Singer Miley Cyrus took the stage as the MC of last year’s award show in Los Angeles. PHOTO: FILE
Stepping back from award ceremonies’ traditional penchant for down-to-the-second scripts, MTV producers said they simply selected the artists for the extravaganza and will leave it to them to decide what to do. The show, to be broadcast to more than 120 countries, will provide an open platform for outspoken stars including rapper Kanye West, who used last year’s show to announce, however improbably, that he will run for president in 2020.
The setup could encourage the outlandish - or allow for more serious gestures in a year marked by global conflict, souring race relations in the West, and one of the most foul-toned US presidential elections ever. “Last year we took a bit more of a playful approach. This year it’s like this is a canvas for artists - not just for their art but for their statements, what they believe is going on in the world,” said Erik Flannigan, an executive producer of the show.
“You’ve got to strike a balance between topicality and being heavy - and this is also a gigantic party. We kind of want to do both,” he continued.
Wrecking Ball diva Miley Cyrus took much of the limelight as last year’s MC in Los Angeles, the awards do not plan a single host, spreading the duties to a wide cast.
The show, which kicks off at 9 pm (0100 GMT Monday), will for the first time take place in New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden.
Scheduled performers include R&B chart-topper Rihanna, who will receive the Video Vanguard Award for lifetime achievement, as well as pop idols Ariana Grande and Britney Spears and rappers Nicki Minaj, Common and Future.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 29th, 2016.
Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