The Coronavirus pandemic and social distancing gave the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards a different look this year, but the show did go on and the Moon Man prevailed.
Keke Palmer hosted the 2020 VMAs from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The live broadcast opened with Keke paying tribute to Chadwick Boseman and dedicating the broadcast to his larger than life memory.
The Weeknd followed with a performance of Blinging Lights.
The Weeknd Performs “Blinding Lights” | 2020 MTV VMAs
The Weeknd performs “Blinding Lights” at the 2020 Video Music Awards. The performance took place at Edge at Hudson Yards, check out more details here: http:/…
Keke took the stage to cheers and applause on a socially-distance set, addressed Covid-19, Black Lives Matters, police brutality, and systemic racism. “We need to come together, and music has that power.”
She announced the list of the evening’s artists and introduced the DaBaby who performed Blind and Rockstar with Roddy Ricch.
Jaden Smith was the first presenter of the evening. The category was Best Collaboration. The Moon Man went to Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande for Rain On Me Lady Gaga came on stage wearing a mask and thanked everyone for the award. Gaga ended her acceptance speech with, “Ariana, I love you.”
The VMAs showed Chadwick Boseman receiving the 2018 Moon Man for Best Hero. A beautiful memory of a great actor that is gone too soon. Rest in Power Chadwick.
Keke then brought Miley Cyrus to the stage to perform her hit, Midnight Sky for the first time.
Drew Barrymore took the stage to announce the nominees for Best Direction, and the 2020 VMA went to Taylor Swift for The Man. Taylor accepted the award remotely and thanked the crew and producers on her directorial debut. She also thanked the industry and the fans, “Thank you for everything. I hope to get to see you soon.”
Next up was Maluma who performed Hawaii from his new album on stage, live, at a drive-in surrounded by cars.
His performance was followed by the Best Latin category. The 2020 VMA went to Maluam. The broadcast went back to Maluma at the drive in for his acceptance speech. He was surprised and grateful for the win.
Joey King was the next presenter for Song of the Year. The 2020 VMA went to Lady Gaga with Arianna Grande for, Rain On Me. Of course! Gaga came out in another mask. This one with horns coming out the side. “God bless you I’m very honored.” “Thank you, love you MTV.”
Up next was BTS. The group performed live on stage and delivered the highly anticipated performance of their latest hit, Dynamite. They did not disappoint.
Madison Beer announced the nominees for Best Music Video From Home. The 2020 VMA went to Arianne Grande and Justin Bieber for, Stuck With U. Madison accepted the award for them both.
Lady Gaga performed Rain On Me in a serious mask. Arianne and all the performers wore masks for this stage performance. The ladies killed it!
Lady Gaga Performs a Medley of “Chromatica II”, “Rain On Me (ft. Ariana Grande), & More
Lady Gaga performs a medley of “Enigma”, “Chromatica II”, “911”, “Rain on Me” ft. Ariana Grande, and “Stupid Love” at the 2020 Video Music Awards. More from …
Gaga came out again, walked to a piano, and began a huge stage performance of Stupid Love. The best. “Be kind. Masks up. Be brave. Be Brave all the time.”
Keke introduced Nicole Richie who announced the Best Pop category nominees. The 2020 VMA went BTS for, ON.
Richie also announced the nominees for Best R&B Award and the 2020 VMA went to The Weeknd for, Blinding Lights. He accepted the award live and said it was difficult for him to celebrate at the moment said instead, “Justice for Jacob Blake and justice for Breanna Taylor.”
Kelly Clarkson presented the nominees for Artist of the Year. The 2020 VMA went to Lady Gaga!
“Thank you so much for this award … You can spin your struggles into gold. I surround myself with my family. Thank you, MTV! Thank you fans I love you the best.”
Keke saluted the folks on the front lines of this Covid-19 pandemic. The everyday heroes. Frontline medical workers. They showed many of the doctors who sang and danced their way through the stress of Covid-19.
Music has always been the soundtrack for change. The category for Video For Good recognized music for social justice with this award. The 2020 VMA went to H.E.R. for, “I Can’t Breathe.”
Doja Cat was next and performed Say So and Like That.
Bella Hadid introduced Lady Gaga’s Tricon Award – the first-ever. Gaga has 13 VMAs, 11 Grammys, and an Academy Award Nomination. She is an icon, activist, and megastar. She came out in another fantastic costume and said she never truly imagined that someday she would get an award like this. “I want to share this award with everybody at home tonight.” She asked people to reward themselves for their bravery and ended her speech with, “Wear a mask. It’s a sign of respect.”
Travis Parker followed with the nominees for Best Hip Hop. The 2020 VMA went to Megan Thee Stallion. She won for Savage. She accepted remotely.
Travis also introduced the In Memorium segment of all the talent music has lost this year.
Keke brought CNCO to the drive-in stage. They performed, Beso on-stage and in and on cars.
Machine Gun Kelly brought out the Moon Man for the Push Best New Artist Award. The 2020 VMA went to Doja Cat. She thanked her manager, dancers, and her label. “I know it’s been a really hard year. I just want everybody to stay safe.” “I love you and thank you” “Stay safe and thanks, mom.”
Bebe Rexha presented the biggest award of the night, Video of the Year. The 2020 VMA went to the Weened for, Blinding Lights. “Again, hard to celebrate, so I’m just going to say justice for Jacob Blake and justice for Breanna Taylor.”
The Black Eye Peas closed the show with a live performance of Vida Loca.
It was definitely Lady Gaga’s night! The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards handled Covid-19 and performing live very well and Keke did a great job hosting.
Congratulations to all 2020 MTV Video Music Awards winners.
Tanya Hart
Follow me on Instagram
Find me on Twitter