jung Kook has once again asserted his undeniable dominance in the music industry. This time, he achieved an exceptional feat by securing the coveted title of the MTV EMA’s Best K-pop Artist EMA of the Year. In doing so, he not only solidified his status as a prominent figure in the global music scene but also carved out a place in history. Jung Kook’s remarkable achievement extends beyond the boundaries of his genre and nation. He has now become the most-awarded Korean artist in the history of MTV EMAs.
Best Pop (“What Was I Made Of” by Billie Eilish)
Undoubtedly, Grammy Award winner Billie Eilish is no stranger to clinching the coveted Best Pop Artist award, and it’s for a very good reason, her unique ability to seamlessly fuse poignant, somber ballad lyrics with captivating pop melodies sets her apart and results in profoundly resonating songs. This distinctive style, which has become the young artist’s signature, was once again showcased in her MTV EMA Best Pop Artist award-winning track, “What Was I Made Of.” In this exceptional song, Billie Eilish captivates with her artistry, leaving a lasting impact on listeners. Her prowess as an artist shines through, and her ability to craft unforgettable pop music that transcends boundaries is undeniable.
Best Afrobeats (Calm Down by Rema Ft. Selena Gomez)
The chart-topping and record-breaking song, “Calm Down,” by the exceptional, Afrobeat artist and highly accomplished American songwriter, and singer Selena Gomez, has refused to step down as it has once again claimed an esteemed accolade. The young Afrobeat artist was named the Best Afrobeat Artist of the Year at the MTV EMAs, further solidifying his position as a music industry standout. This recognition underscores Rema’s extraordinary talent and enduring influence on the Afrobeat genre, adding yet another feather to his cap of well-deserved honors.
Best New Artist
Peso Pluma etched his name into the annals of MTV EMA’s history with his chart-topping songs, achieving a remarkable milestone as he broke records and earned well-deserved recognition. His groundbreaking tracks catapulted him to the prestigious title of Best New Act, marking a momentous occasion in the world of music awards. Peso Pluma’s victory carries even greater significance as he not only became the first Mexican artist to claim this distinction but also the first artist to predominantly sing in Spanish to secure this award.
Best Collab
Once again, the Colombian artist Karol G has added another award to her impressive collection, and in doing so, she has made history by becoming the first artist to win the Best Collaboration award twice. Her first triumph came alongside Nicki Minaj and she has now secured another victory with her song alongside Shakira, “TQG.” Karol G’s exceptional talent and ability to create hit collaborations have solidified her status as a groundbreaking artist in the music industry. Her unique achievements serve as a testament to her enduring influence and her ability to create memorable and chart-topping music.
Best R&B
The renowned R&B artist, Chris Brown, an artist with an illustrious career that boasts over 108 awards to his name, has once again added to his extensive collection. At the MTV EMAs, he emerged as the winner of the Best R&B Artist of the Year award. This latest accolade reaffirms his status as an all-time artist in the genre, recognizing his enduring impact and exceptional artistry in the world of R&B music. Chris Brown’s ability to consistently shine and capture prestigious awards underscores his remarkable talent and continued relevance in the music industry.