VMA’s Recap

8.31.20

Lady Gaga, VMA’s 2020

Last night, the 2020 VMA’s took place in its new, global pandemic, form. Many performances and awards were done live, but in front of green screens and consistently practicing social distancing. Even in such form, MTV still managed to pull off some really incredible visual features, from holographic crowds, fan noise cheering at just the right time, and incredible backdrops for performances and speakers. For those whom were live in attendance, the outfits definitely did not disappoint, either.

Keke Palmer did an amazing job hosting the awards. She did multiple skits throughout the night playing several different characters at once. She looked amazing, and of course brought knowledge to the many hurtful yet important things happening in the world. Lady Gaga had to be the most incredible from performances to her many different outfit changes. Nominated for nine awards, Gaga took home four, and the MTV Tricon Award, making her the winner of the night.

When the nominees were announced, I shared my predictions of a winners. Here, we will review the predictions and see who actually took home some Moonman hardware.

Video of the Year

WINNER: The Weeknd: "Blinding Lights" – XO / Republic Records

Billie Eilish: "Everything I Wanted" – Darkroom / Interscope Records

Eminem ft. Juice WRLD: "Godzilla" – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records (prediction)

Future ft. Drake: "Life Is Good" – Epic Records / Freebandz

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: "Rain on Me" – Streamline / Interscope Records

Taylor Swift: "The Man" – Republic Records

When I think of video of the year, I am thinking about who directed the video, the visuals, what it actually visually looked like, and the work that was put into the visuals itself, more than the song. I did not predict Eminem just because he is my favorite, but because Cole Bennett directed the music video and it was absolutely insane. There were so many hidden Easter Eggs in the video, certain frames that made you gasp, and of course, it was in loving memory of Juice WRLD. I thought today’s VMA’s voters would be here for this video, but who knows if it was fan voted for industry voted (some winners took turns expressing which theirs was when receiving their awards).

This is not to say Weekend’s video was undeserving. The lights and effects in this movie were insane, down to The Weeknd’s attire. He performed live at the VMA’s, and his wardrobe and makeup was done precisely like this music video and album cover - bloody, bruised an all. When accepting his award, he was completely monotone. His speech was spoken as:

“It is really hard right now to celebrate. So all I’m going to say is, justice for Breonna Taylor. Justice for Jacob Blake.”

Obviously an important message that showed up across the night multiple times.

Artist of the Year

WINNER: Lady Gaga – Streamline / Interscope Records

DaBaby – SCMG / Interscope Records

Justin Bieber – RBMG / Def Jam

Megan Thee Stallion – 300 Entertainment (prediction)

Post Malone – Republic Records

The Weeknd – XO / Republic Records

I guess I chose Megan thinking that hip-hop was going to win all these awards. I do not listen to a ton of Lady Gaga, but after last night, she was deserving of all the awards she has received. She seems to have tons of new music, great new features, and a new head on her shoulders after the large mess she went through with her old label. Gaga is somewhat of a role model people across the board, from young girls, grown women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. From her fashion sense to her musical talents and ability to walk in three foot heels while jumping up and down performing - she literally shocked me, yet again.

PUSH Best New Artist

WINNER: Doja Cat — Kemosabe / RCA Records

Jack Harlow — Generation Now / Atlantic Records

Lewis Capaldi — Capitol Records

Roddy Ricch — Atlantic Records (prediction)

Tate McRae — RCA Records

Yungblud – Locomotion Recordings / Geffen Records / Interscope Records

I just have to say that I did not think Doja Cat was going to win this award, because of all the negativity behind her name on the internet the past few months. Doja Cat had major success with her song Say So, plus a remix with Nicki Minaj. However, hip-hop cancelled her the week after she had gone number one, because of some questionable racism comments she has made in the past on the Internet. Things got so heated, Nas even spoke negatively about her on his new album. Though she did not seem to be too hurt by it, I do not think he is one to typically speak negatively on woman.

Though there are five nominees here, last night they had cut the votes down to three. Perhaps it was voting by industry then the fans got to choose number one, or something like that. So the final three were Lewis Capaldi, Yungblud and Doja Cat. Where, I would have given her the win here. Just think that Roddy and Jack Harlow had some pretty big years (not just top of 2020).

Song of the Year

WINNER: Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records

Billie Eilish: “Everything I Wanted” – Darkroom / Interscope Records

Doja Cat: “Say So” – Kemosabe / RCA Records

Megan Thee Stallion: “Savage” – 300 Entertainment

Post Malone: “Circles” – Republic Records

Roddy Ricch: “The Box” – Atlantic Records (prediction)

Again I chose Roddy because The Box was the anthem of the year. However, Gaga took the whole night over, and I cannot be mad about it. She explained the song to us numerous times, and it is overall a really uplifting story. There is something about a song that people can relate to, or that can help people get through tough times, that always pulls out on top on nights like the VMA’s - especially during a global pandemic.

