MTV Video Music Awards 2020: Celebrating the Moon Person Winners in an Unprecedented Virtual Extravaganza

The year 2020 presented unique challenges for global events, but the spirit of music and entertainment proved resilient. Despite the need for social distancing, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) valiantly carried on, adapting to a digital-first format to celebrate the best in music videos. While the traditional red carpet glamour and packed arena moments were reimagined, the essence of the VMAs – honoring artistic innovation and cultural impact – remained firmly intact. Music lovers worldwide tuned in on August 30th to witness a show that, while different, was every bit as thrilling and unforgettable as its predecessors, proving that the show must indeed go on, even if virtually.

MTV pulled out all the stops to ensure the 2020 VMAs were a spectacle to remember. The network announced the nominees a month before the Sunday, August 30th ceremony, building anticipation for what would be an unprecedented event. Adding to the excitement, the multi-talented Keke Palmer was confirmed as the host, anchoring the ceremony from the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Her vibrant energy and quick wit provided a much-needed sense of normalcy and entertainment, guiding viewers through an evening filled with surprises and stellar musical moments. Performances by industry heavyweights like Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and The Weeknd were highly anticipated. These artists delivered their electrifying sets not from a single stage, but from various, often iconic, locations across New York City and even from their homes, showcasing incredible creativity and technological ingenuity in staging.

The virtual format extended to the acceptance speeches as well, adding a unique personal touch to each win. Recipients of the coveted Moon Person trophy delivered their speeches from the comfort and safety of their own homes, offering glimpses into their private worlds and sharing their genuine reactions. Topping the list of nominees were two of music’s biggest stars, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, who garnered an impressive nine nominations each. Their collaborative hit ‘Rain On Me’ received significant recognition, alongside their individual works. Close behind were The Weeknd and Billie Eilish, each securing six nominations, setting the stage for a competitive night. The excitement kicked off early with Machine Gun Kelly being the first big winner of the night, collecting his Moon Person in person ahead of his electrifying pre-show performance. A truly historic moment came later in the evening when Lady Gaga was honored with the inaugural ‘Tricon Award,’ a special recognition introduced by none other than Bella Hadid, celebrating her unparalleled influence across music, fashion, and activism.

The 2020 VMAs not only adapted to a new reality but also embraced it, introducing new categories that reflected the unique circumstances of the year, such as “Best Music Video from Home” and “Best Quarantine Performance.” These categories highlighted the creativity that emerged during a challenging period, showcasing how artists continued to connect with their fans and produce compelling content despite limitations. The ceremony was a powerful reminder of music’s ability to unite, inspire, and entertain, even when physical gatherings are impossible. It demonstrated MTV’s commitment to pushing boundaries and celebrating excellence, regardless of the format.

As the show unfolded, a diverse array of artists from various genres stepped into the spotlight, each taking home a piece of VMA history. The virtual setup allowed for intimate and heartfelt acceptance moments, offering fans a more personal connection with their favorite stars. From groundbreaking collaborations to genre-defining solo acts, the winners list of the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards truly represented the dynamic landscape of contemporary music. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the full list of who captivated audiences and earned a Moon Person at this memorable edition of the VMAs:

BEST ALTERNATIVE

One of the evening’s most anticipated categories, BEST ALTERNATIVE, celebrated artists pushing musical boundaries and offering fresh sounds to the global stage. This year, the coveted Moon Person was awarded to Machine Gun Kelly for his electrifying track, “Bloody Valentine.” A testament to his genre-bending prowess and magnetic stage presence, this win solidified his successful foray into the rock world, resonating with a generation eager for authentic, boundary-defying music. His early acceptance speech, delivered in person ahead of his pre-show performance, set an energetic tone for the night, highlighting his dynamic role in the contemporary music scene.

BEST GROUP

The award for BEST GROUP recognized a collective that captured the hearts and ears of millions worldwide. The powerhouse phenomenon BTS emerged victorious in this fiercely competitive category. Their win underscored their unparalleled global dominance, fan dedication, and the immense impact they’ve had on popular culture. With their innovative music and powerful messages, BTS continued to break barriers and prove their status as a global sensation, making this win a celebration of their collective artistry and immense popularity.

BEST K-POP

Celebrating the vibrant and rapidly expanding world of Korean popular music, the BEST K-POP category honored the genre’s biggest innovators. Unsurprisingly, BTS once again claimed a Moon Person for their hit single “On.” This win further solidified their position as the undisputed kings of K-Pop, demonstrating their ability to consistently produce chart-topping music videos that combine intricate choreography, stunning visuals, and profound lyrical themes, captivating audiences far beyond South Korea.

BEST COLLABORATION

The BEST COLLABORATION award highlighted the magic that happens when extraordinary talents converge. This year, the Moon Person went to the iconic duo of Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande for their sensational anthem, “Rain On Me.” Their powerful vocals, combined with a futuristic and visually stunning music video, created an unforgettable pop moment that celebrated resilience and unity. This collaboration was a perfect fusion of their individual styles, producing a track that dominated airwaves and became an instant classic.

BEST DIRECTION

Recognizing the visionary artists behind the camera, the BEST DIRECTION category is crucial for celebrating the cinematic artistry of music videos. Taylor Swift took home this prestigious award for her impactful video, “The Man.” Remarkably, Swift herself directed the video, making her win a significant achievement that showcased her multifaceted talent and creative control. “The Man” was praised for its bold narrative, thought-provoking commentary on gender inequality, and meticulous execution, proving Swift’s prowess both in front of and behind the lens.

