Highlights and Memorable Moments from the 2020 VMAs
Introduction
The 2020 VMAs, which aired on both MTV and CBS, were a night full of surprises and memorable moments. The show celebrated both new and established artists, making it a well-rounded and exciting event for music lovers everywhere.
Highlights
The night kicked off with an energetic performance by The Weeknd, followed by a powerful tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement by DaBaby. But the real highlights of the night were the wins for Mariah Carey, who took home her first VMA, and Lady Gaga, who wowed the audience with her magical performance of "Rain On Me" with Ariana Grande.
Memorable Moments
Aside from the awards and performances, there were other memorable moments throughout the night. Miley Cyrus performed her new single "Midnight Sky" for the first time, while BTS made history as the first K-pop group to win an award at the VMAs. The show also paid tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who had a brief but impactful impact on the music industry through his role in the film "Black Panther".
About the People Mentioned
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer renowned for her extraordinary five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style, and use of the whistle register, earning her titles such as "Songbird Supreme" and "Queen of Christmas." Born on March 27, 1970, in Huntington, New York, she began singing at an early age and developed her signature vocal skills through formal lessons. Carey rose to fame with her self-titled debut album in 1990, which produced four consecutive No. 1 singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, including "Vision of Love" and "I Don't Wanna Cry." Over her career, she has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time[1][4][6]. She holds the record for the most No. 1 singles by a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100, with 19 chart-toppers such as "Fantasy," "Always Be My Baby," and "We Belong Together"[4]. Throughout the 1990s, Carey evolved from pop and R&B into hip-hop-influenced music, especially after her separation from Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola. Albums like *Butterfly* (1997) showcased this shift, and her duet "One Sweet Day" with Boyz II Men set a record for the longest-running No. 1 song in Billboard history with 16 weeks atop the chart[2][3]. Her career experienced challenges in the early 2000s, including a physical and emotional breakdown in 2001 and a commercially disappointing film and album (*Glitter*). However, she rebounded with *The Emancipation of Mimi* (2005), which became the best-selling album in the U.S. that year and earned multiple Grammy Awards[2][3]. More recently, her enduring holiday hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019, 25 years after its release, setting a record for longevity[5]. Carey continues to release music, with her 15th studio album *Caution* released in 2018 and her 16th album *Here For It All* announced for 2025[4][5]. She remains a prominent figure in music, celebrated for her vocal talent and lasting impact on pop and R&B genres.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on March 28, 1986, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress renowned for her artistic versatility and influential presence in popular culture. She rose to international fame with her 2008 debut album *The Fame*, which included global hits like "Just Dance" and "Poker Face." Her follow-up projects, including *The Fame Monster* (2009) with singles such as "Bad Romance" and "Telephone," solidified her status as a leading pop icon. Known for her dynamic image reinventions and bold fashion statements, Gaga has continuously evolved artistically, exploring genres from electronic dance music to jazz, as exemplified by her 2014 Grammy-winning collaboration with Tony Bennett on *Cheek to Cheek*[1][3][5]. Throughout her career, Lady Gaga has amassed an impressive array of accolades, including 14 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Sports Emmy. Her 2011 album *Born This Way* became a cultural milestone, addressing themes of self-empowerment and LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to her music, Gaga has garnered critical acclaim as an actress, notably for her lead role in the 2018 film *A Star Is Born*, which earned her an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy[1][2][5]. In recent years, Lady Gaga has maintained prominence by releasing new music, such as her seventh album *Mayhem* in 2025, which featured the hit single "Abracadabra." She also announced the *Mayhem Ball* tour and appeared in the second season of the television series *Wednesday*. Additionally, she contributed the song "Dead Dance" to the *Wednesday* soundtrack, further showcasing her multifaceted talents[6]. Beyond entertainment, Gaga is noted for her advocacy on mental health, inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ rights, connecting deeply with her fanbase known as "Little Monsters." Her influence extends across music, film, fashion, and activism, making her one of the best-selling and most impactful artists of her generation[1][2][6].
