2020 MTV VMAs: 8 Amazing Moments You May Have Missed

DaBaby was on another level as he delivered a powerful medley of his songs “Peep Hole,” “Blind,” and “Rockstar.” His performance utilized stunning visual effects in a nod to the recent protests against police brutality as he rode in the back of a police car that was driven by two officers in COVID-19 facemasks. During “Rockstar,” he jumped on top of the police car while the buildings behind him were engulfed in CGI flames.

The VMAs opened on a solemn note as host Keke Palmer paid tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. “Before we get into the music tonight, we need 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.”

For their first-ever VMA performance, the beloved K-Pop Kings knew how to drive us all wild. BTS took to the stage to deliver us a live performance of their record-breaking, new, single, “Dynamite.” Their boy band realness reached new heights as the group showed off slick synchronized choreography and their smooth, up-tempo vocals commanded the stage on the other side of the world.

From pole dancing to a digital Chromatica mask to a historical duo performance with Ariana Grande, the newly crowned "Tricon" winner swept us away with her first Chromatica live debut. For the most part, Gaga and Grande were socially distanced on stage, while the fanciful back-up dancers were fully masked. During her performance, Gaga managed to work in three outfit changes, and that does not include six other outfit changes that occurred during various points in the award show. Mother Monster took to a brain-shaped piano to serve us a paired-down rendition of "Stupid Love" which ultimately unfolded into a full blown, high-powered performance. For the brief moment that Gaga brought Chromatica to life, we were living for all of it.

Keke Palmer took some time to thank healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic for all that they’ve done. The VMAs then featured a tribute video with healthcare workers across the country using music and dance as a way to provide healing and relief. It was a touching moment and encouraged everyone watching to stay safe.

Doja Cat’s first-ever VMA performance was nothing short of whimsical. The “Say So” singer brought us to a mystical and glowing world while performing in a dazzling and sparkling bodysuit. The 3D stage that she used to show off her vocal and dance chops morphed from one vibrant pink digi-scape to the next.

In an unprecedented move, numerous VMA performers went into the audience and got up close and personal with those in attendance. The only caveat is that every single fan that was in attendance was a car. That’s a bit of a stretch though as the VMAs recreated the drive-in concert experience by having fans inside a few of the vehicles and dancing on top of pickup truck beds. Maluma, Keke Palmer, and CNCO all performed in front of the drive-in concert setup.

To wrap up the 2020 VMAs, Black Eyed Peas were tasked to shut the evening down. The group surprised us with a little extra glow down below and ended the night with the feel good throwback, “I Got A Feeling.”