This year’s VMA’s may have been sans the screaming crowd contingent, but they certainly didn’t lack the glitter and gusto that you’ve come to expect from one of the flashiest awards ceremonies around. From Lady Gaga’s variety of high fashion face masks to Miley Cyrus’ disco wrecking ball ride, there was still plenty of glamor and glitter for the homebound audience.

Keke Palmer gracefully hosted the night, sharing the importance of ending systemic racism and honoring the frontline workers in the COVID fight. There was grace and class as the night saw awards given to BTS, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga who came away with four awards.

The show also paid an honorable tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the highly accomplished and revered actor who famously played Black Panther, and who recently passed away from a 4 year battle with colon cancer.

The music industry may still be in the throes of change from COVID, but night’s like this, serve as a happy little escape and a reminder to everyone of just how much music can connect, heal, and inspire people beyond all boundaries.