MTV VMAs 2020: Host Keke Palmer’s Best Moments

Who hosted the VMAs this year, you ask? Well, none other than queen Keke Palmer. Yes, the Hustlers actor graced the MTV VMAs 2020 with her stunning, hilarious presence, and the ceremony was the better for it. She alternated between jokes, reverence, and keeping the actual awards moving with the skill of a seasoned pro. It’s wild to think she’s only 27!

It’s obvious why she was a perfect VMAs 2020 host. Palmer, who is the first Black woman to host in the show’s 33-year history, is the definition of a triple threat: singer (have you listened to “Thick”?!), dancer, and actor. (I know I mentioned Hustlers once already, but here’s another reminder to watch it again. Palmer is a standout in the film.) She’s also been a longtime, outspoken advocate for racial equality. Just this summer she went viral for asking National Guardsmen to march with her and others at a Black Lives Matter protest in Los Angeles. 

“You have to pay attention to what’s going on or else we have a president that’s trying to incite a race war,” she said in that appeal. “The borders are closed. We can’t leave. We have people here that need your help. This is when y’all stand together with the community, with society, to stop the governmental oppression. Period. We need you, so march with us.”

All of this is to say if there’s anyone who could’ve properly addressed all the nuances of this year at the MTV VMAs 2020, it was Keke Palmer. In fact, I’m petitioning for her to be our forever VMAs host, 2020 and beyond. 

Below, check out her best moments as the VMAs 2020 host: 

When she showed up in THIS look.

When she dedicated the entire VMAs to Chadwick Boseman. “Before we get into the music tonight, we need to take the time to get into the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman,” Palmer said in a pre-recorded video right at the top of the awards show. “An actor whose talent and passion is a true inspiration to all the fans he touched and everyone he encountered. We dedicate tonight’s show to a man whose spirit touched so many. He’s a true hero, not just onscreen but in everything he did. His impact lives forever.”

When she addressed the Black Lives Matter movement and unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in her opening monologue. “I gotta say 2020 has undoubtedly been a rough year for everyone. And I’m not just talking about my edges. In fact, when something goes wrong, I just say, ‘2020,’” Palmer said. “But as rough as it’s been, there have been incredible moments of inspiration that have given my generation hope, when we’ve seen heroes go above and beyond, whether they drive a delivery truck, work at a grocery store, or serve on the front lines in a hospital, and with the Black Lives Matter movement.

“We’ve seen our generation step up, take to the streets and make sure our voices will be heard,” Palmer continued. “Enough is enough. What we just witnessed in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is yet another devastating reminder that we can’t stop that we can never tolerate police brutality or any injustice, we must continue the fight to end systemic racism. The leaders of that movement are you, us, the people watching tonight. It’s our time to be the change we want to see. We need to come together and music.”

When she proved she was a part of the BTS ARMY.

When she reminded everyone to vote! “Get out and vote people; we need you,” she said towards the middle of the show. Don’t let her down. 

When she killed her own mini-performance of “Snack.” Seriously, why don’t all awards show hosts have to show out like this?!

Fans pretty much agreed that Palmer DID THAT. “They really need to bring Keke Palmer back to do this live-live forreal next year,” @MrErnestOwens tweeted. Couldn’t agree more.

In Keke Palmer we stan. 

Originally Appeared on Glamour