As Styles is currently on tour, he was unable to attend the event in person; at the time of the ceremony, the “Watermelon Sugar” singer was performing at New York’s Maddison Square Gardens. In lieu of a physical presence, Styles sent in a pre-recorded video. Within the footage, the singer said, “I’m sorry I can’t be there with you tonight, I hope you’re having a wonderful evening, and thank you so much.“

During the video, Styles revealed the reason for his absence and told of his upcoming performance that night. Whilst accepting the award, the singer can be seen holding his trophy and thanking those involved in the album’s completion. Styles went on to praise producers Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson for their “brilliance” in creating something “worthy of the love fans have shown“. Styles concluded his heartfelt statement with a special thank you to his fans; he said, “I know this is a fan-voted award. I would like to say thank you to all my fans who voted, I wouldn’t be holding this if it wasn’t for you.”

In addition to Album Of The Year, Styles also walked away with two further trophies for his single “As it Was“, the beloved track sired a win for Best Pop and Best Cinematography. Alongside his three wins, Styles’ “As It Was” was also nominated for Video Of The Year, Best Direction and Best Choreography. The 28 year old singer also received a nod for “Late Night Talking”, the track was nominated for the Song Of The Summer. Styles was also included in the list of nominees for the coveted Artist Of The Year.

Styles was not the only British artist to be recognised by the MTV Video Music Awards; many other homegrown acts were included within the list of nominees. Fellow British singer Ed Sheeran was nominated in multiple award categories, including Video of the year for his single “Shivers“. The “Bad Habits” singer was also up against Styles for Artist Of The Year, Best Direction for “Shivers” and a mention in Styles’ winning category Best Pop.

British pop singer Dua Lipa also received multiple nods within the list of nominations, receiving mentions for her work with Sir Elton John and Megan Thee Stallion. Lip’s collaboration with Sir John “Cold Heart (PANU Remix)” received nominations for Song of The Year and Best Collaboration. Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion released their hit “Sweetest Pie” earlier this spring; the track sired a nomination for Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects and gave Lipa her second mention in the category of Best Collaboration.

Styles is currently conducting his residency at Madison Square Garden; after nine remaining dates, the hugely popular concert series will conclude on 21st September 2022. After the final New York date, Styles’ Love On Tour continues in the US and ends with a fifteen-date residency at California’s Kia Forum. The award winning artist is set to return to the UK next year for a string of live performances; the singer’s tour schedule includes two dates at Wembley Stadium, on 13th and 14th June 2023, with support from Wet Leg.

Harry Styles UK tour dates

22/05/2023 – Building Society Arena – Coventry
26/05 – BT Murrayfield Stadium – Edinburgh
10/06 – Slane Castle – Slane
13/06 – Wembley Stadium – London
14/06 – Wembley Stadium – London
20/06 – Principality Stadium – Cardiff

Click here to purchase tickets.

The VMA20 is the first major award show to be held in the United States since the lockdown began and is going to be broadcast live from various outdoor venues across New York. All performances are set to have very limited or no audience, with some awards being presented exclusively online. Expected to perform at the event are Ariana Grande, BTS, Lady Gaga, Miley Cirus, CNCO, Maluma, Doja Cat, J Balvin and The Weeknd. Lewis Capaldi is set to perform at the pre-show later today at 11:30pm BST (6:30 pm ET at the USA).

The #VMAs are TONIGHT at 8p on @MTV

Set a reminder now to tune in to the Pre-Show beginning at 6:30p right here on Twitter https://t.co/UBR0BWiBoU

— Video Music Awards (@vmas) August 30, 2020

The Push Best New Artist award used to called Best New Artist in a Video and given for specific music video, but after several changes and merging with the Push Artists of the Year in 2018 it is now presented for artists’ material during the whole year. The full list for the 2020 award nominees was announced on 23 July when the voting opened for fans across the globe. Current award holder is Billie Eilish who won in 2019 against Ava Max, H.E.R., Lil Nas X, Lizzo and Rosalia.

The last British music act to win the Best New Artist was One Direction back in 2012 for their performance of ‘What Makes You Beautiful‘. This also happens to be only the second occasion in which UK musician was presented with the award after Eurythmics won in 1984 for ‘Sweet Dreams‘ at the inaugural VMA ceremony. Both Lewis Capaldi and Yungblud have very high chances to snap the award this year, with the latter ralying his fans over the last few weeks. 

final day let’s fuckin go! fank u for everythin. always we — YUNGBLUD (@yungblud) August 28, 2020

In other categories Coldplay’s ‘Orphans‘ is going against The Killers, blink-182, Fallout Boy, Green Day and Evanescence for Best Rock Performance, while Ed Sheeran teaming up with Khalid for ‘Bautiful People‘ is nominated for Best Collaboration. The all-American nominees for Artists of the Year include DaBaby, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone and The Weeknd.

Check the video below for exclusive Countdown to the VMAs livestream and additional information on where to follow the ceremony and watch the show live.