MTV's Video Music Awards to go ahead in New York in August as planned

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 1mo

MTV confirms that the Video Music Awards will go ahead in New York City at the end of August as planned, despite the ongoing threat of coronavirus.

MTV has confirmed that its annual Video Music Awards ceremony will go ahead in August as planned despite the ongoing threat of coronavirus.

The event will be staged at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, August 30 under "best practices" developed by the broadcaster and New York state officials.

A press release confirming the event seemed to suggest that a live audience will be present at the venue, which will impose "meaningful capacity limitations", while there will be "extensive social distancing procedures" in place for performers, guests and crew.

The ceremony also plans to honour New York City with "epic performances" from each of the five boroughs that will "pay homage to the strength, spirit and incredible resilience of NYC and its beloved residents".

Oliver Weisberg, chief exec of the Barclays Center, said: "The 2020 MTV VMAs will be the first Barclays Center event since the COVID-19 pandemic reached New York.

"We're very excited to once again host this legendary night of music, and are especially proud of the impact it will have on our Brooklyn community through the creation of local jobs.

"We deeply appreciate the support and advice of state and local government officials, as well as our internal management and team of medical experts, all of whom have been working hard to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, and we will continue to closely follow their guidance throughout every step of the planning process."

MTV says that it will confirm the host, performers and award presenters "at a later date".