Best Collaboration

WINNER: Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records

Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber: “Stuck with U” – Republic Records / Def Jam

Black Eyed Peas ft. J Balvin: “Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life)” – Epic Records / We The Best

Ed Sheeran ft. Khalid: “Beautiful People” – Atlantic Records

Future ft. Drake: “Life Is Good” – Epic Records / Freebandz (prediction)

Karol G ft. Nicki Minaj: “Tusa” – Universal Music Latin Entertainment

I am starting to get annoyed that hip-hop is getting completely run over in this year’s award show. Is this not where we all started?! Anyways, Gaga and Ariana take home yet another W. The two performed together live on stage. Though I am not an Ariana Grande fan whatsoever, it was cute. When Gaga accepted the award for Best Collaboration, she explained what it was like working with Ariana on the song. She shared how the two had both just gone through some crazy personal life stuff that no one should ever have to endure (which is valid), and how they both turned their emotions and tears into a beautiful song (okay sure). The chemistry and love was visibly there from the two as they left it all out on the green screen stage. Congrats, ladies.

MTV Tricon Award

WINNER: Lady Gaga – Streamline / Interscope Records

Not an award that we got nominees for, but of course, Gaga takes home an award that honors someone for excelling in multiple fields, such as music, acting, and fashion. DUH!

Best Pop

WINNER: BTS: “On” – Big Hit Entertainment

Halsey: “You Should Be Sad” – Capitol Records

Jonas Brothers: “What a Man Gotta Do” – Republic Records

Justin Bieber ft. Quavo: “Intentions” – RBMG / Def Jam (prediction)

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records

Taylor Swift: “Lover” – Republic Records

I get that everyone is obsessed with BTS. But I had them winning K-Pop and Group. How can they win Pop too?! It is a different category and should honor those whom are classifying their track to one genre. This kind of feels like when Tyler, The Creator won best hip-hop album at the Grammy’s. Yes, we love you Tyler. But this was Cordae’s for the taking.

Best Hip Hop

WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion: “Savage” – 300 Entertainment

DaBaby: “Bop” – SCMG / Interscope Records (prediction)

Eminem ft. Juice WRLD: “Godzilla” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records

Future ft. Drake: “Life Is Good” – Epic Records / Freebandz

Roddy Ricch: “The Box” – Atlantic Records

Travis Scott: “Highest in the Room” – Epic Records / Cactus Jack

I do not think I am going home with any wins tonight. I am not mad at it, there are just too many good choices in this category. I figured DaBaby would win, since he is holding together new kid hip-hop right now. But the world grinds for Megan.

Best R&B

WINNER: The Weeknd: “Blinding Lights” – XO / Republic Records

Alicia Keys: “Underdog” – RCA Records (prediction)

Chloe x Halle: “Do It” – Parkwood / Columbia Records

H.E.R. ft. YG: “Slide” – MBK / RCA Records

Khalid ft. Summer Walker: “Eleven” – Right Hand Music / RCA Records

Lizzo: “Cuz I Love You” – Atlantic Records

Alicia Keys is the most R&B there is in this category. And, one of the only real R&B artists we have left still making music. So, that is why I chose her for this category’s winner. Interestingly enough, I did chose The Weeknd to win some Grammy’s that he did not win. I know his fans are hardcore. So, they must have realized they needed to pull through for him tonight. Where he took home the third most amount of awards, after Lady Gaga and BTS.

Best K-Pop

WINNER: BTS: "On" – Big Hit Entertainment (prediction)

EXO: "Obession" – SM Entertainment

(G)I-DLE: "Oh My God" – Republic Records

Monsta X: "Someone's Someone" – Epic Records

Red Velvet: "Psycho" – SM Entertainment

Tomorrow X Together: "9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)" – Big Hit Entertainment

K-Pop seems like it is becoming more popular over here in the United States. Right now, BTS is like the NSYNC and Backstreet Boys put together for K-Pop today. The group performed at the VMA’s, all dressed in suits and doing some intricate dances. They all had very unique sounds, that you probably would not think go together in one group. It was interesting how some were so deep and raspy, and others were very high pitched and light. Based on the boy band fan base the United States has had since Backstreet Boys and beyond, I see how these guys are important.

