The MTV European Music Awards 2023 has officially been cancelled. The upcoming awards event will not push through this November due to the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict. It was previously confirmed that BTS member Jungkook would be headlining the highly anticipated event.
MTV EMAs 2023 Cancelled Due to Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict
On October 19, the official X account for the MTV Europe Music Awards 2023 confirmed the news.
“Given the volatility of world events, 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,” the tweet read.
“The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music,” it continues. “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.”
The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music. 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.
— MTV EMA (@mtvema) October 19, 2023
The thread concludes by confirming that voting is still ongoing and the winners will still receive their awards.
This is truly devastating news considering that the MTV Europe Music Awards 2023 has just confirmed Jungkook’s attendance. The event had unveiled its initial lineup of performers for this year’s event, which would have marked the BTS member’s first appearance at an award ceremony as a solo artist.
Joining Jungkook in the first group of featured performers are The Kid LAROI, who is currently preparing to release a collaborative single with Jungkook and Central CEE. The lineup also includes talented artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Coi Leray, Rema, Anne-Marie, David Guetta, Manuel Turizo, Ozuna, Renée Rapp, and Thirty Seconds to Mars.
Jungkook was not only scheduled to perform but also up for three awards at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2023: Best Song, where he is nominated for his chart-topping single “Seven” featuring Latto, as well as the titles of Biggest Fans and Best K-Pop.
The 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards was previously scheduled to take place in Paris on November 5, 2023.