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

Barclays Center is located in downtown Brooklyn. Many of the streets in the surrounding area were blocked off, and security guards were stationed around the perimeter to direct foot traffic and stop people without tickets from getting too close.

Many of the signs at the venue featured the six nominees for artist of the year, one of the night's biggest categories. However, only three were in attendance that night: Justin Bieber, who won the award; Doja Cat, who hosted the show; and Olivia Rodrigo, who performed her No. 1 hit "Good 4 U."

Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Megan Thee Stallion were absent.

There were signs posted everywhere to remind guests of the mask policy.

The nominees, presenters, performers, and big celebrities in attendance were exempt from this requirement.

Before the show began, a producer reminded attendees to stay hydrated, especially the fans who were in the pit. He also reminded us to wear our masks when we weren't eating or drinking water.

Back in 2019, when the VMAs were held at New Jersey's Prudential Center, the venue's concession stands were open. Attendees were able to order food and, if they were over 21, alcoholic drinks.

This year, due to COVID-19 safety protocol, guests were pre-warned via email that hospitality would not be available and no alcohol would be served in the building.

Bieber kept his hood up and head down the entire time he was waiting to perform, which was at least 20 minutes.

During the opening montage and Madonna's speech, Bieber and LAROI remained suspended in the air for about five minutes before they kicked off the show with a performance of "Stay."

Invisible to the camera, there were 10 crew members onstage while Bieber and LAROI were performing, presumably monitoring the set to make sure the artists were safe.

As Bieber was performing "Ghost," Rodrigo was suspended on a cloud-like platform at the other end of the oval stage. When her turn came, she descended and launched into a vibrant performance of "Good 4 U."

In the studio version of the song, Rodrigo sings, "It's like we never even happened / Baby, what the fuck is up with that?"

If you were watching on TV, you probably assumed that Rodrigo didn't censor herself, since MTV bleeped the line. But in real life, Rodrigo didn't swear. She sang "what" instead of "fuck."

From what I could hear of the backing track, it sounded like Rodrigo was supposed to sing, "Baby, tell me what is up with that?"

Kacey Musgraves' dramatic performance of "Star-Crossed" included an intricate set-up of lights and candlesticks. During the show's intro and opening numbers, these props were concealed by the big screen behind Bieber and LAROI.

The LED floor would light up with outlines and labels during commercial breaks — or when that end of the stage wasn't being used — to show exact placements for props and instruments.

Eilish and her brother, Finneas O'Connell, were sitting on the far right-hand side of the celebrity section for much of the show's opening half. Just before Eilish's "Your Power" was announced as the video for good winner, they were moved to the center-left section, right next to Rodrigo and Iris Apatow.

As they moved seats, Eilish said hi to fans in the pit and touched their hands as she walked by.

Crew members began to prepare Lil Nas X's set during an early commercial break. His dancers took the stage just before Madison Beer introduced SAINt JHN, who performed on the Extended Play stage outside the venue.

The dancers remained onstage for about 15 minutes, getting ready for Lil Nas X's elaborate medley of "Industry Baby" and "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)." They were dancing to Nicki Minaj songs during commercial breaks and stretching during Ed Sheeran's off-site performance of "Perfect" — during which Jack Harlow could also be seen lounging in his fake jail cell.

For her solo VMAs debut, Chlöe performed her new single, "Have Mercy."

Taylor's surprise cameo during Normani's performance paid tribute to Janet Jackson's signature lap dance routine.

The Foo Fighters were already onstage when AJ McLean, Lance Bass, and Nick Lachey presented the award for best K-pop.

When BTS was announced as the winner, the band's legendary frontman Dave Grohl threw his arms in the air in celebration. He was grinning and cheering while the group's acceptance speech was broadcast on the big screen.

The Foo Fighters performed a five-minute medley of "Learn To Fly," "Shame Shame," and "Everlong."

Rodrigo, who was seated close by, was on her feet the entire time. It seemed like she knew every word to all three songs — but was particularly passionate during "Everlong."

Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox were absent from the audience for most of the show.

During a late commercial break, they took the seats next to Rodrigo and Apatow, which were previously occupied by Eilish and O'Connell. (Eilish had already left after presenting the Foo Fighters with the global icon award, and O'Connell was led away by a producer.)

Shortly after, Machine Gun Kelly won best alternative video for "My Ex's Best Friend."

Rodrigo was moved to the right-hand side of the celebrity section just before Doja Cat presented the award for best new artist.

She was seated next to Lil Nas X, and they were immediately engaged in conversation. Less than one minute later, he took out his phone for a selfie, which he promptly posted on his Instagram story.

As soon as Doja Cat said Rodrigo's name, the siblings leaped to their feet and began cheering. (Eilish herself won the award for best new artist in 2019.)

In her acceptance speech, Rodrigo thanked LAROI, who was her fellow finalist in the category.

"I just feel so grateful that I get to write music and make stuff that I love and call it my job, so thank you guys again for letting me do that," she said.