KEY POINTS

  • Olivia Rodrigo won Push Performance of the Year award and Best New Artist award
  • She beat BTS for the Song of the Year Award
  • This year's Video Music Awards marks the return of a live audience

Looks like Olivia Rodrigo’s "teen angst" brought her something good after her breakout hit “Driver’s License” was awarded Song of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday.

Rodrigo received her first moon person trophy as she won Song of the Year for "Driver's License."

She told the audience “I want to thank all of you guys, the fans. This is so incredible. This has been the most magical year of my life, and it's all because of you guys, so thank you so much. Thank you to the VMAs and everyone who helped me make 'Sour'.”

“I want to dedicate this award to all the other girls who write songs on their bedroom floor. There are a lot of people who will try to dim your light, but speaking your mind and sharing your heart are the most beautiful things in the world, and here's to that," she continued.

The singer earlier walked the red carpet in a Versace mermaid gown and dangling butterfly earrings as she entered the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

In the show, Rodrigo rocked the crowd and delivered a well-received performance of “Good 4 u" donning a lavender corset dress.

The singer ended her debut performance at the VMAs with a shower of confetti, butterfly graphics and fire effects before she shoved the mic into the camera creating a smashed screen effect.

Rodrigo also received the award for Push Performance of the Year for “Driver’s License” and the Best New Artist award.

In winning the Push Performance of the Year award, the “Sour” singer beat Wallows for the song “Are You Bored yet?” Ashniko for “Daisy,” Saint Jhn for “Gorgeous,” 24kGoldn for “Coco,” JC Stewart for “Break My Heart,” Latto for “Sex Lies,” Madison Beer for “Selfish,” The Kid Laroi for “Without You,” Girl in Red for “Serotonin,” Fousheé for “My Slime” and Jxdn for “Think About Me.”

For her Song of the Year Award, Rodrigo beat South Korean superstars BTS for “Dynamite,” 24KGolden featuring Iann Dior for “Mood,” Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, and Silk Sonic for “Leave the Door Open,” Cardi B. featuring Megan Thee Stallion for “WAP” and Dua Lipa for “Levitating.”

This year’s MTV VMAs marks the return of a live audience since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The show's attendees were required to wear masks before entering Barclays Center Arena.

Last year, the VMAs took place without a live audience and most performances were recorded in advance.

Pop star Olivia Rodrigo waits to speak as White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki holds a press briefing
Pop star Olivia Rodrigo waits to speak as White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki holds a press briefing AFP / Brendan Smialowski