Best Latin

WINNER: Maluma ft. J Balvin: “Qué Pena” – Sony Music Latin

Anuel AA ft. Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Karol G & J Balvin: “China” – Real Hasta La Muerte (prediction)

Bad Bunny: “Yo Perreo Sola” – Rimas Entertainment

Black Eyed Peas ft. Ozuna & J. Rey Soul: “Mamacita” – Epic Records

J Balvin: “Amarillo” – Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Karol G ft. Nicki Minaj: “Tusa” – Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Well, I knew J. Balvin was taking this one home, one way or another. I think the collab for Real Hasta La Muerte was everything, but these are all great options. Another category that comes from over seas, but it making waves in the US.

Best Rock

WINNER: Coldplay: “Orphans” – Atlantic Records

Blink-182: “Happy Days” – Columbia Records

Evanescence: “Wasted On You” – BMG

Fall Out Boy ft. Wyclef Jean: “Dear Future Self (Hands Up)” – Island Records (prediction)

Green Day: “Oh Yeah!” – Reprise / Warner Records

The Killers: “Caution” – Island Records

Coldplay I would say is a little too soft to be called Best Rock. I probably would have moved this to Best Alternative, but nonetheless, fine with this choice of a winner. All excellent nominees.

Best Alternative

WINNER: Machine Gun Kelly: “Bloody Valentine” – Bad Boy / Interscope Records

The 1975: “If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)” – Dirty Hit / Interscope Records

All Time Low: “Some Kind Of Disaster” – Fueled By Ramen

Finneas: “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night” – AWAL (predictions)

Lana Del Rey: “Doin’ Time” – Interscope Records

Twenty One Pilots: “Level of Concern” – Elektra Music Group / Fueled By Ramen

This is another one where the category genre lines are blurred. Machine Gun Kelly went from being a Bad Boy hip-hop artist, to the winner of best alternative at the VMA’s. He came dressed up in a pink suite with a pink muscle tank turtle neck on. While also rocking some long, shaggy blonde hair, you can freely call this alternative. MGK’s music has been trial and error for many years now, but I think he finally found his place.

Best Group

WINNER: BTS

5 Seconds of Summer

The 1975

Blackpink

Chloe x Halle

CNCO

Little Mix

Monsta X

Now United

Twenty One Pilots

For some reason I do not have this one on the prediction sheet. It may have been added later or it was not a consumer vote. Of course, BTS takes this one as well. They are probably the most well known, and their group is huge. We do not see that too much nowadays, where there is a large group and everyone gets a turn at the spotlight. We love Chloe and Halle, but this one no match.

Best Music Video From Home

WINNER: Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber: “Stuck with U” – Republic Records / Def Jam

5 Seconds of Summer: “Wildflower” – Interscope Records

Blink-182: “Happy Days” – Columbia Records

Drake: “Toosie Slide” – OVO/Republic Records (prediction)

John Legend: “Bigger Love” – Columbia Records

Twenty One Pilots: “Level of Concern” – Elektra Music Group / Fueled By Ramen

I just thought Toosie Slide was the anthem. However, everyone loves some Justin and Haley Bieber action. This is what you saw in the video, of course with some Ariana Grande, as well.

Best Quarantine Performance

CNCO: MTV Unplugged At Home

Chloe x Halle: "Do It (from MTV Prom-Athon)"

DJ D-Nice: Club MTV Presents: #DanceTogether

John Legend: #TogetherAtHome Concert Series

Lady Gaga: "Smile" from One World: Together At Home

Post Malone: Nirvana Tribute (prediction)

I was mostly into the Post Malone quarantine performance, but MTV Unplugged was a great. A vast variety of artists playing during the set, it allows viewers to get inside the homes of all these different artists, and see how they record, react to the quarantine, and best visualize a stage they can create on their own. So, there is something nice from popping from home to home during these performances. We all get to know each other on a deeper level.

Video For Good

WINNER: H.E.R.: “I Can’t Breathe” – MBK / RCA Records

Anderson .Paak: “Lockdown” – 12 Tone Music Group

Billie Eilish: “All the Good Girls Go to Hell” – Darkroom / Interscope Records

Demi Lovato: “I Love Me” – Island Records

Lil Baby: “The Bigger Picture” – Quality Control Music / Motown / Capitol Music Group (prediction)

Taylor Swift: “The Man” – Republic Records

These songs are all important and share very big messages. I chose Lil Baby, because not only did his song speak about what was going on in the world, and all the injustice he has personally witnessed throughout his life, but it was also topping charts. H.E.R song was just as important, and literally draws notion to George Floyd. I am so happy for her to get this award.

Everyday Heroes: Frontline Medical Workers

WINNER: ALL

Dr. Elvis Francois and Dr. William Robinson: "Imagine"

Dr. Nate Wood: "Lean On Me"

Jefferson University Hospital’s Swab Squad: "Level Up"

Jason "Tik Tok Doc" Campbell

Lori Marie Key: "Amazing Grace"

Just another fun award to give light to all the front-line workers in New York that continue to risk their lives to save ours. No voting for this one, just recognition to all.

