I went to the 2021 MTV VMAs. Here are 17 details you didn't see on TV.

Callie AhlgrimSep 14, 2021, 03:34 IST

Lil Nas X won video of the year at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards.John Shearer/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

I attended the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, which took place at Brooklyn's Barclays Center.
I was able to catch production details and cute interactions that weren't seen on TV.
Below you'll find an overview of my experience and interesting behind-the-scenes moments.

The 2021 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sunday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

This is where members of the press entered the stadium. Callie Ahlgrim/Insider

Attendees were required to prove vaccination status and wear masks while inside the venue.

One of the many "masks required" signs in Barclays Center. Callie Ahlgrim/Insider

There was a snack pack and water bottle waiting on every seat.

Each attendee received a snack pack and water bottle. Callie Ahlgrim/Insider

The snack pack included another water bottle, a small bag of Doritos, pretzels, M&M's, a cookie, and a disposable mask.

Guests were encouraged to eat and stay hydrated throughout the three-hour show. Callie Ahlgrim/Insider

When I took my seat 15 minutes before showtime, Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI were already in place for their performance.

Bieber was dressed in a black hoodie and overalls. Bennett Raglin/Getty Images

Bieber and LAROI were hoisted into the air during the show's intro.

Madonna gave a short tribute to MTV and New York City. Callie Ahlgrim/Insider

There was a big crew stationed behind the rock-like structure.

Bieber performed "Ghost," the 11th track on his album "Justice." Callie Ahlgrim/Insider; Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

MTV bleeped Olivia Rodrigo's performance, but they didn't need to.

Olivia Rodrigo performed after Justin Bieber. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

That whole time, props for Kacey Musgraves' performance were waiting in the wings.

Kacey Musgraves performed "Star-Crossed," the lead single from her new album. Callie Ahlgrim/Insider; Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Musgraves' set was arranged after Rodrigo's performance.

Some outlines were marked with labels like "keys" and "drums." Callie Ahlgrim/Insider

Billie Eilish was blowing kisses to fans in the pit during commercial breaks.

Billie Eilish was nominated for five VMAs this year. Theo Wargo/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

Lil Nas X's dancers were onstage for quite a while before his performance.

Jack Harlow is featured on Lil Nas X's single "Industry Baby." Callie Ahlgrim/Insider; John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

Chlöe was already onstage during Justin Bieber's acceptance speech for artist of the year.

Justin Bieber and Chlöe onstage at the VMAs. Callie Ahlgrim/Insider; Theo Wargo/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

After Normani's show-stopping performance with Teyana Taylor, they walked offstage together and hugged the whole way.

Normani performed her single "Wild Side." Callie Ahlgrim/Insider; Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

Dave Grohl threw his hands in the air and cheered when BTS won best K-pop.

Dave Grohl performs at the VMAs, left, and BTS accepts the award for best K-pop. Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS; MTV/YouTube

Rodrigo was dancing and singing during the Foo Fighters' entire performance.

Olivia Rodrigo changed back into her red-carpet gown after her performance. Callie Ahlgrim/Insider; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV/ ViacomCBS

Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox were moved to the front row just before he won the award for best alternative.

Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox in the audience. Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

After Rodrigo was seated next to Lil Nas X, he immediately asked for a selfie.

Olivia Rodrigo and Lil Nas X were both nominated for video of the year. John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS; @lilnasx/Instagram

When Rodrigo won best new artist, Eilish and O'Connell immediately jumped up and started applauding.

Olivia Rodrigo accepts the award for best new artist, left. Theo Wargo/Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

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