The “2018 MTV EMAs” opened with badass females ruling the night. Nicki Minaj and Little Mix joined forces for an empowering performance of their collaboration “Woman Like Me.” Just before being joined onstage, Minaj shook the house with her new song “Good Form.” The “2018 MTV EMAs” will air live around the globe from Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Spain.
Global Icon Award honoree Janet Jackson delivered a blazing performance of hits over her legendary 40-year career. The stunning performance spanned four stages and included African drummers, flame torches, fire breathers, more than 20 dancers and an elevated stage surrounded by flames.
Five-time “MTV EMA” Award-winning English rock band Muse performed “Pressure” from Bilbao’s famed San Mamés Stadium.
Halsey brought the rain—literally—to the arena with an intimate solo performance of “Without Me” surrounded by rainfall.
This year’s show also awarded the first-ever “MTV EMA Generation Change Award” to elevate and empower the fearless, original young people who are changing the world. MTV awarded five changemakers from around the globe, all under the age of 26, during the red carpet pre-show. The winners are among a generation of young people who are tackling the world’s toughest problems – including fighting for environmental protection, refugee rights, ending child marriage, mental health support and LGBTQ+ equality — through music, storytelling and digital media.
Additionally, MTV recognized artists from around the globe with Worldwide Act awards and Best Local Act awards for multiple regions including Germany, Spain, Japan and Africa. Worldwide Act recognizes those artists who have evolved their footprint and established their names beyond their local borders in 2018. They are selected from all the regional EMA award nominees by an international panel of MTV music executives. Full Worldwide Act winners list is available here.
See complete list of winners and performances below.
The 2018 MTV EMAs will broadcast LIVE from Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Spain. One of the biggest global music events of the year that celebrates the hottest artists from around the world, the MTV EMAs bring music fans a unique, multi-platform experience across MTV’s global network in nearly 180 countries and 450 million homes around the world, connecting with over 350 million fans across all social media platforms. Follow @MTVEMA on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat (@MTVEMA) and Instagram, and join the conversation with #MTVEMA. Bruce Gillmer and Richard Godfrey are Executive Producers for the 2018 MTV EMAs. Debbie Phillips and Ceire Deery are Producers. Hamish Hamilton is Director.