Here's what we know about Mnet Asian Music Awards 2021 so far – Ed Sheeran, Wanna One reunion, 4th-Gen K-pop collab stage, and more

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Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) 2021 is almost here.

Celebrating the best in Korean music, the coveted awards show is happening this 11 December. This year marks the 12^th instalment of the "original K-pop awards". An array of acts are up for multiple categories this year including the likes of BTS, IU, SEVENTEEN, TWICE, BLACKPINK's LISA and ROSÊ, NCT 127, ITZY, EXO's KAI, D.O. and Baekyun, TXT, ENHYPEN, Kang Daniel, aespa, and more.

Here are the nominees of the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards – BTS, IU, TXT, DAY6, TWICE, and more

But beyond celebrating our favourite K-pop acts, many also look forward to the stunning live performances. While they have yet to announce their full lineup for performers, MAMA has teased several exciting acts taking the stage. Here's what we know happening at the grand awards show so far.

Lee Hyori

It's only fitting to have one of K-pop original icons host the "original K-pop awards". Earlier this year, MAMA announced that Lee Hyori, who broke through the industry as part of the girl group Fin.K.L, will be hosting this year's ceremony.

[#2021MAMA] LEE HYORI X MAMA (full ver.)

I AM the FIRST.
I AM the ORIGINAL.

I AM LEE HYORI.
I AM MAMA.

ARE YOU READY?

최초이자 오리지널.
한계 없는 도전.
편견을 깨는 새로움.
다름의 가치를 말하다.

2021 #MAMA X #LEEHYORI #MAKESOMENOISE!
2021MAMA
2021.12.11 (SAT)#Mnet #엠넷 pic.twitter.com/uJFbScThYx
— MAMA(엠넷아시안뮤직어워즈) (@MnetMAMA) November 15, 2021

BANDWAGON TV

4th Generation Collaboration Stage

In a press conference held by Mnet today (16 November), MAMA revealed that members of several of 4^th generation K-pop groups will be coming together for a special collaboration stage.

On 10 December, MAMA revealed that the special performance will comprise Stray Kids' Hyunjin, ATEEZ's Wooyoung, ITZY's Yeji, TXT's Yeonjun, aespa's Karina, and ENHYPEN's Heesung.

[#2021MAMA] The Collaboration among 6 members from 4th generation K-POP groups I SPOILER#straykids 'HYUNJIN' X #ateez 'WOOYOUNG' X #itzy 'YEJI' X #txt YEONJUN X #aespa KARINA X #enhypen HEESUNG

📍 https://t.co/9Coa9mapZz
⠀#MAKESOMENOISE, 2021 #MAMA
2021.12.11 (SAT)
⠀#Mnet pic.twitter.com/PYrjqbrAgE
— MAMA(엠넷아시안뮤직어워즈) (@MnetMAMA) December 10, 2021

Wanna One Reunion

The members of Wanna One are joining forces once again for a special reunion performance at the MAMA stage. This will come as the group's first appearance together since disbanding in 2019. Further details of their performance are yet to be revealed.

Ed Sheeran Performance

Ed Sheeran is taking over the MAMA stage! In an announcement by MAMA, the awards show has shared that the internationally renowned singer-songwriter will be performing at this year's show.

In the past, MAMA has invited international acts in the likes of Dua Lipa, will.i.am and Apl de Ap, John Legend, and more.

Street Woman Fighter

From the background to now, front and centre, the dance crews of the Mnet reality competition show Street Woman Fighter will be holding a special performance at MAMA 2021. In a statement by Mnet, the company shared how the crews have become an essential figure in promoting the local dance scene to a global audience.

The eight dance crews, which include GX, WANT, Holybang, PROWDMON, WayB, LaChica, CocaNButter, and Hook, were recently featured in Jessi's music video for 'Cold Blooded'.

Watch this space for more updates.

While we wait for 11 December, relive MAMA through the years here.