The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards was short and succinct clocking in under the usual three hours. Keke Palmer hosted this year’s festivities and she did a great job given the circumstances of the pandemic and NYC restrictions. She announced that the awards show was dedicated to the late great actor, Chadwick Boseman, whom tragically passed away a few nights prior to the broadcast due to stage IV colon cancer.
As far as wild moments, there wasn’t anything too controversial last night as compared to years past since there was no physical audience, no celebs in attendance that were in the same room as the performers, and a lot was reliant on a virtual audience for applause plus lots of green screen technology was used for the speeches and performances. The performances had to be pre-taped and strict social distancing had to take place.
With that said, here are some of the highlights from last night’s televised event in no particular rank.
Grammy-nominated artist, Lewis Capaldi performed his hit single, “Before You Go” during the pre-show. I thought his vocals were great! Nothing fancy in the background, just pure talent! Someday, he should perform during the main show.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching The Weeknd in his “Blinding Lights” music video attire in this performance. He performed way up in the sky from the Edge at Hudson Yards, NYC for the show opener. A true visual spectacle with a helicopter hovering nearby and amazing drone shots and later on a series of fireworks shooting up in the air to which confused residents three days prior. If we weren’t in a pandemic right now, I would’ve love to visit this place. Maybe in 2021. Meanwhile, The Weeknd nabbed a few awards for Video of the Year & Best R&B for “Blinding Lights” and he stayed humble but also raised awareness in calling for justice for Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor during his acceptance speech.
Pop singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus came back to the VMA’s and she did not disappoint. She kept it classy this time singing her new 80s sounding song, “Midnight Sky.” Similar to Capaldi’s performance, she started off with the red lighting but then her set gradually shifted towards blue then normal lighting w/ shadows as she ascended a staircase and hopped onto a swinging disco ball which gave me “Wrecking Ball” era vibes. If this song is any indication of the new sound she’s working towards, then I’m sold. Looking forward to her next album for sure.
Cyrus won for Best Editing and Best Art Direction for her other song, “Mother’s Daughter.”
BTS debuted their latest single, “Dynamite.” They used green screen technology to showcase famous spots in NYC like Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the city skyline in the background in this dance-heavy, feel-good performance. The K-Pop group won 4 VMAs — Best Pop, Best K-Pop, Best Group & Best Choreography.
In this commercially sponsored performance, Julia Michaels and JP Saxe sang their song, “If The World Was Ending.” I thought it was a lovely duet with a SOHO-like atmosphere sans the traffic and surrounding pedestrians.
Lady Gaga gave us a taste of Chromatica in this medley performance. MTV crowned her their first ever Tricon! This was an award for being a triple threat in the entertainment world as well as being an outstanding human being overall from a humanitarian perspective. Gaga had numerous wardrobe changes throughout the night, all while wearing a unique mask each time. Responsibly talented!!
She stressed the importance of masks during her acceptance speech and urged us all to stay true to ourselves, be kind, and stand up for what’s right. She also predicted a cultural renaissance will take place with all these artists including herself making new music for the world to enjoy during this pandemic and beyond.
Gaga also won Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration & Best Cinematography with Ariana Grande for “Rain On Me.” Well deserved honors!
What were your favorite moment(s) of the show? Share your comments down below.
Philip's Music Corner 