‘Stay safe, speak your mind’: Lady Gaga on respect amid VMAS haul
● Ceremony dedicated to Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman
Lady Ga ga dominated the MTV Video Music Awards during a ceremony that focused heavily on the deadly impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the social unrest still erupting across the US.
Sunday’ s show bore little resemblance to those in pre - vious years, with performances taking place outside and in front of severely limited audiences across New York City’s five boroughs due to the health crisis.
The ceremony was dedicated to Black Panther star Chadwick B oseman, who died on Friday aged 43 following a four-year battle with colon cancer.
Host Keke Palmer said: “He is a true hero, not just on screen, but in everything he did. His impact lives forever.”
There was also a tribute to New York’s frontline workers who risked their lives when the city was ravaged by the pandemic, while Canadian singer The Weeknd used his acceptance speech for the coveted video of the year award to demand justice in the cases of two African Americans shot by police.
The final words of the evening were “black lives matter”.
Gaga’s wins included artist, song and collaboration of the year, as well as the first ever MTV Tricon Award, in recognition of her achievements in music, fashion and acting.
“I want to share this award with everybody at home tonight. Everybody that is their own form of a Tricon,” she said, before reflecting on a year disrupted by pandemic and social unrest.
“This has not been an easy year for a lot of people, but what I see in the world is a massive triumph of co urage,” Gaga, who wore a mask throughout the night, said.
“Just because we’re separated right now and culture may feel less alive in some ways, I know a renaissance is coming and the wrath of pop culture will inspire you and the rage of art will empower you as it responds to hardship with its generosity and love. This is what I believe. I want nothing more than to be your artist in 2020, it’s a total privilege.
“I love you, stay safe, speak your mind and I might sound like a broken record, but wear a mask, it’s a sign of respect.” Mask wearing has emerged as a contentious issue in parts of the US.
On an earlier appearance on stage to collect the artist of the year prize, an emotional Gaga said: “Being an artist is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to be in my whole life. I never wanted to be anything else.”
Before the show, the stars walked a socially distanced red carp et lacking its usual bustle and energy.
The Black Eyed Peas closed out proceedings, with one of the groups aying“Wak anda forever” – the phrase that encapsulated the black pride generated by Black Panther, as well as “black lives matter”.