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MTV VMAs 2020: The Weeknd kicks off event with a bang from a sky deck and fans can't stop raving about it

He was dressed in a costume similar to the one he donned in the music video as he performed from Edge NYC, an outdoor sky deck

We have numerous reasons to complain about 2020 but the MTV Video Music Awards isn’t one of them. It is happening outdoors; keeping the safety concerns in mind, it was announced that the show will be broadcast from multiple open-air locations. As far as live audiences go, the show had kept its options open to have either “limited” or “no” audience at the sites where performances took place on August 30.

One of the exciting performances of the evening was by The Weeknd who opened the show to a smashing start with his song 'Blinding Lights'. He was dressed in similar costume he donned in the music video -- red suit and bruised nose. He performed from Edge NYC, an outdoor sky deck. The visuals from the skyscraper were amazing, shot with drone cameras and the performance ended with breathtaking fireworks.

As usual, Twitter had a lot to say. One fan expressed, "I don't have words for The Weeknd, no words."

Another said, "@vmas that opening performance from @theweeknd was sick!!!"

Another said, "That outside set up for the @theweeknd opening #VMA performance is pretty sick!"

A fan wished, "That opening! Now all I need is @theweeknd and @theestallion to collab!!"

One fan raved about, "It's the fireworks at the end for me, now that's how you end a performance."

One commented, "The Weeknd’s #VMA performance was outstanding. Two (?) helicopters and fireworks?! Yes!"

Another said, "I don’t even want to know how much the budget was for The Weeknd’s fireworks!"

One excited fan said, "Oh my god @theweeknd is a legend! Starting off the VMA’s with freaking helicopters AND fireworks!"

Another said, "Hold on The Weeknd opening is pretty good, despite having to hear this song everyday. The firework & the visual is great. #vma"

One opined, "That's a pretty cool touch with the fireworks @vmas @theweeknd."

The musician, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is also nominated in seven categories including Artist of the Year, Video of the Year and Best R&B for his song ‘Blinding Lights’. The video is directed by Anton Tammi and features the singer bloodied up and occasionally dancing in the streets while donning a red suit. Talking about the story behind the song, The Weeknd had told Esquire that, "Blinding Lights' (is about) how you want to see someone at night, and you’re intoxicated, and you’re driving to this person and you’re just blinded by streetlights. But nothing could stop you from trying to go see that person, because you’re so lonely. I don’t want to ever promote drunk driving, but that’s what the dark undertone is.”

Earlier, Daily Mail had reported that the musician and his ex, model Bella Hadid had briefly crossed paths backstage at the award rehearsals in New York City. The couple had split in August 2019 citing their busy schedules as the reason, as reported by the website. An insider told Daily Mail that, “'They played it cool and crossed paths with each other, same place, same time,” and added that they still appear to be “on good terms”.