With the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards just one week away, Roddy Ricch and J Balvin have both pulled out of performing.
Ricch, 21 (real name Rodrick Wayne Moore, Jr.) and Balvin, 35 (born José Álvaro Osorio Balvín), have both pulled out, according to Variety.
No reason was given for their exit, though Balvin recently revealed he was recovering from COVID-19, and it isn’t immediately clear if the performers will be replaced when the ceremony airs live on MTV on August 30.
Pulling out: With the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards just one week away, Roddy Ricch and J Balvin have both pulled out of performing
Ceremony: No reason was given for their exit, though Balvin recently revealed he was recovering from COVID-19, and it isn’t immediately clear if the performers will be replaced when the ceremony airs live on MTV on August 30
‘Unfortunately, J Balvin and Roddy Ricch are no longer performing,’ a source close to the show told the publication.
‘As with every awards show, there are always last-minute talent changes. That said, this year has more logistical hurdles than most and the health and safety of our employees and partners is of the utmost importance,’ the source concluded.
The performer lineup currently includes Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, BTS, Miley Cyrus, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Maluma, CNCO and a ‘throwback slot’ occupied by the Black Eyed Peas.
Not performing: ‘Unfortunately, J Balvin and Roddy Ricch are no longer performing,’ a source close to the show told the publication
Additional performers were also said to be announced within the coming days ahead of Sunday’s live telecast.
MTV announced in June that the 2020 VMAs will be held at the Barclays Center in New York City.
The network announcement added the ceremony would, ‘pay homage to the strength, spirit and incredible resilience of NYC and its beloved residents.’
Performers: Additional performers were also said to be announced within the coming days ahead of Sunday’s live telecast
There were also set to be planned performances in all five New York City boroughs – Brooklyn, The Bronx, Staten Island, Queens and Manhattan – with, ‘epic performances from various iconic locations.’
The network ultimately decided not to hold the event indoors at the Barclays Center, though the series of outdoor performances will still happen in front of limited or no audience, according to a Deadline report from earlier this month.
‘In close consultation with state and local health officials, it became clear at this time that outdoor performances with limited or no audience would be more feasible and safer than an indoor event,’ a statement from MTV began.
Outdoors: The network ultimately decided not to hold the event indoors at the Barclays Center, though the series of outdoor performances will still happen in front of limited or no audience, according to a Deadline report from earlier this month
‘The VMAs will highlight the boroughs in an exciting show and return to Barclays Center in 2021,’ the network statement added.
‘MTV will continue to work closely with the Department of Health, state and local officials, the medical community, and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of all involved,’ the statement concluded.
Keke Palmer has been set to host the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, though specifics of how she will host with no set venue is unknown.
This year marks the third in a row that the show was held on the East Coast, following the show held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey last year and the show being held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 2018.
Singers Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga are tied for the most VMA nominations with nine each, followed by Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, who each have six nominations.
East Coast: This year marks the third in a row that the show was held on the East Coast, following the show held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey last year and the show being held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 2018
Nominations: Singers Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga are tied for the most VMA nominations with nine each, followed by Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, who each have six nominations