Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Magical’ Year Continues With Best New Artist VMA Win

By Deepa Lakshmin 


“This has been the most magical year of my life,” Olivia Rodrigo mentioned in her first-ever Video Music Awards acceptance speech Sunday night (September 12) at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, dedicating the award to “all of the women who write songs on their bedroom floor.” She was taking residence the Moonperson for Song of the Year for her record-breaking smash hit “Drivers License,” yet little did she know she’d be back on stage after because the 2021 Best New Artist.


The Sour singer-songwriter and VMA performer has, indeed, had a banner year with countless chart-topping singles and also a debut album that showcases her talent and skill as an artist. Though the LP is packed with coming-of-age stories and teenage memories, the raw authenticity and emotion in back of every chorus and bridge have captured the hearts of fans across generations. From the relatable angst of “Brutal” to the catharsis of “Good 4 U” to the bittersweet “Hope Ur Ok,” her music captures the messiness and aesthetics of being alive, falling in and out of love with others and with yourself. As she told previously told MTV News, Sour reflects a time of her life once “everything that I had that was, like, really awesome and good in my life went really sour.”


Other Best New Artist nominees included The Kid Laroi, Saweetie, 24kGoldn, Giveon, and Polo G — all rising artists creating a name for themselves and crafting art that speaks their truth and resonates with millions of fans. The allure of The perfect New Artist category is that it’s not just about what the nominees have accomplished already; it’s a testament to the enduring impact their future work could have on the music industry and in back of. Doja Cat, who nabbed Push Best New Artist at the 2020 VMAs, went on to host this year’s awards show keeps it up and continues to build upon her breakout success.


In her Best New Artist acceptance speech, Rodrigo thanked her fans for helping her get to where she is today, and also fellow Best New Artist nominee The Kid Laroi: “I aspire to thank Laroi also, who inspires me daily to be a higher class of artist. I love him so much. 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.”


That’s the dream for multiple artists, including the kids with big hearts pouring themselves into songs scrawled in their childhood bedrooms, so it seems fitting to end this with some songwriting opinions Rodrigo shared with MTV News earlier this year while she was named the MTV Push artist for May. “I really think that more or much less forcing yourself to write a song some days is really beneficial,” she mentioned. “I think you can't rely on those lightning bolts of notions to strike you all of the time.” Take note, songwriters, and maybe someday you’ll have your own magical year.


The 2021 VMAs aired live on MTV from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Find the entire list of winners right here and keep up with all the night's biggest VMA moments!