The 2020 MTV Video Music Award show, popularly regarded as the VMAs, took place live in New York City on Sunday, August 30th. The show was filled with various performances and awards, as well as being dedicated to late Black Panther star, Chadwick Boseman. Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, the show was able to go on safely.

The Weeknd opened performing his Billboard Hot 100 no.1 hit “Blinding Lights” on the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. He later took home Video of the Year and Best R&B Video for “Blinding Lights.” During his acceptance speech, he told the audience it was difficult to celebrate right now and instead simply called on justice for Breonna Taylor and Jacob Blake.

Later in the night, BTS became the first K-pop group to give a performance at the VMAs. They chose to perform remotely in South Korea and sang their new single “Dynamite.” They ended up taking home 4 awards: Best Pop, Best K-pop, Best Choreography, and Best Group. 

Also giving her first live VMAs performance, Doja Cat, covered in glitter, performed two of her most popular songs “Say So” and “Like That.” In addition, she ended up taking home her first moon man for PUSH Best New Artist.

Towards the end of the show, Gaga started off her performance alone. She sung a medley of songs from her new album, Chromatica, including “911″ and “Stupid Love.” Ariana Grande later joined the performance decked-out in purple to sing alongside Gaga in their pop hit, “Rain on Me.” Both singers were nominated for 9 awards each!

“I was most excited to see Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, because I’ve listened to their music since I was really small,” junior Zainab Goga said. “It is so much fun to watch how their music careers continue to grow!”

Lastly, Miley Cyrus gave the first live performance of her new song “Midnight Sky” while hanging off a giant disco ball. Cyrus had a successful night as she took home multiple awards for “Mother’s Daughter” including Best Editing and Art Direction. 

“’Midnight Sky’ is legit one of the best songs I’ve ever heard, and I love the music video” senior Rori Hillman said.