Best Direction

WINNER: Taylor Swift: “The Man” – Republic Records – Directed by Taylor Swift

Billie Eilish: “Xanny” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Directed by Billie Eilish

Doja Cat: “Say So” – Kemosabe / RCA Records – Directed by Hannah Lux Davis

Dua Lipa: “Don’t Start Now” – Warner Records – Directed by Nabil

Harry Styles: “Adore You” – Columbia Records – Directed by Dave Meyers

The Weeknd: “Blinding Lights” – XO / Republic Records – Directed by Anton Tammi

I just saw some clips from this video, and thought it was pretty goofy/corny. However, it was Taylor Swift’s first time directing her own video. With that, her fans are going to die hard.

Best Cinematography

WINNER: Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records – Cinematography by Michael Merriman

5 Seconds of Summer: “Old Me” – Interscope Records – Cinematography by Kieran Fowler

Camila Cabello ft. DaBaby: “My Oh My” – Syco Music / Epic Records – Cinematography by Scott Cunningham

Billie Eilish: “all the good girls go to hell” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Cinematography by Christopher Probst

Katy Perry: “Harleys In Hawaii” – Capitol Records – Cinematography by Arnau Valls

The Weeknd: “Blinding Lights” – XO / Republic Records – Cinematography by Oliver Millar

I do not think there is anyone that can outperform Lady Gaga. Like I mentioned earlier, she was literally wearing heels that were over a foot high, and jumping up and down in them during her performances.

Best Art Direction

WINNER: Miley Cyrus: “Mother’s Daughter” – RCA Records – Art Direction by Christian Stone

A$AP Rocky: “Babushka Boi” – Polo Grounds Music / RCA Records – Art Direction by A$AP Rocky & Nadia Lee Cohen

Dua Lipa: “Physical” – Warner Records – Art Direction by Anna Colomer Nogué

Harry Styles: “Adore You” – Columbia Records – Art Direction by Laura Ellis Cricks

Selena Gomez: “Boyfriend” – Interscope Records – Art Direction by Tatiana Van Sauter

Taylor Swift: “Lover” – Republic Records – Art Direction by Kurt Gefke

Of course Miley has the most swag and potential in an art category. Her performance was immaculate as well. If Gaga was here, we may not have the same results. But nonetheless, an award well deserved.

Best Visual Effects

WINNER: Dua Lipa: “Physical” – Warner Records – Visual Effects by EIGHTY4 and Mathematic

Billie Eilish: “All the Good Girls Go to Hell” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Visual Effects by Drive Studios

Demi Lovato: “I Love Me” – Island Records – Visual Effects by Hoody FX

Harry Styles: “Adore You” – Columbia Records – Visual Effects by Mathematic

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records – Visual Effects by Ingenuity Studios

Travis Scott: “Highest in the Room” – Epic Records / Cactus Jack – Visual Effects by ARTJAIL, SCISSOR FILMS & FRENDER

I think there are a lot of good options here. Though Dua Lipa is having a breakthrough year. Stepping over Lady Gaga in this one, one of not so many, defeats of the night.

Best Choreography

WINNER: BTS: “On” – Big Hit Entertainment – Choreography by The Lab, Son Sung Deuk

CNCO & Natti Natasha: “Honey Boo” – Sony Music Latin / RCA Records – Choreography by Kyle Hanagami

DaBaby: “BOP” – SCMG / Interscope Records – Choreography by Dani Leigh and Cherry

Dua Lipa: “Physical” – Warner Records – Choreography by Charm La’Donna

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records – Choreography by Richy Jackson

Normani: “Motivation” – Keep Cool / RCA Records – Choreography by Sean Bankhead

I guess when you have seven members of a group and you all need to dance and sing in sync without physically stepping on each other’s toes, you get rewarded.

Best Editing

WINNER: Miley Cyrus: “Mother’s Daughter” – RCA Records – Edited by Alexandre Moors, Nuno Xico

Halsey: “Graveyard” – Capitol Records – Edited by Emilie Aubry, Janne Vartia & Tim Montana

James Blake: “Can’t Believe the Way We Flow” – Republic Records – Edited by Frank Lebon

Lizzo: “Good As Hell” – Atlantic Records – Edited by Russell Santos & Sofia Kerpan

Rosalía: “A Palé” – Columbia Records – Edited by Andre Jones

The Weeknd: “Blinding Lights” – XO / Republic Records – Edited by Janne Vartia & Tim Montana

Miley’s performance was really cool. She sang on a mic in an empty, white room, that turned infrared. At the end, she was swinging on a bedazzled wrecking ball. Her, her family and team are so talented in the music and all forms of the art that goes into it. Of course she is deserving of this as well.