MMA 2018

My 1st Live Awards

by

Michayla

I didn’t know what to expect. I had sat on a knife’s edge waiting for my first live awards ceremony performance and it certainly did not disappoint.

The Fake Love intro started with ‘WHO ARE YOU’ on screen followed by the familiar haunting setting along with the iconic lantern. A message appeared upside down and backwards in the mirror which read ‘I show not only your true side but also your fake side’. The 7 members were in black cloaks with masks, their true identity not visible.

The stage performance started with the dance line in a similar setting to the E version concept for Love Yourself Answer with all 7 members in individual boxes. Jimin, Jungkook and Hobi, each perform a choreographed piece which then lead to Namjoon , followed by Yoongi, then Tae and lastly, Jin, who was the one to switch on the light so all boxes were lit up at once.

Their performance of Fake Love was flawless. All 7 members were dressed in black with Namjoon showing writing on his chest which read ‘I am red with love’. More clues to the next BTS era?

Source: YouTube

The song ended with the members wearing black cloaks, masks and disappearing which then lead to Airplane pt 2. I was impressed at how quickly they changed and made it onto stage for the next song. They looked incredible in various outfits, all in shades of brown, cream and grey with some of the shirts resembling something from the 1900’s or perhaps something pirates would wear. Tae in glasses and Yoongi in a hat was just too much!

Source: YouTube

After Airplane pt 2, we were shown a VCR which I personally found incredibly emotional. Video clips of the Love Yourself tour with Namjoon’s voiceover which was then followed by one of the best stage performances I have ever seen. Hobi dressed in traditional Korean dress (Hanbok) danced with a back drop of 14 Korean female dancers, then Jimin also in traditional dress, danced with a giant fan and a group of dancers, also with fans. The final solo dance was Jungkook who danced with fabric and was held aloft by a set of dancers, he put a red mask to his face then threw it aside. These 3 solo dances were literally breathtaking, each representing a traditional Korean dance.

Source: YouTube

The music to Idol was also traditional in the respect that it was played reportedly live by musicians and included drums amongst other instruments. The significant change to the Idol performance was the fact that Jin took centre stage for the last part where they turn and sit down. More clues? More theories?

By the time BTS started their 20 minute set, they had scooped 5 awards throughout the evening and the daesangs were the last awards to be announced. BTS won Best album with Love Yourself Tear and Best Artist 2018. The speeches were full of emotion and it was endearing to see how surprised they were to have their name called out. Namjoon, Jin and Jimin spoke when accepting the album award with Namjoon and Jin mentioning ARMY. Namjoon spoke about how he remembered being invited to a ‘streaming club’ to promote Melon and what an honour it was to be receiving the best album award, 14 years later. Jin’s message to ARMY was to thank us and wish us happiness and Jimin thanked Bang PD plus all the staff that have watched them grow over the last 7-8 years.

Winning Album of the Year:

Source: YouTube

The acceptance speeches for Best Artist were just as emotional with Yoongi taking centre stage to speak first. He thanked ARMY, Bang PD and the BigHit staff. He also commented about how at one time he wondered why the world only gave them pain but now only good things come for them. Jungkook spoke next, he too thanked staff and said how shy they (BTS) were usually, not always being able to show their gratitude for everything that the staff do for them. He finished by thanking ARMY and saying he loved us. Jungkook handed over to Hobi who began his speech in his usual enthusiastic manner by shouting ARMY! He spoke about travelling and the fact they have learnt a lot this past year. Hobi referenced his speech last year when he thanked their ‘sunbaes’ but this year felt that they were experienced enough to be ‘sunbaes’ themselves and hoped they could be good role models for younger artists. Tae’s speech was to and for ARMY, thanking us for making Bangtan what they are and for allowing them to receive the awards. He said he wishes the word ‘happiness’ is by our side always (there’s that word again… a clue?). Jimin who was already emotional after his last speech commented on the fact he cries so easily. He thanked everyone and said that next year they will give it all back to us and lastly but by no means least, Jin shouted ‘ARMY I LOVE YOU’!!

Winning Artist of the Year:

Source: YouTube

Everything about BTS is amazing. One minute they are providing ARMY and the audience with a phenomenal performance, professional and exhilarating and the next minute they are accepting an award with so much emotion, gratitude and humility. It makes me so proud to be ARMY

Awards:

Best artist 2018 - Daesang

Best album 2018 - Daesang

Kakoa Hot star

Best Rap/Hip hop

Netizen popularity

Global Artist

Melon top 10