2020 MTV VMAs No Longer Hosting In-Person Ceremony at Barclays Center

Citing ongoing safety concerns during the pandemic, MTV announced late Friday that The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards will not be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Instead, it will stage a series of outdoor performances in various NYC boroughs. The show will still be held on August 30 and will take place in front of limited or no audiences.

MTV promised that the awards show, which was last held at Barclays Center in 2013, was already on the books to return there next year. “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,” the network had said earlier.

“Outdoor performances with limited or no audience would be more feasible and safer”

In a joint statement, representatives for Barclays Center and MTV said.“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.”

During a press conference on June 29, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo originally confirmed the date and venue of the music awards show. During the governor’s brief mention of the event, one of his prepared slides declared. “The event will follow all safety guidance, including limited or no audience.”

In regards to following CDC guidelines amid the ongoing global pandemic, the press release read. “The health and safety of artists, fans, industry, staff and partners is of the utmost importance.” The VMAs have been held in the New York area for the past couple of years. Hitting Newark, NJ last year after Radio City Music Hall in 2018.

Keke Palmer To host 2020 MTV VMAS

“Hustlers” star Keke Palmer is set to host the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards. MTV broke the news on its official Twitter account. They shared the announcement with a nostalgic twist that brought back memories of Palmer’s days on the criminally underrated Nickelodeon original series, True Jackson, VP.

In a mock FaceTime call, Palmer chats with herself as True Jackson, who is now a whole CEO, about her latest gig as the emcee of MTV’s major music ceremony. Palmer says, “True, I’m hosting the MTV Video Music Awards!” After spitting out her water in response, Jackson says, “The VMAs?! Damn, looks like we’re both a big deal. True Jackson needs to style you,” she adds. “I got you.”

In a statement, Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events for ViacomCBS Media Networks, said. “We’re thrilled to have the multi-talented Keke Palmer as this year’s VMAs host. Keke is an energetic force and a quadruple threat with unmatched comedic wit who will make this year’s show truly unforgettable.”

Palmer recently confirmed that she had expected her ABC morning talk show, Strahan, Sara & Keke, to be canceled permanently. After the program was sidelined in March for the coronavirus pandemic coverage.

2020 MTV VMAS Performers and Nominations

Palmer will emcee the exhilarating event, which will feature the VMA performance debut of BTS. Who are taking the stage to unveil their upcoming single “Dynamite.” Doja Cat and J Balvin are also slated to perform. Additional performers are expected to be announced soon.

In addition to performing, BTS is up for three nominations in the Best pop, Best K-pop and Best choreography categories. Doja Cat also has three nominations in the song of the year, PUSH Best new artist and Best direction categories. J Balvin, meanwhile, has four nominations. one for Best collaboration and three in the Best Latin category.

The 2020 VMA nominations are led by Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga with nine nods each. Followed closely behind by both Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, who have six each.

The annual ceremony will crown winners for its traditional categories as per usual. However, this year’s show also touts new prizes appropriate for the COVID-19 pandemic. Best new music video from home and Best quarantine performance. The 2020 VMAs are exec produced by Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic. Barb Bialkowski serves as co-exec producer.