If you recall, last year VMA (Video Music Awards) dropped Michael Jackson name from “Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award” following “Leaving Neverland” and the channel got a lot of back lash from it.
Well, in this year VMA which was clearly pre-recorded and winners were clearly decided before hand (like that they could perform on stage with no crowd) MTV and VMA completely changed the award to MTV Tricon Award which Gaga won last night!
It seems that MTV, who would have been nothing without the breakthrough of Michael Jackson’s videos, has decided to completely detached themselves from Michael Jackson based on false accusations.
With the change of the music industry and the less importance in the music video as a support marketing tool to promote music, is this anyway a sign of the end of MTV and VMA? Is dropping Michael Jackson’s name from the award will mark the end of the channel and its purpose?
In a way, we hope so. MTV is part of a glorious past for the music industry but the relevance of music video is just secondary in a world of streaming and consuming music like no tomorrow. Artists are making music at a rapid pace to stay relevant in a world where young music lovers are easily bored and always in a search for the next best thing.
While Michael Jackson’s short films were made with care and love for the art, they will stand the passing of time and stay in the history books. The future of MTV is less glamorous.
So do we need to be infuriated by MTV’s move to remove Michael Jackson’s name? Maybe not! Michael Jackson made MTV what it was, in its whole glory. MTV is no longer that! MTV tries to stay relevant and try to be as politically correct in a world dominated by a “me too” movement that has been corrupted by many false allegations in a monetary gain. MTV is no longer taking risks or recognizing artists that are taking those risks. MTV is now a follower of trends. MTV is no longer making trends. Like many award shows, the winners are no longer recognized for their talent but more for their popularity or how big the cheque was for their contribution to the award show. So do we really want Michael Jackson’s name to be attached to a fake, decadent and corrupted institution? I leave that to your own judgement but I made mine and the answer is hell to the no.
So thank you MTV for all your good work back in the days but today is the day I am saying goodbye to MTV and the VMAs. The lead of that coffin is closing slowly.
Source: MTV
I highly recommend doing a bit of research before coming to such a bold conclusion. Unless you know what’s going on, don’t say anything about anything.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson_Video_Vanguard_Award
“In 2020, the award was not presented for the first time in eight years, with MTV instead honoring Lady Gaga with the inaugural “Tricon Award” representing achievement in three (or more) fields of entertainment. MTV has not yet clarified whether this would replace the Video Vanguard Award entirely.”
Thank you Christopher! We actually did and a source close to MTV board of directors told that the new Award was a way to phase out the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award without any backlash. Please also note that anyone can edit Wikipedia and this is not a 100% source to go to. 😉
https://www.stereogum.com/2096588/lady-gaga-tricon-award-vmas/news/
https://people.com/music/mtv-vmas-2020-lady-gaga-wins-tricon-award/
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a33848493/vmas-tricon-award/
“The Tricon Award is different from the VMAs’ signature Video Vanguard Award, which highlights iconic artists for their impact on music video culture.”
“MTV is thrilled to give Lady Gaga the first-ever Tricon Award at this year’s VMAs, which recognizes a highly accomplished artist across three disciplines,” the network tells BAZAAR.com in a statement. “This inaugural award is in recognition of her talents as a global music superstar, award-winning actor and undisputed fashion icon. MTV looks forward to continuing the legacy of recognizing great performers.”
“The Tricon Award is different from the VMAs’ traditional Video Vanguard Award, which “is officially given in recognition of an [artist’s] overall achievements in music and film, but is sometimes handed out as a lifetime achievement award,” according to MTV. There was no Vanguard Award honoree this year, but past recipients include Missy Elliott, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles.”
Like I said, I recommend researching.
I think instead of complaining that Michael Jackson’s name may be “phased out” of the MTV VMA Awards without any substantial evidence, why not be proud that Lady Gaga was honored with such a distinctive award. If Michael was alive, I’m more than positive that he’d be proud of Gaga. Plus, as Bob Dylan once said, “The times they are a-changin”.
We have nothing against other artists who deserved to be recognized for their talents. The issue is not that at all. The issue, as you pointed out, is that MTV is not clear on why they are “phasing out” the MJVVA and we all know why. There is no argument here to have about that. I can also give you a dozen links to other music websites telling that they spoke to “insiders” and tell that the MJVVA was replaced but as you seems to be well researched, I am sure you saw those but selected only the ones supporting your “phase out” argument. No matter what, MTV should have the balls to tell the way it is towards Michael Jackson and as this is a MJ website so of course we will see this in a MJ point of view. We have nothing against new awards or other artists. We have an issue with how MTV is dealing with this issue. That’s all.
There is no issue.
I didn’t select the articles that supports the phasing out argument. I find it funny that I’m the one who has been providing sources, links and articles with complete quotes. You’re just taking something without citing the source or evidence and running with it. This is exactly what MJ was against. “Maybe I like to live that way, I like to dress that way. I don’t mind paparazzi really, but if they come, be kind. Write the right kind thing to write.”
Paparazzi could be referred to crappy journalism.
We are just a fan club. We are not journalists or paparazzi. You always complain about something here. Maybe you should find another website to do so!
I only recall two instances where I’ve “complained”. But maybe you have a point. I appreciate what you do, don’t get me wrong… I don’t appreciate throwing anyone under the bus without having a good reason to do so… Making an assumption that they’re (MTV) phasing him out, especially when it’s been more than a year since the film (Leaving Neverland) premiered, is like turning a mountain into a molehill.
“Like many award shows, the winners are no longer recognized for their talent but more for their popularity or how big the cheque was for their contribution to the award show. So do we really want Michael Jackson’s name to be attached to a fake, decadent and corrupted institution? I leave that to your own judgement but I made mine and the answer is hell to the no.”
It’s your opinion, I understand that, but it’s ridiculous that you make baseless claims like they’re a corrupt and fake institution… The size of the artists’ check is irrelevant. Just another jab at the music industry as a whole, I think.
Agreed. To each their opinions. But to make it clear, MTV is a corrupt company like most of the music/ entertaining industries. You can buy your award if the cheque is big enough.