Actor Sofia Carson used her platform to voice a political statement at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards on Saturday, which took place in a socially distanced style due to guidelines imposed by health officials monitoring the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Carson, who started out her career in the Disney channel series Austin & Ally and has numerous TV credits, encouraged viewers to vote in the upcoming presidential election. “Unmute your voice, speak up for what you believe in,” she said as she presented an award. “Register to vote, because your vote was your voice.”
Despite there being no red carpet or main venue, In the Heights and Hamilton actor Anthony Ramos also made a simple statement by wearing a black mask that said “Vote” in bold white lettering.
Among the big wins of the evening, video of the year went to The Weeknd for “Blinding Lights,” while Lady Gaga won artist of the year.
This year’s event featured outdoor performances from artists including Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd and BTS, all of which occurred in different locations around New York to pay tribute to the city that was hit severely in the early months of the viral outbreak.
Hosted by Hustlers actress Keke Palmer, the VMAs were simulcast across multiple ViacomCBS brands including VH1 and Comedy Central.
