MTV Announces Change Of Venue For Video Music Awards

Organizers of the MTV Music Video Awards have announced that the 2020 ceremony – taking place weeks from now on August 30, will no longer be held inside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of slowing down, it was decided that outdoor performances, without audiences, would prove to be much safer.

According to a joint statement from MTV and the Barclays Center, the 2020 Video Music Awards will “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.”

They continued, “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.”

Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande lead this year’s nominations with nine nods each (including multiple co-nominations for “Rain on Me”). Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd are also up for multiple categories.

Contenders for Video of the Year include Gaga and Grande for “Rain on Me,” Swift for “The Man,” Eilish with “everything i wanted,” The Weeknd for “Blinding Lights,” Eminem featuring Juice WRLD for “Godzilla,” and Future featuring Drake with “Life is Good.”

DaBaby, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, Post Malone, and Megan Thee Stallion will compete for Artist of the Year.

Voting is currently open to fans on the VMA website. Fans can vote up to ten times each in every category. Ballots for all categories except Push Best New Artist are open through August 23, while fans can vote for their favorite new act through August 30.

An initial roster of performers was announced last week, including J Balvin, Doja Cat, and BTS. During their very first VMA performance, the K-pop superstars are anticipated to unveil their forthcoming single, “Dynamite.” Actress and performer Keke Palmer will host the ceremony.

The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards will broadcast live at 8:00 pm EST on Sunday, August 30.

To view the entire list of MTV VMA nominees, visit the official website.