Unforgettable performances, racy outfits and masks galore. This year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) was one for the history books.
It was the first time the awards show has been held at various locations without packed audiences so that social distancing rules could be observed.
The event was originally scheduled to take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, but due to the coronavirus pandemic organisers restructured it.
MTV spanned the show across all five boroughs of New York to “pay homage to the strength, spirit and incredible resilience of NYC and its beloved residents”.
The state has been the hardest by the pandemic in the US, at one point having more Covid-19 patients than any country in the world.
This year’s nominations were dominated by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, who had nine nods each. Billie Eilish and The Weeknd were close behind with six each.
We take a look at the best moments of the night.
THE PERFORMANCES
Miley Cyrus performed her latest single Midnight Sky while swinging on a giant disco ball. The 27-year-old singer paid homage to her racy 2013 music video for the hit single Wrecking Ball.
The Black Eyed Peas delivered a
bizarre performance which involved glowing crotches and a giant spaceship.
Singers will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo are back in the music business after a decade-long break.
The group took to the stage without Fergie, who left to focus on being a mom to her six-year-old son Axl.
Lady Gaga’s unusual masks were the real showstopper at this year’s awards.
The singer donned an impressive collection of masks during her performances, which included one with horns protruding from the sides.
Talk about tapping into to Zeitgeist!
THE HOST WITH THE MOST
This year’s host Keke Palmer used the platform to draw attention to causes close to her heart.
The singer and actress paid tribute to Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, who died over the weekend after a four-year battle with colon cancer, and she discussed the importance of combating police brutality.
Keke also performed her new single Snack in a neon
green bodysuit with matching eyeshadow.
FROM THE VIRTUAL RED CARPET
Model Bella Hadid oozed sex appeal in a black ensemble which included a sheer top that left little to the imagination.
Miley Cyrus donned a strapless and sequined number by Mugler. She paired the dress with strappy stilettos and bright red lipstick.
Singer Doja Cat brought some colour in a tropical-inspired Versace dress. The PUSH New Artist winner rounded off the look with a sleek ponytail and long braid.
The Weeknd’s look was fashion with a message.
Explaining his battered and bruised face to Esquire,
the singer says the makeup was a representation of his hit single Blinding
Lights: “[It’s all about] how you want to see someone at night, and you're
intoxicated, and you're driving to this person and you're just blinded by
streetlights, but nothing could stop you from trying to go see that person,
because you're so lonely."
The singer won the Best Video and Best R&B Video awards for the song.
