2020 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS
Various Networks, 8:00 p.m. ET
From its inception back in the 1980s, when MTV actually played music videos, the annual Video Music Awards show has been little more than an excuse to hold a big party, present a (hopefully) memorable live performance or two, and present a bunch of statuettes in a bunch of categories, none of which matters in the least to viewers or the performers. But it persists – and tonight, while dealing with social distancing and music artists who will be phoning it in more literally than usual this year, the 2020 edition is televised live on MTV – and also on sister networks Nickelodeon, BET, Comedy Central, Paramount, and even on one broadcast platform, the CW. Scheduled performers tonight include BTS, Black Eyed Peas, The Weeknd, Miley Cyrus, and two artists who combined for “Rain on Me,” one of the songs and productions up for Video of the Year: Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga (pictured).