MTV VMAs 2020: Black Eyed Peas' show in lit-up pants have irked fans saying band 'ain't same since Fergie left'
The MTV Video Music Awards 2020 has ended in the most jaw-dropping manner on Sunday, August 30. During the closing act of the show, Black Eyed Peas took to the stage to perform 'Vida Loca' off of their latest album, ‘Translation’, with some help from Tyga and a sky-sized projection of Nicky Jam. But it was not anything usual. As soon as they performed, fans could not take their eyes off willIam, Taboo and apldeap's pants that appeared to have light-up zippers as they did the act onstage. MTV tweeted about their performance saying they "killed it".
What a great way to close out tonight's #VMAs! #BlackEyedPeas (@bep's) killed it!🔥 pic.twitter.com/334FkwOpgL
— MTV (@MTV) August 31, 2020
Once done with the song, the group decided to give the audience one final thrill with the performance of their 2009 hit ‘I Gotta Feeling’. This was executed with an image of an alien spaceship projected over them further fascinating the fans. At this point, band member william took the chance to shout out a few crucial causes before closing out the show. "Wanna send love to the first responders and the freedom fighters. Wakanda forever. Black Lives Matter," he said as quoted by the Billboard.
For the band comprising william, apldeap, Taboo and J Rey Soul, this has been a splendid and memorable experience given that they performed 'Where Is the Love?' on the VMAs pre-show at Radio City Music Hall, but never at the main event. And when they did, it was just astounding and fascinating! Expressing their elation on performing, william said as quoted by the Billboard, “Looking back, I can’t believe Black Eyed Peas have never played the MTV Video Music Awards.” He added, “To be on the top of the charts and on the MTV VMA big stage is a blessing. Thanks to our fans who made this all possible, and we’re going to give them something very special with our first-ever performance of ‘Vida Loca'.” The band has bagged two nominations this year in categories Best Latin and Best Collaboration. Previously, they proved their mettle by winning two VMAs — best choreography in a video for ‘Hey Mama’ (2004) and best hip-hop video for ‘My Humps’ (2006).
As soon as the band performed to everyone’s amusement, baffled fans broke the Internet with comments for their light in pants act with some even trashing it. A bewildered fan wrote, “But who gave the ‘ok’ for the lights in the grown men pants? What are we ‘illuminating’?”
But who gave the ‘ok’ for the lights in the grown men pants? What are we ‘illuminating’? #VMAs #BlackEyedPeas pic.twitter.com/MrMRoKc8db
— emily.g.c. (@emilygc) August 31, 2020
A fan wrote in praise for their LED lights act, “I’m loving the #BlackEyedPeas LED thongs under their whites. VMAs2020”
I’m loving the #BlackEyedPeas LED thongs under their whites#VMAs2020 pic.twitter.com/mRxbQpGWOK
— JureaMarr (@MarrJurea) August 31, 2020
Some asked jokingly, “What’s with the light in the cro**h? #VMAs”
What’s with the light in the crotch? #VMAs #BlackEyedPeas pic.twitter.com/91shHsaV6a
— Alex M (@axlm110787) August 31, 2020
A fan wrote about his feeling after the performance: "The Black Eyed Peas really closed out the 2020 #VMA with I Got A Feeling......"
The Black Eyed Peas really closed out the 2020 #VMAs with I Got A Feeling ....... pic.twitter.com/qsmLU9nJHy
— 𝖉𝖎𝖔𝖓 (@NEONdionxo) August 31, 2020
Some trashed their performance. “Just like that the vmas are trash once again, who decided to let the black eyed peas close...”
just like that the vmas are trash once again, who decided to let the black eyed peas close... pic.twitter.com/fFvlnXrqaf
— 𝕸𝖆𝖙𝖙㋡ (@fadsplasticdoll) August 31, 2020
Some felt that the band is not the same since the time Fergie left, “Black eyed peas ain’t been the same since fergie left.” "The performance we really wanted for the #VMAs We miss you @Fergie," wrote another fan.
black eyed peas ain’t been the same since fergie left pic.twitter.com/6e3JGU9SVD
— ُlucky (@ARIANAPRlNT) August 31, 2020
The performance we really wanted for the #VMAs
— TotallyFergie (@totallyfergie) August 31, 2020
We miss you @Fergie :green_heart: #Fergie pic.twitter.com/odXO78yy68
Besides the band, the awards had a starry lineup of performances from artistes like Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, BTS and Doja Cat to name some. Since the event is taking place amid the pandemic, adequate social distancing measures were in place with “limited" to "no audience”.