The highly anticipated MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) for 2023 have been called off, sending shockwaves through the global music industry. The decision to cancel the event came in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions of people.
Originally scheduled to take place on November 5 in Paris, the MTV EMAs were set to honor and celebrate the best in global music. The event had a star-studded nominee list that included renowned artists like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Metallica.
However, on a fateful Thursday, MTV released an official statement announcing the cancellation of the event. The decision was attributed to the “volatility of world events” and was made “out of an abundance of caution” for the well-being of the event’s staff, crew, artists, fans, and partners who converge from all corners of the world to make the show a reality.
MTV expressed that the MTV EMAs are traditionally an annual celebration of global music, a unifying event that brings together musical talents from around the world. However, given the tragic events unfolding in Israel and Gaza, the network felt that this was not the appropriate time for a global celebration. With a heavy heart, MTV recognized the immense loss of lives and deemed this a moment of mourning.
Despite the cancellation of the live event in Paris, the voting process for the awards continues. Winning artists will still be recognized and receive their coveted MTV EMA Awards. The network extended its optimism and announced its intent to host the MTV EMAs once again, this time in November 2024.
Before the cancellation, MTV had unveiled the full list of nominees for the European awards show. The event was set to be broadcast live on MTV and Pluto TV, with on-demand access available via Paramount+. Leading the nominations was Taylor Swift, securing seven nominations, closely followed by Olivia Rodrigo and SZA, each with six nominations.
In a notable move, the 2023 MTV EMAs introduced a new category for the best Afrobeats. The category saw artists like Asake, Aya Nakamura, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema vying for the top honor. Additionally, 26 artists received their first-ever EMA nominations, including BTS’ Jung Kook, who received three solo nods.
Even though the awards show won’t be taking place in Paris this year, fans can continue to cast their votes on the MTV EMA website until October 31 at 11:59 p.m. CET. The awards show’s social media accounts will also host votes for the biggest fans and best group categories in the lead-up to the show. MTV will decide the winner of the best video category.
The MTV EMAs always put a spotlight on local acts from various parts of the world, with fans given the opportunity to choose the winners in 24 best local act categories through online voting.
Among the impressive array of nominees for this year’s MTV EMAs were Cardi B, Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, the Foo Fighters, Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott.
While fans and artists are undoubtedly disappointed by the cancellation of the event, the decision to prioritize safety and respect for the gravity of world events underscores the responsible and compassionate approach taken by MTV. The music world will eagerly await the return of the MTV EMAs in 2024, hopeful for a time when music can once again be celebrated on a global stage.
