Highlights of the 2024 MAMA Awards: from BlackPink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars to all the big K-pop stars
Nov 25, 2024
The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) 2024 dazzled fans with a spectacular celebration of K-pop, featuring iconic performances, emotional speeches and a power lineup of stars. Held over three days in Los Angeles and Osaka, this year's event was marked by the much-anticipated reunion of BigBang, alongside impressive wins for Seventeen and Aespa.
The 2024 MAMA Awards took place in two iconic venues: the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan. This year’s theme, Big Blur, reflected the increasingly convergent nature of music and culture across borders, showcasing a blend of global influences that captivated fans worldwide.
Highlights of the Night
One of the most electrifying moments came from the legendary K-pop group BigBang, who reunited on stage after a nine-year hiatus. Their performance included hits like "Bang Bang Bang" and their new single "Home Sweet Home", thrilling the audience and fellow artists alike. G-Dragon also made a solo comeback with his track "Power," marking his first solo appearance at MAMA in seven years. The atmosphere was electric, with K-pop idols in attendance visibly moved by the iconic group's return to the stage.
Another standout performance featured BlackPink's Rosé alongside Bruno Mars, who delivered a live rendition of their collaboration "APT". The duo's chemistry and vocal prowess added to the evening's magic, further highlighting the event's commitment to showcasing top-tier talent.
Winners of the Night
The awards ceremony celebrated numerous artists across various categories. Here are some of the key winners:
- Artist of the Year: Seventeen
- Song of the Year: Aespa for "Supernova"
- Album of the Year: Seventeen for "Seventeenth Heaven"
- Fan's Choice of the Year: Jimin
In addition to these major awards, Aespa - who featured on #legend's December 2022 cover - triumphed in multiple categories including Best Female Group and Best Music Video for "Armageddon". Their choreography for "Supernova" also earned them Best Choreography.
Other notable winners included:
- Best Male Artist: Jung Kook
- Best Female Artist: IU
- Best New Male Artist: TWS
- Best New Female Artist: ILLIT
- Best Collaboration: ZICO ft. Jennie for "Spot"
Emotional Speeches and Special Awards
The night was not just about performances; it also featured heartfelt speeches from winners. Woozi from Seventeen expressed his gratitude to fans, stating how overwhelmed he felt receiving accolades after more than ten years in music. G-Dragon was honoured as the Music Visionary of the Year for his significant contributions to K-pop, both as part of BigBang and as a solo artist.
A Celebration of K-Pop's Future
The 2024 MAMA Awards showcased not only established stars but also rising talents like MEOVV and RIIZE, who were recognised for their growing influence in the industry. The event underscored K-pop's global resonance and its ability to unite fans across different cultures through music.
As fans reflect on this year's MAMA Awards, it is clear that K-pop continues to evolve while celebrating its rich history. The combination of nostalgia from BigBang's reunion and fresh talent like TWS promises an exciting future for the genre. The awards have once again proven to be a pivotal platform for recognising excellence in music and performance within this vibrant industry.
