Sunday night’s MTV Music Video Awards was dedicated to Chadwick Boseman and the Black Lives Matter movement.
The awards show, hosted by singer/actress Keke Palmer, was filmed at several outdoor locations in New York City, without a live audience amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Lady Gaga walked away with the most trophies (5), while South Korean pop group BTS and Ariana Grande won four each. The Weeknd won video of the Year.
The following are the top 5 moments of the night.
1. Keke Palmer, first Black female host of the VMAs
Keke Palmer won praise for her hosting duties as the first ever Black woman to host the VMAs. The 27-year-old Virgo dedicated the night to the late actor Chadwick Boseman and the Black Lives Matter Marxist organization.
Boseman, 43, died of colon cancer after a 4-year battle.
“Before we get to the music tonight, we need take the time to talk about the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman, an actor whose talent and passion was a true inspiration to all the fans he touched and everyone he encountered. We dedicated tonight’s show to a man whose spirit touched so many,” Palmer said:
“He’s a true hero, not just onscreen, but in everything he did. His impact lives forever.”
“As rough as it’s been, there have been incredible moments of inspiration that have given my generation hope,” she said in her opening remarks. “We’ve seen heroes going above and beyond… And 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!”
2. Lady Gaga Wins 5 Awards
Lady Gaga made her first appearance on VMAs in 15 years. She took home the first MTV Tricon Award – honoring her work in music, acting and fashion.
3. Chloe x Halle’s Performance of “Ungodly Hour”
Beyonce‘s proteges Chloe x Halle upstaged the other performers even though they were relegated to the VMA pre-show. Their stirring performance of “Ungodly Hour” still has social media buzzing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRoUZVfrnHU
4. Rapper DaBaby Protests Police Violence
DaBaby‘s performance of his hit “Blind” included references to the ongoing BLM protests in America. The rapper performed while handcuffed in the back of a police car.
How powerful was @DaBabyDaBaby's performance?!? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/YwzuNYk2rR
— MTV (@MTV) August 31, 2020
5. Taylor Swift Makes History
Pop star Taylor Swift made VMA history as the first solo female artist to win best directing for her music video “The Man.” She was the second female ever to win the best director trophy, following director Melina Matsoukas who won for “Formation” by Beyonce in 2016.