BEST LATIN

The BEST LATIN category spotlighted the infectious rhythms and undeniable global influence of Latin music. The Moon Person was awarded to Maluma featuring J Balvin for their vibrant track, “Qué Pena.” This collaboration brought together two titans of the genre, delivering a video that was as stylish and charismatic as the artists themselves. The win celebrated their continued impact on the international music scene, showcasing the global appeal and cultural richness of Latin pop.

SONG OF THE YEAR

One of the night’s most prestigious honors, SONG OF THE YEAR, celebrated the track that resonated most deeply with audiences and critics alike. For the second time in the evening, Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande triumphed with “Rain On Me.” This win reaffirmed the song’s status as a formidable hit, lauded for its empowering message, infectious beat, and the impeccable vocal synergy between the two pop queens. Its widespread appeal and critical acclaim made it a truly deserving winner in this hotly contested category.

BEST MUSIC VIDEO FROM HOME

A new and uniquely relevant category for 2020, BEST MUSIC VIDEO FROM HOME, celebrated creativity born out of necessity during the pandemic. The deserving winners were Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber for their heartfelt track, “Stuck with U.” This video, compiled from personal footage of the artists and their fans, captured the shared experience of quarantine with warmth and authenticity, transforming individual moments into a collective message of hope and connection during unprecedented times.

BEST POP

The BEST POP award honored the song that defined the genre with its catchy melodies, polished production, and mass appeal. BTS secured their third Moon Person of the night in this category for their track, “On.” This victory underscored their versatility and ability to seamlessly navigate across genres, proving that their global phenomenon status transcends K-Pop. “On” delivered an exhilarating performance and message, solidifying its place as a pop anthem of the year.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

The coveted title of ARTIST OF THE YEAR recognized the individual who made the most significant impact across music, culture, and influence. The undeniable winner was Lady Gaga. Her extraordinary output in 2020, including a critically acclaimed album, impactful collaborations, and her profound advocacy, showcased her enduring power and innovation. This award, coupled with her Tricon Award, cemented her status as one of the most transformative and influential figures in contemporary music.

BEST HIP HOP

Celebrating the genre’s dynamic storytelling and powerful beats, the BEST HIP HOP category recognized a standout track that dominated the cultural conversation. Megan Thee Stallion roared to victory with her ubiquitous hit, “Savage.” The song, amplified by its viral TikTok challenges and a remix with Beyoncé, became an anthem of empowerment and confidence. Her win highlighted her meteoric rise and her commanding presence as a leading voice in hip-hop, captivating audiences with her fierce lyricism and undeniable charisma.

PUSH BEST NEW ARTIST

The PUSH BEST NEW ARTIST award recognized a breakout talent who captured widespread attention and signaled a promising future in music. The recipient of this exciting honor was Doja Cat. Her innovative sound, genre-blending tracks, and captivating visuals made her one of the most exciting new voices in the industry. Her ability to deliver viral hits and maintain an authentic connection with her audience solidified her status as an artist to watch, proving her rapid ascent was well-deserved.

BEST ROCK

In the category of BEST ROCK, the VMA’s celebrated the enduring power and evolution of rock music. The veteran British band Coldplay took home the Moon Person for their track, “Orphans.” This win underscored their continued relevance and ability to craft anthemic, emotionally resonant songs that connect with a global audience. “Orphans” showcased their signature blend of uplifting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, demonstrating that classic rock sensibilities can still resonate powerfully in the modern musical landscape.

BEST QUARANTINE PERFORMANCE

Another innovative category reflecting the unique year, BEST QUARANTINE PERFORMANCE honored artists who delivered memorable live experiences from unexpected settings. The win went to Latin American boy band CNCO for their heartfelt “Unplugged At Home.” This performance captivated fans with its intimacy and raw talent, showcasing their ability to connect emotionally even without a grand stage. It was a beautiful example of how artists adapted to create meaningful content and maintain a bond with their audience during a time of global isolation.

BEST ART DIRECTION

Recognizing the creative vision behind the visual aesthetics of music videos, the BEST ART DIRECTION award is crucial for celebrating the artists who build these imaginative worlds. Miley Cyrus was honored for her video “Mother’s Daughter,” with Christian Stone credited for the exceptional Art Direction. The video was lauded for its bold, empowering, and visually striking imagery, serving as a powerful statement piece. Its meticulous design and impactful visuals made it a standout, reinforcing Cyrus’s reputation for fearless artistic expression.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

The ultimate prize of the evening, VIDEO OF THE YEAR, celebrated the single most impactful and groundbreaking music video of the year. The prestigious Moon Person was awarded to The Weeknd for his cinematic masterpiece, “Blinding Lights.” This video captivated audiences with its retro-futuristic aesthetic, compelling narrative, and the artist’s intense performance. “Blinding Lights” was not just a music video; it was a cultural phenomenon that dominated charts and became a defining visual and auditory experience of 2020, making it a truly deserving winner of the top honor.

The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards proved to be a testament to resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of music to connect and inspire. Despite unprecedented challenges, the show delivered a memorable evening filled with star-studded performances, significant wins, and powerful messages. From celebrating established icons like Lady Gaga to recognizing rising stars like Doja Cat, the VMAs once again highlighted the diverse talents shaping the music industry. As artists adapted to new ways of creating and connecting, the virtual ceremony served as a beacon of creativity, leaving a lasting impression and setting a new standard for future awards shows in a rapidly evolving world.