Here’s how MTV plans to actually host the 2020 Video Music Awards
Despite the increase in coronavirus cases over the past few weeks, MTV is still planning to hold its 2020 Video Music Awards on August 30.
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo revealed in a press conference that the VMAs are scheduled to happen. He also shared just how MTV and New York plan to prepare for the event amid the ongoing pandemic.
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Over the weekend, the BET Awards proved that virtual award shows can happen. This year’s show featured socially-distant performances from artists including DaBaby and Megan Thee Stallion. As well, those accepting awards did so within the comforts of their homes.
Despite the success of BET’s first completely virtual awards show, MTV is still planning to hold an in-person Video Music Awards this year. However, some restrictions will be in place.
Back in May, a representative for MTV said that the company is exploring various ways it can safely hold the event this year in Brooklyn.
“We’re exploring with government officials, the medical community, and key stakeholders on how to safely hold the 2020 VMAs at Barclays Center on August 30th,” a spokesperson told Billboard in a statement. “The health of everyone involved remains our number one priority. Additionally, we are working on several contingency plans to bring music’s biggest night to audiences everywhere.”
This week, Governor Cuomo said in a press conference that the event is scheduled to go on as planned and that “the event will follow all safety guidance including limited or no audience.”
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Typically, the Video Music Awards features a fan audience. For this year, it is possible that they will eliminate the fan audience and will seat artists within appropriate social distances from each other. At this time, no official statement from MTV regarding the VMAs has been shared.
New York City aims to enter Phase 3 of reopening on July 6. This clearance would allow MTV to hold their scheduled event on August 30. Since the pandemic began, New York has significantly decreased their amount of COVID-19 cases, despite the spikes in other parts of the country.
This year will mark the VMAs first return to Brooklyn since 2013. Last year’s MTV Video Music Awards included performances from Missy Elliott, Lizzo, Normani, Lil Nas X and more. No acts have been announced for this year’s VMAs yet.
Cuomo’s VMAs announcement is available to watch below and begins around the 12:30 mark.
Will you watch the VMAs this year? Let us know in the comments below.
