Artists get serious at MTV awards
Show features performances and speeches dealing with suicide, racism and body image
The MTV Video Music Awards are known for creating viral moments meant to shock or amaze. But this year’s show was a much more grown-up affair full of important speeches, exciting performances and pop culture events.
Pink’s lesson of love
Pink was honoured Sunday with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Pink used her acceptance speech to address her six-yearold daughter, Willow, who arrived on the red carpet in a three-piece suit to match her parents’ suits.
The Grammy-winning singer said her daughter told her recently she felt like she was ugly. Pink responded that many artists, from Jackson to Prince to David Bowie and even herself, were regularly made fun of, but pressed ahead with their art to inspire others.
“We don’t change,” Pink said. “We take the gravel in the shell and make a pearl. And we help other people to change so they can see more kinds of beauty.”
Then she reminded her daughter: “You, my darling, are beautiful.”
Not alone
The music community was hit hard this year with the suicides of two rock artists, Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington and Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell. Jared Leto, actor and lead singer of the band 30 Seconds to Mars, talked about touring with both and how Bennington’s voice was “at once ferocious and delicate. That voice will live forever.” Leto used the tribute to reach out to those suffering with thoughts of suicide.
“Hear me now: You are not alone,” Leto said. “There is always a way forward. Reach out. Share your thoughts. Do not give up.”
That sentiment was amplified during a performance by Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid, who performed a song for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, “1-800273-8255.” They were joined on stage by suicide attempt survivors, some of whom were crying.
A call for equality
Paris Jackson, daughter of Michael Jackson, said America has zero tolerance for violence, hatred and racism.
Susan Bro, whose daughter Heather Heyer was killed when a man drove his car into a crowd in Charlottesville, said people all over the world have been inspired by her daughter’s courage.
“I want people to know that Heather never marched alone,” Bro said. “She was joined by people from every race and every background in this country.”
Fire away Kendrick
Kendrick Lamar was the big winner with six awards, including video of the year. He opened the show rapping his single DNA, in a cage of laser lights. Then as he transitioned to Humble, a performer was set ablaze a few feet away from Lamar in a somewhat scary moment. The rest of the performance featured ninja-like dancers scaling a wall of fire.