VMAs Dedicates Show to Late Chadwick Boseman
Palmer opened the 2020 award show by dedicating the night to the late Black Panther star.
"Before we get into the music tonight, we need to take the time to talk about the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman, an actor whose talent and passion is a true inspiration to all the fans he touched and everyone he encountered," she said. "We dedicate tonight's show to a man whose spirit touched so many. He is a true hero. Not just on screen, but in everything he did. His impact lives forever."
MTV also showed an old clip of Boseman receiving the Best Hero honor at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards and giving his trophy to James Shaw Jr.
Keke Palmer Calls to End Systemic Racism
Near the beginning of the show, Palmer acknowledged that "2020 has undoubtedly been a rough year for everybody." However, she spoke about how "there have been incredible moments of inspiration that have given my generation hope."
"We've seen heroes going above and beyond, whether they drive a delivery truck, work at a grocery store, or serve on the front lines in a hospital," she said. "And with the Black Lives Matter movement, we've seen our generation step up, take to the streets, and make sure our voices will be heard."
She then said "enough is enough" and noted that "what we just witnessed in Kenosha, Wisconsin is yet another devastating reminder that we can't stop, that we can never tolerate police brutality or any injustice."
"We must continue the fight to end systemic racism," she continued. "The leaders of that movement are you, us, the people watching tonight. It's our time to be the change we want to see. We need to come together, and music, music has that power. Music can help us heal. It's all love and that's what tonight is about. We are making the impossible possible, pushing the boundaries of music performances, because that's what we do on the VMAs!"
Lady Gaga's Fierce Fashion
Mother Monster rocked not one, not two but nine different outfits throughout the evening. See her looks here.
Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande Team Up for "Rain on Me"
In fact, the 34-year-old singer had several style switch-ups during her performance. She wore a latex turquoise number and then changed into a purple look for her collab with Grande. The dynamic duo sang a show-stopping rendition of "Rain on Me." Gaga then changed again and sat at her brain piano to play "Stupid Love."
BTS, Miley Cyrus, Maluma, The Weeknd and More Stars Perform
Of course, Gaga and Grande weren't the only ones to take the stage that evening. The Weeknd kicked off the show by performing "Blinding Lights" as fireworks shot off in the background; Miley Cyrus returned to her wrecking ball to sing her new single "Midnight Sky" and BTS performed their TV debut of "Dynamite." Black Eyed Peas, CNCO, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Maluma and Palmer rocked the stage, as well.
Lady Gaga Wins First-Ever Tricon Award
Gaga also made VMAs history on Sunday by winning the first-ever Tricon Award.
"I want to share this award with everybody at home tonight," she said during part of her speech. "Everybody at home that is their own form of a Tricon. I wish for you to think right now of three things that define who you are and take a moment to reward yourself for your bravery."
In Memoriam
The VMAs also paid tribute to late stars Juice WRLD, Pop Smoke, Dick Dale, Bushwick Bill, Eddie Money, Ric Ocasek, Neil Peart, Bill Withers, Adam Schlesinger, Chynna Rogers, Kenny Rogers, Florian Schneider, Andre Harrell, Little Richard, Huey, Naya Rivera and Boseman.