MTV hosted the 2020 Video Music Awards on Sunday, Aug 30 as the first award shows held during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. The event was hosted by Keke Palmer and had “live” performances by artists including The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and many more. However, the iconic award show had to make various adjustments in order to fit with CDC guidelines to make the event as safe as possible for the musicians and the crew. For example, the event was moved from the Barclays center in Brooklyn, NY to various artists filming at various parts of New York City. 

Furthermore, there were no actual live performances or red-carpet walks. Both were aired as pre-recorded footage shot weeks prior to the event. Artists had to complete coronavirus screening tests before going to the venue and right before they were set to perform as well as being forced to stay in quarantine four days prior to arriving. Artists that did not want to go to New York due to fear of COVID-19 or unwillingness to quarantine had to perform at their own convenience. 

Palmer delivered her opening monologue and appearances with a green screen that seemed like they were in New York City when they really were not. Fashion was still flaunted on the prerecorded red carpet. Lady Gaga had several appearances along with a stunning performance with Ariana Grande on top of the Empire State building. 

Gaga was sporting snazzy outfits and face masks urging viewers and fans to do their part to help slow the spread of the virus,

“Stay safe, peak our minds, and I might sound like  broken record, but wear a mask,” said Gaga. 

Many celebrities used their platform to speak on various issues facing the nation. One including Keke Palmer, who stated that the show was in honor of late actor Chadwick Boseman. 

“It’s our time to be the change we want to see. We need to come together, and music as that power. With the Black Lives Matter Movement, we’ve seen our generation step up, take to the streets and make sure our voices will be heard, enough is enough,” said Palmer.

 The Weeknd also used his acceptance speech to state and touch upon serious matter going on in our world. 

“It’s really hard for me to celebrate right now and enjoy the moment, so I’m just going to say justice for Jacob Blake and justice for Breonna Taylor.” said by The Weeknd.

Nevertheless, MTV made history and was able to creatively pull off an award show during a pandemic. Performances were stellar and creative as The Weeknd opened up the show by performing his hit song, “Blinding Lights” on top of a Manhattan building. 

Latin superstar, Maluma performed in front of fan filled cars in a drive-in venue. MTV really did their part in order to carry out the much-anticipated award show in a safe and creative way to celebrate the biggest names in music entertainment. Everyone from backup dancers to production staff had to wear masks and do their best to remain socially distant. 

The Weeknd took home the coveted, “Video of the Year” award for his song “Blinding Lights”. Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga also won the award for Song of the Year for their song, “Rain on Me”. The VMAs also included a few awards based during the 2020 pandemic like best video at home and best quarantine performance in which Ariana Grande also won along with Justin Bieber. The show was not perfect but this may have helped Americans forget about the world for a couple of hours.