The knee pads were necessary.
After a year full of breakthrough successes, Lil Nas X was one of the most hyped performers at the 2021 MTV VMAs, and he did not disappoint. His performances of “Industry Baby” and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” were full of eye-popping moments.
Even before hitting the stage, Lil Nas X stunned on the red carpet in a lavender outfit combining elements of a suit and gown.
Lil Nas X marched into the 2021 VMAs dressed in a custom pink bandleader outfit, performing the intro to “Industry Baby.”
After entering the stage in a marching band outfit, Lil Nas X tore off his hat and shirt to perform “Industry Baby” in pink pants and personalized “Montero” underwear.
Lil Nas X recreated his “Industry Baby” video by converting the entire VMAs stage into Montero Prison.
Lil Nas X showed off his twerking skills during a dance break in his performance.
Lil Nas X brought out his “Industry Baby” collaborator Jack Harlow midway through his performance.
Lil Nas X recreated the buzzy shower dance scene from his “Industry Baby” video, rocking sparkly underwear and pink kneepads.
Lil Nas X ended his performance with a breakdown to “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” recreating the dance scene in his “Industry Baby” video with tons of backup dancers.