2020 MTV Video Music Awards: Best performances from the night ranked

By Wonderwall.com Editors 5:02am PDT, Aug 31, 2020

It's the event we've all been waiting for — the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards! Join Wonderwall.com as we rank all the star-studded (and socially distanced) performances… starting with this Scottish singer-songwriter. Lewis Capaldi, who was nominated for best new artist, put on a poignant performance of his track "Before You Go" off his 2019 album "Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent." Surrounded by red lights, Lewis effortlessly belted out his chart-topping single! Keep reading for more…

No. 11: DaBaby

Artist of the year nominee DaBaby put on a CGI-heavy performance with none other than popular Los Angeles-based dance crew the Jabbawockeez. He took the stage to perform a medley of his tracks "PEEPHOLE," "Blind" and "Rockstar," atop a police car and amidst a virtual burning city.

No. 10: CNCO

Latin boy band CNCO, who earned the MTV VMA for best quarantine performance, put on a dance-worthy world premiere performance of their new single "Beso" at one of the award show's outdoor venues! Members Christopher, Joel, Erick, Richard and Zabdiel showed off their smooth choreography while singing their sultry pop hit. We adored their coordinating ensembles!

No. 9: Machine Gun Kelly

With some help from Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and singer-songwriter Blackbear, Machine Gun Kelly closed out the 2020 MTV VMAs pre-show. Situated on a New York City rooftop, the rapper performed a medley of his tracks "My Ex's Best Friend" and "Bloody Valentine" while Travis accompanied him on the drums. At the 2020 MTV VMAs, MGK — whose forthcoming pop punk album "Tickets to My Downfall" debuts on Sept. 25 — took home the Moon Person for best alternative video for "Bloody Valentine."

No. 8: Maluma

A performance to remember! Colombian sensation Maluma served us some serious vibes during his performance of his latest single, "Hawái." Donning a monochromatic yellow look, the MTV VMA nominee took the glittery, tropical-themed stage (complete with purple neon-lit palm trees) at one of the show's outdoor venues, where he serenaded socially distanced fans drive-in style! Along with singer J Balvin, Maluma took home the Moon Person for best Latin video for "Qué Pena."

No. 7: Black Eyed Peas

And who closed out the 2020 MTV VMAs? The Black Eyed Peas! Members apl.de.ap, will.i.am, Taboo and J. Rey Soul took the stage to put on a finale performance of "Vida Loca," which is off their latest album, "Translation." With glowing crotches, a peculiar alien abduction moment, an appearance from Tyga and a massive projection of singer Nicky Jam, the group pulled out all the stops! And, of course, they couldn't leave the stage without giving viewers exactly what they wanted — an encore performance of their beloved 2009 jam "I Gotta Feeling." We expected nothing less from this iconic group, who was nominated for best collaboration and best Latin video alongside Ozuna & J. Rey Soul!

No. 6: Keke Palmer

Could she be more talented?! In addition to emceeing the event, Keke Palmer took to the MTV VMAs outdoor stage to put on a drive-in performance of her single "Snack" off her 2020 EP "Virgo Tendencies." From her neon yellow getup and coordinating eyeliner to her choreographed moves, Keke put on a memorable performance that solidified her status as a triple threat!

No. 5: Doja Cat

Doja Cat put on an out-of-this-world medley performance of her hit tracks "Say So" and "Like That." Complete with some sultry choreography and throwback visuals, the 24-year-old rapper-singer, who wore a shimmery pink one-piece that (literally) lit up, put on a seriously quirky performance! Another cause for celebration? Doja Cat also took home the Moon Person for best new artist!

No. 4: The Weeknd

That's how you do it! The Weeknd, who earned Moon Person trophies for video of the year and best R&B video, opened the highly anticipated show with an explosive performance of "Blinding Lights," the second single off his fourth studio album, "After Hours," which was released on March 23, 2020. Donning the same red blazer he wore in the track's music video, the Canadian hitmaker kicked off the show on a skyscraper rooftop!

No. 3: Miley Cyrus

"Midnight Sky" is the road we're taking after this stellar performance! Miley Cyrus performed her latest single, "Midnight Sky," for the first time live at the virtual award show! With eye-catching lighting (including a red spotlight), the performance was an absolute standout. Among the most memorable moments, though? When Miley, who earned a nomination for song of the summer, walked up a set of stairs in her sultry black dress and emerged on a disco wrecking ball, which was an iconic nod to her 2013 hit "Wrecking Ball."

No. 2: BTS

Mega-famous K-pop group BTS made their MTV VMAs debut tonight! Members Jungkook, V, Jimmy, Jin, Agust D, RM and J-Hope, who made history as the first Asian act to win best pop artist at the MTV VMAs, took the stage to perform their smash single "Dynamite," which was released on Aug. 21, 2020. As expected, the boys delivered a seriously synchronized (and smooth) performance against a virtual background that took us around New York City — from Dumbo in Brooklyn to Times Square. We couldn't get enough!

No. 1: Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande

At No. 1 is the Mother Monster herself! Artist of the year winner Lady Gaga put on a seriously explosive medley performance of several tracks from her latest album, "Chromatica," including "Enigma," "Chromatica II," "911" and "Stupid Love." Of course, she also took the stage with Ariana Grande to perform their summer hit "Rain On Me," which also marked their first performance of the song. From their coordinated metallic purple ensembles and masks to their synchronized choreography, Ari and Gaga, who took home the Moon Person for song of the year and best collaboration, did not disappoint!