This time, no false notes or hiccups, but a somewhat sanitized atmosphere and a rather purring, if not endless evening, which will not be remembered in the annals.
The circumstances did not help it is true.
Exceptionally recorded and without an audience due to the constraints of the health crisis, the 22nd NRJ Music Awards (NMA), rewarding the artists and songs of the year, broadcast this Saturday evening on TF 1, suffered from the lack of direct which usually makes its salt.
So, yes, the production still has the knack to impress with a spectacular show, like the opening of Gims on the roof of the Musical Stage in Boulogne-Billancourt, surrounded by lasers and traffic lights. artifice.
A breathtaking introduction that is however reminiscent of the even more impressive one of The Weeknd on the roof of the Edge Hudson Yards in New York for the MTV Video Music Awards last August.
For originality, we must note the good idea of having a wall of screens all around the stage showing viewers at home on their sofa.
On the other hand, the organizers abused the untimely applause and false cries of the public throughout the evening, which ended up heating our ears and even spoiling the listening of the intense duet between Camille Lellouche and Grand Corps Malade.
Certainly appeared tired and less facetious than usual, Nikos Aliagas managed to tame these unprecedented conditions.
The host has managed to keep his naturalness to welcome the artists on stage.
Again, like every year, the cast was up to the task.
Indochine, Christine and the Queens, Julien Doré, Louane, Angèle, Amir, Grand Corps Malade, Kendji Girac, Vianney, Benjamin Biolay.
When the concerts have stopped for many months, it feels good.
Lots of play-back
We can only regret that many sang in playback when they were safe from the vagaries of live.
Or that some have looped back a little too much during the evening, stretching it until the end of the night.
The end clap did not ring until one o'clock in the morning.
"I'm a little embarrassed to win against icons like Indochina," Slimane almost apologized when receiving the prize for French-speaking group or duo of the year alongside Vitaa.
A great tandem winner of this 22nd edition crowned French song for "Avant toi" and clip of the year for "Ça ira".
We almost expected him to close the show by winning the performance of the evening after the public vote finally won by Mr Pokora.
Amazing performance by @Vitaa & @Slimaneoff 🔥🔥
👉 With our Vitaa in a beautiful wedding dress 😍😍 #NMA # NMA2020 pic.twitter.com/LeWUwLQrXR
- NRJ (@NRJhitmusiconly) December 5, 2020
Also omnipresent during the ceremony, Gims was entitled to his honorary NRJ Music Awards presented by Vianney for an unfeigned emotional streak.
Indochina, Mariah Carey and Elton John received the same honor.
The appearance in duplex from Los Angeles of the American diva, in Christmas pajamas on her sofa in the middle of trees, had the effect of a UFO.
“It's very heavy,” she laughed, lifting the trophy.
It represents all the love I have for the French fans.
It's great to share this moment with them.
"
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If Mariah Carey brought a quirky and refreshing touch, what about the cover of Indochina's “3rd sex” by its leader Nicolas Serkis and Christine and the Queens?
Simply breathtaking!
Undoubtedly the most successful moment of the ceremony with the remote services from London of Dua Lipa in particular in duet with Angèle.
Elton John, for his part, kept sober by delivering his message of thanks: “Thank you for this trophy which crowns my career.
Thanks to TF 1 for its support.
Thank you to all the fans in France who have supported me all these years.
It's a shame not being able to share this moment together.
But see you soon.
"
Obviously, the current crisis and the Covid were in everyone's minds and speeches.
The tone was sometimes even severe.
Nicola Sirkis the leader of Indochina brought a touch of hope by launching as a joke: "The good news of 2020 is that Trump has been beaten".
Before making an appointment in 2021 for the expected resumption of concerts, the real ones.
The complete list
Francophone female artist of the year:
Aya Nakamura
International Female Artist of the Year:
Dua Lipa
Francophone Male Artist of the Year:
Dadju
International Male Artist of the Year:
The Weeknd
French song of the year:
"Avant toi" by Vitaa & Slimane
International song of the year:
“Jerusalema” by Master KG
Music video of the year:
“Ça ira” by Vitaa & Slimane
French-speaking collaboration of the year:
Soolking featuring Dadju for "Meleğim"
International collaboration of the year:
Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande for “Rain on me”
DJ of the Year:
DJ Snake
Francophone Group of the Year:
Vitaa & Slimane
International group / duo of the year:
BTS
Francophone Revelation of the Year:
Squeezie
International Revelation of the Year:
Doja Cat
French-speaking performance of the evening:
M.Pokora
NRJ Music Awards of Honor:
Gims, Indochina, Elton John, Mariah Carey
