Rumored 2021 MAMA Lineup Includes Justin Bieber, BTS, AKB48, And More
A rumored lineup for the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards, also known as MAMA, has netizens buzzing. The list, posted by a netizen on an online community forum, includes K-Pop acts such as BTS, TWICE, and NCT 127, as well as international acts like Japanese idol group AKB48 and Canadian singer Justin Bieber.
Lee Hyori was revealed to be the host for the award ceremony earlier this month, heightening anticipation for the performer lineup.
[#2021MAMA] Host Announcement #이효리 #LEEHYORI
LEGENDARY K-POP ICON!
Introducing you to the best and the first female host of MAMA, Lee Hyo Ri!MAKE SOME NOISE! 2021 MAMA
2021.12.11 (SAT)#MnetAsianMusicAwards #MAMA #Mnet pic.twitter.com/9OoSWN6XV9— MAMA(엠넷아시안뮤직어워즈) (@MnetMAMA) October 14, 2021
Furthermore, Mnet released a sneak peek at a documentary special featuring artists like JY Park, Psy, and CL to be released on October 28.
[MAMA：THE ORIGINAL K-POP AWARDS]
어디서도 들을 수 없었던
K-POP 아티스트들의 MAMA 이야기MAMA：THE ORIGINAL K-POP AWARDS
10월 28일 (목) 저녁 8시 첫 공개#MAMA #MAMA_TheOriginaKPOPAwards pic.twitter.com/9bUDXBsXCi— MAMA(엠넷아시안뮤직어워즈) (@MnetMAMA) October 13, 2021
The rumored lineup includes many of JYP Entertainment‘s Korean acts as well as the Japanese group NiziU, forming the prediction that the company will hold a collaboration stage “JYP Party.” Furthermore, HYBE artists BTS, TXT, and Justin Bieber, whose management company was acquired by HYBE this year, appear on the rumored list.
- 1st lineup – BTS, TWICE
- 2nd lineup – STRAY KIDS, ATEEZ, TXT
- 3rd lineup – SEVENTEEN, ITZY, NCT 127, Red Velvet, aespa
- 4th lineup – Lee Hyori, JY Park, Psy, BoA, Street Woman Fighter
- 5th lineup – Justin Bieber, AKB48, NiziU, JO1
It wouldn’t be the first time a non-Asian singer attended or performed at the Mnet Asian Music Awards. In 2019, English singer Dua Lipa performed at MAMA in collaboration with MAMAMOO‘s Hwasa. Justin Bieber consistently tops the music charts in Korea, as well; just this month, his song “Stay” with Australian artist The Kid LAROI ranked No. 1 on Gaon‘s digital chart, overtaking BTS’s collaboration with Coldplay and aespa’s “Savage.”
Netizen response online has been divided, with numerous Korean netizens expressing disapproval over Japanese artists attending the event. Another common focus is the absence of groups like BLACKPINK, Monsta X, and NCT DREAM who saw commercial success with their releases this year.
- “I don’t understand, why do these lineups keep letting Japanese groups butt in?”
- “Justin who now?”
- “Uh… What is NiziU doing in this lineup? I seriously don’t understand.”
On the other hand, international fans have focused more on Justin Bieber’s rumored appearance, especially since many idols are vocal fans of the singer. Fans of Bieber are tweeting members of his team in hopes of convincing them to allow his attendance.
In regards to the remarkable performance of "Peaches," "Off My Face" and "Stay" along with his album ("Justice"), @justinbieber is highly anticipated to attend 2021' MAMA Music Festival!
— It's the biggest South Korean music award ceremony! 🇰🇷
— Justin Bieber Analytics (@JDBAnalytics) October 17, 2021
@DJTayJames @thatrygood @AllisonKaye @WeTheBand we hope to see Justin going to korea and attending MAMA. He’s only the few western artists that has been doing amazing there constantly and his influence for many artists there is undeniable. Please make this happen 🙏🏽
— ItsGeorgie⁷ (@biebtanworld) October 17, 2021
Justin Bieber at MAMA 2021??? He is gonna turn the award show into his own concert/show for sure 'cause the whole kpop industry is beliebers sndnnddj HIS SONGS HAVE BEEN TOPPING THEIR CHARTS https://t.co/XkcJ6gukJG
— jᵉˢkᵃ (@biebersjeon) October 17, 2021
The official lineup for the event has yet to be confirmed. The 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards will be held on December 11, 2021.
