[Crowds with their phone flashlight on; Picture credit: Pexels]

The 2024 MAMA Awards, held from November 21st to 23rd across the US and Japan, delivered countless awards and spectacular performances to global audiences.

The three-day extravaganza featured several top-performing artists each day.

The opening ceremony in LA spotlighted rising stars TWS, RIIZE, ILLIT, and KATSEYE.

The festivities continued in Osaka with powerhouse performances by IVE, TXT, BOYNEXTDOOR, among others.

The grand finale featured Aespa, Seventeen, (G)I-DLE, and additional stellar acts.

In the grand prize categories, Aespa’s “Supernova” won Song of the Year, while Seventeen dominated with both Artist of the Year and Album of the Year with “Seventeenth Heaven.” 

BTS member Jimin secured Fan’s Choice of the Year.

Aespa emerged as the night’s biggest winner with six awards, followed by Seventeen with four total accolades.

The star-studded presenter lineup featured Lee Jun Ho, Ma Dong Seok, and Ho Yeon, among other celebrated personalities.

The night’s most memorable moment came from BIGBANG, who made a triumphant return after a nine-year absence from the MAMA stage.

Their performance of classics “Fantastic Baby” and “Bang Bang Bang,” alongside their new release “Home Sweet Home,” drew thunderous applause.

Another highlight was an unexpected collaboration between Bruno Mars and BLACKPINK’s Rosé performing their hit “Apt.”

The worldwide famous Bruno’s attendance at the awards show was a breathtaking surprise for everyone.

The impact of the awards show continues to resonate.

BIGBANG’s comeback performance, featuring G-Dragon’s solo, has reached over 20.5 million YouTube views within five days.

Fans have expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the performances.

One high school student praised, “I believe their group name was Izna. They had their debut at the awards show, but it was so good to believe it to be their first performance! Also, as a Blink, Rosé and Bruno Mar’s “Apt.” was fantastic to see too!”

Another student credited the show with reinforcing their appreciation for K-pop, while a middle school fan highlighted IVE member Yujin’s innovative bow and arrow performance during “Accendio” and Aespa’s powerful rendition of “Whiplash.”

The 2024 MAMA Awards has set a new standard for K-pop award shows, successfully bridging continents and generations of music enthusiasts.