The Best Performances From the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards
The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards aired on Dec. 6, and K-pop fans around the world tuned in. The annual awards show celebrates the accomplishments of Asian artists. Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, artists pre-recorded their performances and there was not an in-person audience present for the live awards ceremony.
Due to the number of awards and performers, 2020 MAMA lasted a total of six hours. While this may seem long, the performances were truly unforgettable and made the lengthy awards show worth it.
Taemin opened the awards show
Right out of the gate, 2020 MAMA proved fans would want to tune in to every minute. The awards show opened with Taemin, a member of the K-pop groups SHINee and SuperM.
Taemin first debuted with SHINee in 2008 when he was only 14 years old. He has grown into a superstar and developed a successful solo career outside of his promotions with the two K-pop groups.
For 2020 MAMA, Taemin performed “Criminal,” “Heaven,” and “IDEA” from his 2020 album Never Gonna Dance Again. The album was released in two parts, with “Criminal” acting as the lead single for Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1 and “IDEA” serving as the lead single for Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 2.
Taemin’s performance boasted impressive vocals and choreography that would be intimidating for the best dancers to try and cover. At the end of the performance, Taemin floated into the air with a giant tapestry cape behind him.
TWICE’s performance at 2020 MAMA was a standout
Toward the end of the show, TWICE, one of the most popular K-pop groups in existence, performed. The group released their newest album Eyes Wide Open on Oct. 26. Before this, they released an EP titled More & More on June 1.
At the awards show, TWICE performed the lead singles from their recent albums, “More & More” and “I Can’t Stop Me.” Shocking fans, the group then debuted a new song called “Cry For Me.”
Suga made an appearance for BTS’ 2020 MAMA performance
As always, BTS went above and beyond for their 2020 MAMA performance. The Korean septet performed “ON” at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium, and the set featured an entire marching band, dancers, and fireworks.
After their performance of “Dynamite,” BTS performed the lead single from their new album BE, “Life Goes On.” For the past few weeks, BTS have been promoting without Suga as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
During the “Life Goes On” performance, a portal opened, and a hologram of Suga appeared to rap his verse. For the remainder of the “Life Goes On” stage, the hologram Suga stayed onstage with the BTS members, further emphasizing the group’s dedication to being a septet.
BoA was honored at the awards show
BoA is perhaps one of the most popular and successful Korean singers of all time, and she is often regarded as the “Queen of K-pop.” She first debuted in 2000, and has released dozens of albums over the years.
At 2020 MAMA, a montage of BoA’s career was shown, paying homage to her impact. Aespa, (G)-IDLE, IZ*ONE, and Oh My Girl covered songs of BoA’s as another way to commend her.
Following the tribute, BoA performed “Number 1,” “Only One,” and “Better.” Taemin joined BoA onstage for the performance of “Only One.” BoA released the song in 2012, and Taemin has appeared as her dance partner onstage for the song on multiple occasions.
NCT performed ‘Resonance’ together
With multiple albums, 2020 was a big year for SM Entertainment’s NCT. Different sub-units released albums throughout the year, and most recently all of the members worked together to release NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 1 and NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 2.
At 2020 MAMA, WayV performed “Turn Back Time,” NCT Dream performed “Ridin,'” and NCT 127 performed “Kick It.” At the end of the stage, all 23 members came together to perform their mash-up hit “Resonance.”
