MTV VMAs pays tribute to Chadwick Boseman after Black Panther star’s death
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Chadwich Boseman was remembered at the MTV Video Music Awards following his death from cancer aged 43.
The Black Panther star was hailed in a tribute that began the MTV VMAs as the first awards ceremony since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown was a mix of virtual performances and very small audiences.
The starkly different VMAs took place across New York City’s five boroughs, with artists in venues across the area to perform and accept awards.
Host for the evening Keke Palmer opened the show with a tribute to Chadwick, whose death on Friday stunned Hollywood. He was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago.
(Image: Getty Images for Disney)
“We dedicate tonight’s show to a man whose spirit touched so many,” Keke said. “He is a true hero, not just on screen but in everything he did. His impact lives forever.”
Self-proclaimed “millennial diva” Palmer’s opening monologue contained references to the tumultuous year, touching on the pandemic as well the social unrest sparked by the death of George Floyd in May.
“We can never tolerate police brutality,” Palmer said from a set near the Empire State Building.
(Image: Photo Illustration by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
“It’s our time to be the change we want to see. We need to come together, and music has that power.”
Canadian singer The Weeknd was the first performer of the night, singing his smash hit Blinding Lights over 1,000ft above Manhattan on the Edge building at Hudson Docks.
Rapper DaBaby performed his song Blind while handcuffed in the back of a police car, climbing on the vehicle’s roof for a rendition of UK number one single Rockstar.
(Image: Getty Images for MTV)
Other stars set to perform include Billie Eilish, BTS, and Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, who lead the way in nominations with nine.
And ahead of their performance of the dance-infused single Rain On Me, the pair won best collaboration for the song.
“This means the world,” Gaga said while accepting the prize, adding she and Grande are “truly soul sisters”.
Taylor Swift won best direction for her The Man music video, accepting the award with a video message from home.
Lady Gaga and Ariana, along with K-pop superstars BTS went on to dominate the awards, scooping the top prizes between them.
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