Halle Coleman
Staff Writer/MC 301 Student
Keke Palmer made history on Aug. 30 by becoming the first black woman to host the Video Music Awards in 33 years. The last woman of color to host the show was “Downtown” Julie Brown and her fellow MTV VJs when they emceed the awards in 1986 and 1987. Palmer was also the first-ever to take on solo hosting duties.
Palmer has made a name for herself as a prominent and well-respected entertainer in the industry over time. Her career began as a child and her resume encompasses multiple albums and over 35 acting appearances including “Akeelah and the Bee, “Jump In!”, “Joyful Noise”, and “Scream Queens”. Palmer paid tribute to her Nickelodeon debut “True Jackson VP”, by remixing the well-known theme song to promote the VMA’s.
Deja Johnson, a freshman biology major from New Orleans, La., expressed her anticipation for Palmer’s new gig stating, “I am excited to see KeKe Palmer on such a big stage. Her good energy and personality is exactly what we need right now.”
This year’s award show was slightly different due to the ongoing pandemic the country is still in. However, Palmer herself was still excited for the opportunity stating during the opening of the show, “This is incredible. I can’t believe MTV asked me to host. I don’t know if I was their first choice or the only one brave enough to do it during COVID, either way, I got the job!”
According to Forbes, Palmer had to take multiple COVID-19 tests, constantly testing every two days. Other safety precautions included having rehearsals held over Zoom and her glam team wearing masks and clear face shields.
Palmer pre-taped segments all over New York City, including in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx in preparation. The actual award show was fully outdoors with little to no audience members.
In addition to the virus, there have also been many racial injustices occurring in the world on top of the recent death of Chadwick Boseman. Palmer made sure to reference race, culture, and perseverance throughout the show.
“As rough as it’s been, there have been incredible moments of inspiration that have given my generation hope,” she stated. “We’ve seen heroes going 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. Enough is enough!” she continued. “We can never tolerate police brutality. Or any injustice. We must continue the fight to end systemic racism.”
“Before we get into the music tonight, we need to talk about the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman, an actor whose talent and passion is a true inspiration to all the fans he touched and everyone he encountered,” Palmer said. “We dedicate tonight’s show to a man whose spirit touched so many. He is a true hero. Not just onscreen but in everything he did. His impact lives forever.”
As the night went on, many artists hit the stage virtually and in person.
Palmer’s performance as host was well received by watchers. In addition to her ability to keep the show moving and entertaining, Palmer also gave a high-energy performance of her single “Snack”, which was released in July for her new EP “Virgo Tendencies Part I” on an outdoor stage set up near the waterfront in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood.
Stephen Mackey, a sophomore computer engineering major from Clarksville, Tenn., was impressed at Palmer’s ability to do it all.
“I think Keke Palmer was a good host. I remember her from my childhood in movies and TV shows so I am glad to see she is still working and doing well,” Mackey said.
Hopefully viewers will see Palmer back on the VMA stage next year. As a reference to a running joke within the black community, she is known to keep a job!
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