J Balvin and Roddy Ricch, two of the artists to receive the VMAs tap for performances at the 2020 awards show, will no longer be appearing at the MTV event, slated for August 30 at 8:00 p.m. EST / 5:00 p.m. PST. Rolling Stone reports that a representative for J Balvin confirmed on August 24 that the Colores album maker would no longer be performing at the VMAs. Although the representative did not offer additional details on Balvin’s withdrawal, it is possible that it is related to Balvin’s ongoing recovery from COVID-19. On August 13, the Latin Grammy-winner revealed that he was recuperating from a serious bout of the novel respiratory virus.
Meanwhile, Rich announced his inability to participate via Instagram Live. “My team and I did everything in our power to make this work, [but] due to COVID-19 compliance issues, at the last minute we had to call off the performance,” Rich stated. The VMAs nevertheless will host several acts at various locations throughout the city, including BTS, Doja Cat, and The Weeknd.
The news of Balvin and Rich’s impending absence from the 2020 MTV VMAs comes as the New York State Department of Health eases the 14-day self-quarantine requirement for performers. Musicians, singers, and dancers appearing at the event will be able to participate without self-quarantining, and will only be expected to quarantine when they are not on set or otherwise working. However, performers must complete daily health assessments and honor social distancing guidelines that prescribe six-feet of distance, unless closer proximity is required by the awards show.
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