MTV VMAs 1990

Among notable events in the year 1990 were the birth of the Parental Advisory tag, the death of Stevie Ray Vaughn and also the inclusion of the “International Viewer's Choice” award (Okay, no biggie since MTV was adding and retiring awards every other year.)The MTV VMAs looked like it hadn’t changed much with Arsenio Hall back at the Universal Amphitheatre hosting the show for the third consecutive year. He threw on his pork pie hat and had a jolly good time and it looked like MTV was all for it. The theme of the night was very much about censorship in music. With music videos and lyrics becoming increasingly provocative and controversial, the entire country was fussing over where to draw the line when it came to curbing the creativity of musicians and their songs. So almost everyone who took to the stage gave their thoughts on what they felt about the whole issue at hand. When it came to giving out the statuettes, Sinéad O'Connor reaped four Moonmen for her Nothing Co

mpares 2 U including the Video of the Year. Madonna’s Vogue won 3 awards (Her video for "Justify My Love" was later banned by MTV the same year). Moving on, Sinéad O'Connor performed Nothing Compares 2 U. Janet Jackson, Phil Collins, MC Hammer, 2 Live Crew were among the other performers for the big night. The show had its fair share of surprises, be it Janet Jackson ripping her top or M.C. Hammer’s performance with his 1578 strong entourage. MTV made sure the night would not be forgotten, at least not so easily.

List of Nominees and Winners at the MTV Video Music Awards 1990

Video of the Year

Best Male Video

Best Female Video

Best Group Video

Best Rap Video

Best Dance Video

Viewer's Choice

Best New Artist

Breakthrough Video

Best Post Modern Video

Best Metal/Hard Rock

Best Video from A Film

Video Vanguard Award

Best Direction

Best Choreography

Best Special Effects

Best Art Direction

Best Editing

Best Cinematography