MTV VMAs To Be Taped Outdoors This Year + Keke Palmer Will Serve As Host

MTV VMAs To Be Taped Outdoors This Year + Keke Palmer Will Serve As Host

The MTV Video Music Awards are still a go, but they’ll definitely look quite different this year. While the star-studded award show is normally held in New York City’s Barclays Center, this time around it will be held outdoors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

And that’s not the only change that will happen. Viewers are used to seeing their favorite celebrities react in the audience, some even sparking viral memes and GIFs. This year, there’s a chance that the audience will be limited. There could also be no audience at all.

MTV said in a statement:

“The 2020 VMAs will be held on Sunday, August 30th, and pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around the City with limited or no audience, adhering to all state and city guidelines. In close consultation with state and local health officials?, it became clear at this time that outdoor performances with limited or no audience would be more feasible and safer than an indoor event. The VMAs will highlight the boroughs in an exciting show and return to Barclays Center in 2021. MTV will continue to work closely with the Department of Health, state and local officials, the medical community, and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of all involved.”

The news comes just after TV personality and actress Keke Palmer was announced as the host. Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming and events for ViacomCBS Media Networks told MTV News:

“We’re thrilled to have the multitalented Keke Palmer as this year’s ‘VMAs’ host. Keke is an energetic force and a quadruple threat with unmatched comedic wit who will make this year’s show truly unforgettable.”

Keke Palmer also celebrated the news on Instagram. She tapped into her Nickelodeon character True Jackson in a video with the caption,

“I heard y’all was tired of 2020, let’s go back to 2008…Join me as I host the 2020 @vmas on August 30th on @MTV! #VMAs“

How do you feel about the changes the VMAs are making this year? Let us know in the comments!