MTV EMAs Cancels 2023 Show Due to Israel-Hamas Crisis: 'This Does Not Feel Like a Moment for Global Celebration'

The upcoming MTV Europe Music Awards have been canceled amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.

The show, which celebrates the best in global music, was set to take place on Nov. 5 in Paris, with Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica among the nominees.

However, on Thursday, MTV announced in a statement on X that the event would not go ahead due to “the volatility of world events” and “out of an abundance of caution” for the staff, crew, artists, fans and partners “who travel from all corners of the world to bring the show to life.”

“The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music,” the network continued. “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 cable channel concluded, MTV wrote: “Voting is continuing and the winning artists will receive their MTV EMA Awards. We look forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November of 2024.”

MTV announced the full list of nominees for the annual European awards show earlier this month. The show was planned to be broadcasted live on MTV and Pluto TV as well on-demand via Paramount+.

After sweeping the awards last year, Swift remains the top contender with seven nominations, followed by Olivia Rodrigo and SZA who share the second spot with six each.

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The awards show introduces a new best Afrobeats category, where Asake, Aya Nakamura, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido and Rema are competing for the prize. Also, 26 artists received their first-ever nominations, including BTS' Jung Kook who received three solo nods.

Despite the cancellation in Paris, fans can still cast their votes at the MTV EMA website until Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. CET.

The awards show’s account will host social media votes for the biggest fans and best group categories closer to the show, and MTV will choose the best video winner.

The show also showcases 24 best local act categories, featuring artists from different parts of the world, and fans can choose the winners by voting on the MTV EMA website.

Other nominees include Cardi B, Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, the Foo Fighters, Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott.