Taylor Swift received the top prize at MTV's annual Video Music Awards on Sunday for a 10-minute version of her 2012 breakup song "All Too Well" She also announced that a new album would be out in October.
The singer thanked her supporters from the stage of the Prudential Center in New Jersey as she won her fourteenth VMA. Swift re-recorded "All Too Well" in response to a conflict with her former record label.
"We wouldn't have been able to make this short film if it weren't for you, the fans," Swift added before announcing that her next album will be released on October 21.
The album will be titled "Midnights," and depict the tales of "13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life," the singer revealed in a Twitter post following her victory.
Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican musician, was named artist of the year and presented with his Moon Person statue at Yankee Stadium, where he performed to a sold-out crowd.
Dove Cameron, the former Disney Channel star who sang the songs "Breakfast" and "Boyfriend," was voted the best new artist. She stated, "This year has been so wild," and dedicated her prize to "to all the queer kids out there."
Other winners included Harry Styles, who won the album of the year award for "Harry's House" by video from Madison Square Garden, where he was scheduled to perform.
Johnny Depp, shunned by the entertainment industry amid a defamation battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, made a fleeting appearance throughout the event with his face digitally put into the helmet of a hovering astronaut.
"I need the work," the actor joked.
Nicki Minaj was awarded the Video Vanguard trophy for her extensive catalog of hits. Before paying respect to musicians that inspired her, the singer performed a medley of "Anaconda," "Super Bass," and other songs.
Minaj stated, "I wish that Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson were here," "I wish that people understood what they meant, what they were going through (and) took mental health seriously."
Snoop Dogg and Eminem performed "From the D to the LBC" as animated graphics on "Otherside," a future metaverse platform from Yuga Labs' NFT and cryptocurrency division.
Cheech and Chong introduced the K-pop group Blackpink and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were honored as global icons.
"Industry Baby." by Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow won the best collaboration.
Harlow sang "First Class" while costumed as a flight attendant before entering the arena to perform "Glamorous." with former Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie.
Lizzo, clad in a Barbie-pink ensemble and combat boots, then performed "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)." Later, she received an award for "About Damn Time" and informed the audience she would not use the platform to "clap back" at detractors.
"Because I'm winning!" she exclaimed.