Lady Gaga visits Earth from Chromatica to make an emphatic statement on face masks that’s impossible to argue with
Lady Gaga accepting the Tricon award at the VMAs (Kevin Winter/MTV VMAs 2020/Getty)
Lady Gaga urged fans to “wear a mask”, telling them it’s a “sign of respect” while accepting the inaugural Tricon award at the MTV Video Music Awards.
The “Rain On Me” singer was given the first ever Tricon award for her achievements in music, acting, fashion and philanthropy.
In a powerful acceptance speech, Gaga spoke of how much the award meant to her.
“It means more to me than you probably even realise,” Gaga said.
Lady Gaga told people to reward themselves for their bravery for coping with the pandemic.
“I’ve been making music since I was a little girl and even though I had really, really big dreams, I truly could never have imagined that some day I would be given an award like this that honoured me for so many of my passions.”
She continued: “I want you to know, I failed over and over again as an actress and as a musician when I was young, and though I gave back to the local community through service as a young woman in New York, philanthropy became a much bigger part of my life as a star, and I started the Born This Way Foundation with my mother Cynthia once my record broke.
Stay safe, speak your mind, and I might sound like a broken record, but wear a mask, it’s a sign of respect.
“I want to share this award with everybody at home tonight. Everybody at home that is their own form of a Tricon. I wish for you to think right now of three things that define who you are, and take a moment to reward yourself for your bravery.
“This has not been an easy year for a lot of people, but what I see in the world is a massive triumph of courage. I also hope that people at home that have big dreams, I hope they see me here today accepting this award and know how grateful I am, and I want you to know that you can do this too.”
She said wearing a mask is a ‘sign of respect’.
“Just because we’re separated right now and culture may feel less alive in some ways, I know a renaissance is coming, and the wrath of pop culture will inspire you, and the rage of art will empower you as it responds to hardship with its generosity and love. This is what I believe.”
She added: “I want nothing more than to be your artist in 2020, it’s a total privilege. I love you.
“Stay safe, speak your mind, and I might sound like a broken record, but wear a mask, it’s a sign of respect.”
Gaga also won awards for “Song of the Year” for “Rain on Me”, her duet with Ariana Grande, as well as “Best Collaboration” and “Best Cinematography”.
She also delivered a stunning nine-minute long performance of Chromatica tracks “911”, “Rain On Me” and “Stupid Love”, with Grande taking to the stage and both donning face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
