• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

MTV Video Music Awards 2020: Everything you missed

3:28
Artists celebrating big night at MTV's Video Music Awards
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
ByDanielle Long
August 31, 2020, 11:26 AM

Things may have looked a little different but the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards still delivered a star-studded event with performances from the some of the hottest artists.

To get things started, the night's host Keke Palmer dedicated the show to late "Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman, who died after a private four-year battle with colon cancer at the age of 43:

"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," she said.

Editor’s Picks

Lady Gaga shares behind-the-scenes video of 'Rain on Me' with Ariana Grande

  • Aug 07, 2020

Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga lead this year's MTV VMA nominations

  • Jul 30, 2020

2020 MTV Video Music Awards to be held in Brooklyn on Aug. 30

  • Jun 30, 2020

From there, The Weeknd delivered the a performance of his song "Blinding Lights" from over 1,000 feet above New York City. He later went on to win two Moonmen, but opted against acceptance speeches. Instead, he simply said "Thank you," and demanded justice for Jacob Black, a Black man who was shot by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, earlier this month, and Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police in Louisville, Kentucky, in March.

Other performances for the night included Miley Cyrus, Maluma, BTS, Dojo Cat, CNCO and DaBaby. The most notable of the night came from Lady Gaga, who was also joined by Ariana Grande for their award-winning collaboration, "Rain On Me."

Gaga not only delivered a show-stopping act, but also, she dominated the night by snagging five VMAs, including the first ever tricon award -- an honor that recognized the singer's work in music, fashion, acting and activism. And, in true Gaga form, she accepted each of her awards in an outlandish, yet iconic look with a face mask to match.

Taylor Swift also made history as the first solo female artist to win the MTV VMA for best director for her music video, "The Man."

The show closed out with a performance from the Black Eyed Peas.

Editor’s Picks

Lady Gaga shares behind-the-scenes video of 'Rain on Me' with Ariana Grande

  • Aug 07, 2020

Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga lead this year's MTV VMA nominations

  • Jul 30, 2020

2020 MTV Video Music Awards to be held in Brooklyn on Aug. 30

  • Jun 30, 2020

Up Next in Culture—

Joan Cusack makes 1st red carpet appearance in 11 years at 'Toy Story 5' London premiere

May 29, 2026

'The Four Seasons' season 2 whisks Tina Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo and more abroad

May 28, 2026

Shop the books from 'The Book Case' podcast

May 28, 2026

'Dolly All the Time' by Annabel Monaghan is our 'GMA' Book Club pick for June

May 28, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News