“YEAR OF THE WOMAN” HALLMARKED WITH LIVE PERFORMANCES BY BECKY G, DUA LIPA, ROSALÍA, HALSEY, AVA MAX, MABEL AND MORE
LIAM GALLAGHER HONORED WITH FIRST-EVER ROCK ICON AWARD
SEVILLE, SPAIN—NOV. 3, 2019—The “2019 MTV EMAs” opened with pop superstar Dua Lipa delivering the first global stage performance of her new song “Don’t Start Now,” joined by a massive yellow wall of dancers. Following the performance, show host Becky G appeared in her first of many costumes to partake in a hilarious bilingual dialogue with herself that was a nod to the outstanding year in women-led and Latin music.
Other highlights include “Best New” and “Best Push” nominee Mabel singing “Don’t Call Me Up.” The daughter of Neneh Cherry—also no stranger to the MTV stage—performed from atop a larger than life purple phone, complete with a solo dance break, lasers and violet lighting. Surrounded by a cascade of lights, Niall Horan performed a dynamic version of “Nice to Meet Ya.” MTV EMA Host Becky G teamed up with Akon for the first global performance of their reggaeton smash “Como No.” The duo rolled down the runway-like stage on gliding carnival floats. The procession was marked with an explosion of color, 54 dancers and a blend of instruments in a standout moment.
Later in the show, Becky G performed a show-stopping medley of her hits surrounded by flames including “24/7,” “Sin Pijama” and “Mayores” on the stage, illuminated by glistening lasers and UV lighting. Global Icons Green Day rocked thousands of hardcore fans in the legendary Plaza de España with an epic performance of their new single “Father of All” and punk classic “Basket Case.” Halsey lit up the EMA stage in her own “Halsey World” setting for an intimate version of “Graveyard,” literally setting fire to her carousel horse. Backed by an all-female orchestra, pop phenomenon Ava Max delivered a unique rendition of her global hits “Torn” leading into “Sweet but Psycho” that ran the length of the EMAs’ runway-style stage. Local hero and global sensation Rosalía, accompanied by 52 dancers against a pyramid of red chairs, gave a powerful flamenco/hip-hop hybrid dance number to “Di Mi Nombre.” NCT 127, the first K-Pop group to perform on the global MTV stage, delivered an electrifying performance of their hit “Highway to Heaven.”
The first-ever MTV EMA Rock Icon winner Liam Gallagher closed the show with a breathtaking performance of his new single “Once” and anthemic hit “Wonderwall” complete with string instruments and a band. The moment was a nod to Gallagher’s classic rock and roll style.
The “MTV EMA Generation Change Award” returned a second year to elevate and empower the fearless, original young people who are changing the world using music, creativity and innovation. Five dynamic changemakers from around the globe were presented with the award during the “2019 MTV EMA” red carpet pre-show. The winners are among a generation of young people who are tackling the world’s toughest problems – including LGBTQ + rights, climate change, economic imbalance and racial injustice. Additionally, MTV celebrated all the local EMA winners from different countries around the globe from Spain to Latin America, to Japan and Nigeria. Thirteen of the winners in attendance from their home countries were brought onto the stage for a tremendous in-show moment that showcased a truly global celebration of talent.
