Lady Gaga took a dig at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, while The Weeknd walked away with the top prize — and both pop stars sent a slew of meaningful messages to viewers to increase awareness about current state of the world: “Wear a mask” and “Justice for Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor.”
Gaga bagged five honours on Sunday, majority for her No. 1 hit with Ariana Grande, “Rain on Me,” which the pop stars performed live for the first time.
“Wear a mask. It’s a sign of respect,” Lady Gaga asserted during one of her several stage appearances as she became the recipient of awards like artist and song of the year.
With an electronic mask on, Gaga performed an assortment of her songs, including “Stupid Love”, “Chromatica II” and “911”. She and Grande were accompanied by a number of background dancers all wearing masks.
How inspirational was @ladygaga's Tricon Award acceptance speech?! We are still in awe! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/XKoDxSJiEs
— MTV (@MTV) August 31, 2020
The Weeknd, the first performer of the night, paid homage to Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor — two Black people shot brutally by police officers — after winning video of the year and best R&B for “Blinding Lights.”
“It’s really hard for me to celebrate right now and enjoy this moment, so I’m just going to say: justice for Jacob Blake and justice for Breonna Taylor,” he said.
.@theweeknd is taking home the #VMA for Video of the Year, and sending a powerful message pic.twitter.com/aUNPo8gXAJ
— MTV (@MTV) August 31, 2020
The VMAs began with another heart-wrenching moment, as host Keke Palmer went onto mention the show was an eulogy to Chadwick Boseman, who passed away on Friday after silently losing his life to colon cancer after four years at age 43.
“We dedicate tonight’s show to a man whose spirit touched so many. He’s a true hero, not just on-screen,” Palmer said. “His impact lives forever.”
The Black Eyed Peas, who closed the two-hour-plus show with Nicky Jam and Tyga, put an end to their set by saying, “Black Lives Matter.” And R&B star H.E.R. got accolades for the video for good award for her protest anthem about police brutality and systemic racism, “I Can’t Breathe.”
“I’m super proud of everybody speaking out on social injustice,” H.E.R. said.
Major part of the show was dedicated to fun performances — some pre-recorded, some filmed in various locations in New York City.
Pop all-stars BTS, who received four awards including best pop and best group, were out of the world during a pre-taped performance, which showcased their signature, flawless choreography. The septet danced and sang in sharp suits, at some points with the backdrop of Times Square behind them.
? @BTS_twt is taking home the Moon Person for Best Pop at this year's #VMAs! ✨ pic.twitter.com/vfNyLM3ikU
— MTV (@MTV) August 31, 2020
The VMAs, originally supposed to be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, featured Colombian singer and best Latin winner Maluma singing from Brooklyn, while The Weeknd performed from Manhattan.