1986 MTV Video Music Awards vs. 1987 MTV Video Music Awards

Attribute	1986 MTV Video Music Awards	1987 MTV Video Music Awards
Host	Downtown Julie Brown	Downtown Julie Brown
Location	Palladium, New York City	Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles
Best Video of the Year	"Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits	"Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel
Most nominations	Peter Gabriel (11)	Paul Simon (9)
Performers	Madonna, David Bowie, Run-D.M.C.	Whitney Houston, U2, Prince

Introduction

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have been a staple in the music industry since its inception in 1984. The awards show has always been known for its groundbreaking performances, memorable moments, and of course, the iconic Moonman trophy. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards to the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two shows.

Hosts

The 1986 MTV Video Music Awards were hosted by comedian Eddie Murphy, who brought his signature humor and charisma to the stage. Murphy's hosting style was a hit with audiences, and he kept the show entertaining and engaging throughout the night. In contrast, the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards were hosted by actor Dan Aykroyd and actress Bette Midler. While Aykroyd and Midler brought their own unique charm to the show, some critics felt that they lacked the same level of energy and excitement that Murphy had brought to the previous year's show.

Performances

The 1986 MTV Video Music Awards featured memorable performances from artists such as Madonna, Prince, and Run-D.M.C. Madonna's performance of "Papa Don't Preach" was particularly noteworthy, as it showcased her vocal abilities and stage presence. In comparison, the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards had performances from artists like U2, Whitney Houston, and Bon Jovi. U2's performance of "Where the Streets Have No Name" was a standout moment of the night, with the band delivering a powerful and emotional performance that resonated with audiences.

Winners

In terms of winners, the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards saw Madonna taking home multiple awards, including Video of the Year for "Borderline." Other winners included a-ha for Best New Artist and Dire Straits for Best Group Video. The 1987 MTV Video Music Awards had winners such as Peter Gabriel, who won Video of the Year for "Sledgehammer," and Bon Jovi, who took home the award for Best Stage Performance. Both award shows recognized a diverse range of artists and genres, showcasing the variety and talent within the music industry at the time.

Set Design

The set design for the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards was colorful and vibrant, with neon lights and bold graphics creating a visually striking backdrop for the performances and presentations. The stage was dynamic and interactive, adding to the overall excitement of the show. In contrast, the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards had a more minimalist set design, with a focus on sleek lines and modern aesthetics. The stage was simple yet elegant, allowing the performances and winners to take center stage without distraction.

Audience Reaction

The audience reaction to the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards was overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers praising the show for its energy, creativity, and star-studded lineup. The performances and acceptance speeches were well-received, and the show generated buzz and excitement within the music industry. Similarly, the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards received positive feedback from audiences, who appreciated the diverse range of performances and the overall production value of the show. Both award shows were seen as successful and entertaining events that celebrated the best in music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 1986 and 1987 MTV Video Music Awards each had their own unique attributes that set them apart from one another. From the hosts and performances to the winners and set design, each show had its own distinct style and energy. While the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards may have had a more comedic host in Eddie Murphy and a colorful set design, the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards featured powerful performances and a more minimalist stage. Both shows were successful in their own right, showcasing the talent and creativity of the music industry during that time period.