MTV's 2020 Video Music Awardswere last Sunday and it was an event unlike any other. Hosted by Actress Keke Palmer, the awards show was filled with pop stars performing in front of computer-generated backgrounds, fireworks from skyscrapers, and international sensations gracing the stage.
During a time of physical distancing and wearing masks, not only are we all in need of coping with such changes but we're also in need of adaptation to new norms. This is one of those norms. With concerts and festivals being cancelled worldwide, MTV did not let that stop them. Lady Gaga was still able to accept her 5 wins—including MTV's first ever Tricon Award recognizing Gaga for her music superstardom, award-winning acting, and iconic fashion—and perform her new song "Rain on Me" alongside Ariana Grande (while masked, of course). BTS brought their latest single Dynamite, the K-Pop group's first ever completely-English single. The Weeknd performed 1000 feet above New York City with CGI fireworks ablaze …
Amongst all of these acts, pop protest was also at play. Not only are we in a global pandemic, but America is also experiencing another long overdue civil rights movement with Black Lives Matter and social media in full effect. What's different about this current civil rights movement is the heightened use of different mediums—music not necessarily new to the game but definitely a major medium for societal coping and reflecting. DaBaby performed PEEPHOLE, Blind, & Rockstarrocking Lakers gear, Supreme, and "Kirk" hanging from his neck in blinding diamonds with the Jabbawockeez in the back of a cop car strolling through staged riots. The Weeknd acknowledged the need of Justice for Breonna Taylor. It's good to see artists using their platforms for good … hopefully they carry on this thinking throughout their actual lives, too.
At the end of the day, it just felt nostalgic to tune into the VMA's this year. 2020 has been chaotic. Time has been slow yet sneakily quick. Being able to watch an awards show after all that's happened kind of gave me flashbacks of what it was like pre-COVID but also a glimpse into what changes are taking place.