The MTV Video Music Awards this year were not the most exciting in history but they will go down as one of the most impactful. Social issues became a hot topic from Paris Jackson’s denouncing white supremacy to Alessia Cara’s subtle message to “the industries bias standards towards females.” Though, nobody had as much as an impact as Logic.
Logic, along with Alessia Cara and Khalid, sent out an emotional performance of their song, 1-800-273-8255. Attempt survivors covered the stage covered as they belted out the lyrics to the song that resembles the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The performance was not only the most talked about of the night but caused a spike in calls. The hotline got more than a 50% spike in calls after the performance first reported by CNN.
Garret English, executive producer of the VMAs, shared his thoughts on the need of Logic’s performance.
…We want to do more than remember these artists. We want to remind people that suicide is preventable and that there are ways to get help and feel better if you’re struggling emotionally. -English to CNN
This isn’t the first time his song broke their records. When it was first released in early 2017, the hotline received its second highest call volume in the history of its existence. Overall, calls are up about 33% from this time last year.
Logic is generating calls with a song about getting help and finding hope. It’s not focusing on tragedy or suicide. In fact, he’s starting conversations about suicide prevention, as opposed to suicide.- John Draper, Director of Suicide Prevention Hotline to CNN
