Johnny Depp made a surprise cameo at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, telling the audience he “needed the job” as he was shown on stage as the channel’s famous astronaut Moon Man mascot.
The actor and musician opened the ceremony on a night that saw British star Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj among the big winners.
DeppThe show’s appearance marks the latest step in a return to the public sphere since winning his multimillion-dollar lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard.
He later stated that he is available for “birthdays, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, weddings, vigils, whatever you need … anything” – adding, “Oh, I’m a dentist too.”
Swift and Styles both took home several awards and used one of her acceptance speeches to announce a new album.
Referring to how it is re-recording his old records as part of a move to regain control of his back catalogshe told the crowd: “I am so honored to have been recognized alongside such amazing artists and directors.
“For the first time in VMA history, four of the directors in the video category of the year are women.
“Guys, I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished and with every second of this moment and we wouldn’t have been able to make this short if it wasn’t for the fans.
“I wouldn’t be able to re-record my albums if it wasn’t for you … you encouraged me to do it.
He continued: “Since you’ve been so generous, I thought it might be a fun time to tell you that my new album will be out on October 21st.”
Sharing the details on social media later, Swift revealed that the album will be called Midnights, “The Stories of 13 Sleepless Nights Spread Throughout My Life”, and will be released in October.
Swift has won awards including Best Video and Best Long-Length Video, for All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version), which includes Stranger Things star Sadie Sink and Teen Wolf star Dylan O ‘ Brien, and went viral earlier this year as a fan speculated about the song’s meaning.
Styles won awards including Album of the Year, Harry’s House and Best Pop for the single As It Was, but he didn’t show up at the ceremony in person.
He apologized for his absence despite being “down the street” as he is touring the United States. The awards ceremony in Newark, New Jersey collided with a performance at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Former Black Eyed Peas lead singer Fergie was the first performer of the night, singing her hit song Glamorous with one of the night’s co-hosts, Jack Harlow.
Moments later, Harlow was awarded the first gong of the night, for best collaboration, along with Lil Nas X for their track Industry Baby.
Also present were hip hop stars LL Cool J and Nicki Minaj.
Minaj performed a medley of her songs and was named the winner of the avant-garde award of the night, a lifetime achievement award named after Michael Jackson.
The rapper mentioned Jackson in her acceptance speech, saying, “I wish Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson were here. I would like people to understand what they meant and what they were going through. I would like people to take mental health seriously, even for the people who you think have had a perfect life. “
Elsewhere, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been named global icon winners and even won the best rock award.
Bassist of the band Flea paid tribute to the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
“There is another music legend and her name is Taylor Hawkins … I miss her every day,” he told the audience. “He flies on brother.”
