Not gonna lie, I wasn’t expecting much from the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) this year. Don’t get me wrong: I’m pretty sure the organizers are more than capable of delivering. The only thing I was worried about is that it might not be as interactive as in the past. During the past few years, we’ve seen amazing performances from our faves and other groups’ reactions. It was an experience for both the K-pop industry and their fans.
But the minute MAMA started, all my doubts disappeared. Anyone who watched the award show would agree that the artists definitely outdid themselves. From the legendary collab of Hwasa and Jessi to the surprising new song drop by Twice, the show definitely left stans in tears.
If you haven’t watched MAMA 2020 (or if you’re just out to peek at the performances, since we all know who won), here’s a list of stages you shouldn’t sleep on:
Paradise, Lost – Twice
Dropping a new song at MAMA? Twice did it. The group surely knows how to treat us to a unique experience. Ever since it started venturing into more mature music, Twice keeps exceeding expectations with every comeback. Personally, I think their new song “Cry For Me” was too mature. The lyrics almost make it seem like the members were broken by this really awful relationship and are out to get revenge. It even gave a somewhat vampirical vibe. But you have to admit, Twice captivated us with that performance.
Promised Land – Mamamoo
When I say Mamamoo are queens sent from above, this is what I mean. Ever since they dropped their “Aya” music video, we got to see a more out there set of performances that were almost music award show levels. Naturally, this would lower most anyone’s expectations a bit since people will think they’ve seen it all. Guess what? The group had an even bigger production compared to the usual and even had a grand entrance worthy of queens.
I Am What I Am – Jessi x Hwasa
This stage was phenomenal. As someone who’s stanned Jessi for so long, it’s been an emotional stage for me. She’s been making her way through the K-pop industry for 15 years and she’s finally here. Being celebrated as one of the greatest rappers in K-pop is something she definitely deserves.
Let’s not forget Hwasa’s wet and wild performance of “Maria.” You can definitely see why she won the Best Dance Performance Solo award. Honestly, it kinda reminds me of that scene in “Step Up 3D” where Moose messed up the pipes on stage—but make it extremely sexy and fierce like Hwasa.
I’m literally citing all the performances on this stage, but that’s how good it was. Imagine having two extremely talented ladies collaborating in MAMA—breathtaking. “We’re making hit after hit like a monster” is an understatement. They’re also breaking Korean beauty standards on the daily.
You’re Still My No. 1 – BoA
Y’know what? I don’t care what anyone says. BoA is the no. 1 K-pop star. Her performance alone proves that since even those who aren’t stans were moved and enthralled by the ultimate queen’s performance. And if that doesn’t convince you, Twitter users have been saying how extremely lucky Taemin was to be stepped on by her.
On & On – BTS
We always see BTS going the extra mile in their performances and music, making everyone feel that no one gets left behind. But on their MAMA 2020 stage, their “Life Goes On” performance was extra special since it they included recovering member Suga (through a hologram). In case you didn’t know, Suga underwent surgery recently to address his longtime shoulder problems. I’m sure ARMYs all around the world appreciated this and are a big ball of mush because of how thoughtful the boys are to Suga.
Photo screengrabbed from the Promised Land stage in MAMA 2020
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