The Weeknd Opens the 2020 MTV VMAs

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The Weeknd kicked off the 2020 MTV VMAs on a high note.

Nominated for six awards, the XO singer opened Sunday’s virtual show with an electrifying performance of his chart-topping hit “Blinding Lights.” Dressed in his signature red blazer with bloodied nose, Abel performed 1,000 feet above downtown NYC at Edge at Hudson Yards. As lights shot up into the night sky, he brought the After Hours song to life, capping it all off with a dazzling fireworks spectacular.

The Canadian crooner was nominated for six Moon People including Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for “Blinding Lights,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. It is currently No. 4 on the chart.

On Friday, he dropped “Over Now,” his collaboration with Calvin Harris. Next summer, Abel will return to the road on his “After Hours Tour,” which was delayed due to the pandemic.