Originally planned to take place on August 30, 2020 at Barclay’s Center, MTV‘s Video Music Awards will no longer be taking place in the Brooklyn arena as planned and will instead be hosted outdoors in locations around New York City.
MTV initially received approval from New York Governor Cuomo to host the annual awards ceremony at Barclay’s with limited or no audience in accordance with all mandated COVID-19 safety measures. However, the cable television station has decided to “pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around the City with limited or no audience, adhering to all state and city guidelines,” according to MTV’s official statement.
The VMAs will still be hosted by actress and singer, Keke Palmer, and will feature performances from BTS, J Balvin, and Doja Cat. The three artists are the first performers announced for the 2020 ceremony.
As for nominees, Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga are the frontrunners this year with nine nominations each, thanks to their dance-centric collaboration, “Rain On Me.” Other artists with a hefty amount of nominations include Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, Roddy Ricch, and more. MTV has removed the “Best Dance Video” category from the show for 2020.
MTV’s full statement reads,
“The 2020 VMAs will be held on Sunday, August 30th and pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around the City with limited or no audience, adhering to all state and city guidelines. In close consultation with state and local health officials, it became clear at this time that outdoor performances with limited or no audience would be more feasible and safer than an indoor event. The VMAs will highlight the boroughs in an exciting show and return to Barclays Center in 2021. MTV will continue to work closely with the Department of Health, state and local officials, the medical community, and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of all involved.”
Featured image: Manny Carabel/Getty Images