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida. She first gained public attention as an actress playing Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon TV series *Victorious* (2010–13) and its spin-off *Sam & Cat* (2013–14). Her early career also included Broadway, notably starring in the musical *13* in 2008[3][4]. Transitioning from acting to music, Grande released her debut album *Yours Truly* in 2013, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and established her as a prominent pop and R&B artist. She followed this with a series of successful albums, including *My Everything* (2014), *Dangerous Woman* (2016), *Sweetener* (2018), *Thank U, Next* (2019), *Positions* (2020), and *Eternal Sunshine* (2024). Her music is noted for her impressive vocal range and blending of pop, R&B, and trap influences. Grande has earned multiple Grammy Awards, with *Sweetener* winning her first Grammy and *Thank U, Next* producing Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles like "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings"[1][2]. In addition to music, Grande has acted in films such as the political satire *Don't Look Up* (2021) and starred as Glinda in the 2024 film adaptation of the musical *Wicked*, earning her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for her performance[1][2]. She is one of the best-selling music artists globally, with over 90 million records sold, and has received numerous accolades including multiple American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Guinness World Records[2]. Beyond entertainment, Grande is known for her advocacy on mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and social equality. She launched a successful cosmetics brand, R.E.M. Beauty, in 2021 and has a significant presence on social media, ranking among the most-followed individuals on Instagram[2]. Her personal life has included her marriage to Dalton Gomez from 2021 until their divorce in 2024[3][5].
About the Organizations Mentioned
MTV
MTV, originally launched as Music Television on August 1, 1981, revolutionized the entertainment industry by becoming the first 24-hour cable channel dedicated to music videos, instantly capturing the attention of youth culture worldwide[1]. Headquartered at 1515 Broadway in New York, MTV quickly evolved from a music video platform into a multimedia powerhouse, shaping global pop culture and launching iconic franchises such as *Jersey Shore*, *The Challenge*, *RuPaul’s Drag Race*, and *Cribs*[1]. Its annual MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) became a marquee event, blending music, celebrity, and spectacle into a cultural touchstone[1]. Over the decades, MTV expanded its portfolio beyond music, producing innovative reality shows, documentaries, and live events, while also diversifying into digital content and social causes[1]. The organization played a pioneering role in integrating technology and media, leveraging cutting-edge production techniques and embracing digital platforms to maintain relevance among younger audiences. MTV Entertainment Studios now oversees a suite of youth-focused brands, including Comedy Central, VH1, and Logo, under the Paramount Global umbrella[2]. Key achievements include MTV’s influence in launching global music trends, its role in the rise of reality TV, and its advocacy for social issues—most notably through campaigns like “Rock the Vote” and its partnership in Mental Health Action Day[6]. However, the brand’s shift away from music-centric programming in the 2000s sparked debate, leading to a recent strategic pivot: in 2025, Paramount Global announced the closure of several dedicated music channels, including MTV Music, MTV 80s, and MTV 90s, marking the end of an era for linear music television[3][5]. Simultaneously, MTV signaled a revival of its “music-first” branding in Europe, indicating a nuanced approach to its global strategy[4]. Today, MTV remains a leading multimedia brand for youth, balancing legacy content with digital innovation
CBS
CBS, originally founded in 1927 as the Columbia Broadcasting System, is a major American media company known primarily for its commercial broadcasting, television production, and publishing activities. It began as a radio network established by talent agent Arthur Judson but was soon acquired by William S. Paley, who transformed it into a dominant force in radio by leveraging advertising revenue through large audiences[1][5]. CBS expanded into television early, launching experimental broadcasts in 1931 and pioneering the first color TV broadcast in 1940 from its Chrysler Building transmitter in New York City[1][2]. The network became a leader in television entertainment and news through the mid-20th century, with iconic programs and personalities such as Ed Sullivan, Lucille Ball, and Walter Cronkite contributing to its popularity[3]. CBS also innovated in network news with the Columbia News Service, led by Edward R. Murrow, which established its reputation for serious journalism in the 1930s and 1940s[2]. Throughout its history, CBS diversified into related sectors like recording (Columbia Records) and publishing but eventually refocused on broadcasting and entertainment. It underwent several corporate transformations, including a merger with Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1995, adoption of the CBS Corporation name, and acquisition by Viacom in 2000. After splitting from Viacom in 2005 and operating independently, CBS re-merged with Viacom in 2019 to form ViacomCBS, which was renamed Paramount Global in 2022. In 2025, CBS became the flagship network of the newly formed Paramount Skydance Corporation following an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media[3][4]. Today, CBS remains a key player in American media, known for its broad programming reach, influential news division, and historical significance in radio and television innovation. Its long-standing presence and adaptability in business and technology make it a cornerstone of the broadcasting industry. CBS’s leadership under President and CEO George Che
