Performers at this year’s MTV VMAs have been granted a quarantine exemption by New York’s Department of Health, allowing them to bypass the state’s normal COVID-19 protocol of staying inside for two weeks upon arrival.
Under the normal rule, performers from travel advisory states like California would have had to arrive in New York by at least Aug. 16 in order to quarantine for two weeks and make the Aug. 30 show. Now, performers for Sunday’s show are allowed to travel to New York and not quarantine, but they are still being asked to stay inside when not working.
The NY DOH did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment, but the department said in a statement to Vulture:
“The VMAs applied through DOH to allow individuals coming from travel advisory states to participate in the production of the show, in line with the methodology granted for professional sports,” a rep for the DOH said. “Similar to professional athletes, the VMA cast and crew are required to adhere to strict procedures which include quarantining when not working, wearing masks and appropriate social distancing, and rigorous testing during their stay. Exemptions to the travel advisory, which The Department has granted on a case by case basis, include individuals who have traveled to New York for medical procedures or funerals, as examples.”
In a statement to TheWrap, an MTV spokesperson added that safety is still the first priority.
“The health and safety of everyone involved is of the utmost importance. We’ve put rigorous protocols in place including testing and screening, and we’re working in close coordination with state and local officials to ensure all guidelines are being followed,” the spokesperson said. “All performers and crew are subject to quarantine and testing protocols and remain quarantined when not rehearsing/performing/working.”
The list of VMA performers currently includes Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, the Black Eyed Peas, BTS, Chloe X Halle, CNCO, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Maluma, Miley Cyrus, and The Weeknd, with pre-show performers including Lewis Capaldi, Tate McRae, Machine Gun Kelly, and Jack Harlow.
J Balvin and Roddy Ricch were originally set to perform but are no longer listed on the MTV VMAs website.
Earlier this month, the VMAs walked back on their original plan to hold the ceremony live and in-person with a limited audience at New York’s Barclay’s Center. Though they initially had Governor Cuomo’s blessing, they later decided that outdoor performances and a virtual audience would be the safer option.
“The VMAs will highlight the boroughs in an exciting show and return to Barclays Center in 2021,” reps for MTV told TheWrap. “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.”
10 Stars Who Just Need an Emmy to EGOT, From Elton John to Stephen Sondheim (Photos)
The EGOT -- an acronym for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony -- is among the greatest and most elusive honors in entertainment. These stars are (or were) close to achieving it based on competitive awards.
Elton John, composer and musician (1947-)
Grammy: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, "That's What Friends Are For" (1986); Best Instrumental Composition, "Basque" (1991); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (1994); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, "Candle in the Wind" (1997); Best Show Album, "Aida" (2000)
Oscar: Best Original Son, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from "The Lion King" (1994)
Tony: Best Score, "Aida" (2000)
Joel Grey, actor (1932 - ) Grammy (2): Best Musical Theater Album, "Cabaret" (1968) and "Chicago" (1998) Oscar: Supporting Actor, "Cabaret" (1972) Tony: Featured Actor in a Musical, "Cabaret" (1967)
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Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, composers (both 1985 - )
Grammy: Best Musical Theater Album, "Dear Evan Hansen" (2018)
Oscar: Best Original Song, "La La Land" (2017)
Tony: Best Original Score, "Dear Evan Hansen" (2017)
Stephen Sondheim, composer and lyricist (1930-2021) Grammy: Best Show Album, "Company" (1970); Best Show Album, "A Little Night Music" (1973); Song of the Year, "Send in the Clowns" (1975); Best Show Album, "Sweeney Todd" (1979); Best Show Album, "Sunday in the Park With George" (1984); Best Cast Show Album, "Into the Woods" (1988); Best Show Album, "Passion" (1994); Oscar: Best Original Song, "Sooner Or Later (I Always Get My Man)" from "Dick Tracy" (1990) Tony: Best Musical, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," (1963); Best Score and Best Lyrics, "Company" (1971); Best Score, "Follies" (1972); Best Score, "A Little Night Music" (1973); Best Score, "Sweeney Todd" (1979); Best Score, "Into the Woods" (1988); Best Score, "Passion" (1994)
Henry Fonda, actor (1905-82)
Grammy: Best Spoken Word Album, "Great Documents" (1977)
Oscar: Best Actor, "On Golden Pond" (1981)
Tony: Best Actor, "Mister Roberts" (1948); Best Actor, "Clarence Darrow" (1975)
Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist and producer (1895-1960)
Grammy: Best Original Cast Album, "The Sound of Music" (1960)
Oscar: Best Original Song, "The Last Time I Saw Paris" from "Lady Be Good" (1941); "It Might As Well Be Spring" from "State Fair" (1945)
Tony: Three awards for "South Pacific" (1950); Best Musical, "The King and I" (1952); Best Musical, "The Sound of Music" (1960)
Alan Jay Lerner, lyricist and writer (1918-86)
Grammy: Best Original Cast Album, "On a Clear Day" (1965)
Oscar: Best Original Screenplay, "An American in Paris" (1951); Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Song, "Gigi" (1958)
Tony: Best Musical, "My Fair Lady" (1957); Best Original Score, "Gigi" (1974)
Frank Loesser, composer (1910-69)
Grammy: Best Cast Album, "How to Succeed..." (1961)
Oscar: Best Song, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" from "Neptune's Daughter" (1949)
Tony: Best Musical, "Guys and Dolls" (1951); Best Musical, "How to Succeed..." (1962)
Jule Styne, composer and songwriter (1905-94)
Grammy: Best Cast Album, "Funny Girl" (1964)
Oscar: Best Song, "Three Coins in the Fountain" (1954)
Tony: Best Musical and Best Score, "Hallelujah Baby" (1968)
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A select group of entertainers can round out their trophy cases with a competitive win from the Television Academy
The EGOT -- an acronym for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony -- is among the greatest and most elusive honors in entertainment. These stars are (or were) close to achieving it based on competitive awards.
