Why Was The MTV EMAs 2023 Canceled?

Taika Watiti and Rita Ora on 2022 MTV EMAs
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for MTV

The 2023 MTV European Music Awards has been canceled by MTV, just two weeks before it is expected to take place in Paris.

Paramount announced the said cancelation, which is unprecedented, due to the fact that this marks the first time that the show has been canceled since it was launched in 1994.

Why Was The 2023 MTV EMAs Canceled?

According to Billboard, the 2023 MTV EMAs were canceled "given the volatility of world events."

In a statement, Paramount and MTV had this to say: "..We have decided not to move forward with the 2023 MTV EMAs out of an abundance of caution for the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and partners who travel from all corners of the world to bring the show to life."

Dubbed as an "annual celebration of global music," the MTV European Music Awards has been recognizing exemplary musicians and global artists and their impacts in the music industry, among many others.

"As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration. With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning," they said in the statement.

Because of this, the 2023 MTV EMAs will be held in November 2024. It is not known yet whether it would still honor those who were nominated this year or not.

This marks the first time that the MTV EMAs were canceled. Even during the pandemic, the show has adapted and pushed through despite the restrictions.

On the 2020 MTV EMAs, the event was conducted virtually, while on the 2021 MTV EMAs, it was held in Budapest, Hungary, and on Dusseldorf, Germany, in 2022.

The 2023 MTV EMAs

Taylor Swift is the most nominated artist this year with seven nominations, followed by SZA and Olivia Rodrigo with six. Miley Cyrus, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj and Maneskin all followed with 4 nominations each.

The Kid LAROI, Coi Leray, Rema, Sabrina Carpenter, and Jung Kook will be performing along with Anne-Marie, Manuel Turizo, Ozuna, Thirty Seconds to Mars, David Guetta, and Reneé Rapp.

Meanwhile, it was announced earlier this week that former Little Mix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock will be presenting, along with Ashley Park, Collins, Fav Morvan, Kallii, Loreen, and PinkPantheress.

Tags
MTV, MTV European Music Awards
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