Nicki Minaj led the gala where the show was also unusually star-studded with names such as Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat and Kelsea Ballerini. There were several K-pop bands and heavy rappers like LL Cool J, who celebrated 50 years for the genre.
Large and economically significant
Taylor Swift, Doja Cat and SZA entered the gala with the most nominations where Swift received the award for best song from the hands of the reunited, former boy band NSYNC, with Justin Timberlake and the other four band members in matching costumes.
Taylor Swift has become so big and financially significant, an industry in itself in the music factory. As a result, USA Today will hire a Taylor Swift reporter to monitor and follow the megastar's activities and role, with delivery to 200 news outlets and newspapers in the United States.
"I am not like you"
The gala and the show numbers between the awards meant several surprises. Host Nicki Minaj delivered a song from her upcoming album in which she modestly rapped:
"I'm not like you, I'm on a completely different level!"
She was awarded the prize for best hip hop of the year.
Shakira was praised for being a kind of forerunner for the music video throughout her career. She came to the gala with her sons in company and delivered a ten-minute and acclaimed hit medley in both Spanish and English.