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| It's Britney Spears' Night At The VMAs, While Kanye West Ends The Show With A Bang Posted: 08 Sep 2008 09:20 AM PDT Highlights of 2008 show include performances by Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Jonas Brothers, T.I. and more.
Britney won her first (and second, and third) Moonman, the Jonas Brothers flooded the fake streets of New York with screaming fans, Pink tossed a dude down a flight of steps, Weezy nearly lost his pants and host Russell Brand told a bunch of jokes you're probably still trying to untangle, which, we can assure you, were very, very, very dirty. It was a historic night for rehabbing pop star Britney Spears, who not only picked up the first VMA of her career, but capped her hat trick with the ultimate prize: Video of the Year.
The 25th annual MTV Video Music Awards were full of those kinds of firsts, but perhaps the one people were looking forward to the most was the first VMA appearance by Spears since last year's notorious onstage debacle. And, to the delight of her fans, Spears knocked it out of the park, opening the show by repeatedly turning down some not-so-slick advances from "Superbad" funnyman Jonah Hill. Showing off some of her "How I Met Your Mother" comedy chops, Spears then shimmied to the stage, looking amazing in a silver, shimmering flapper dress, and welcomed the crowd to the show. Wearing his signature skintight trousers, black jacket, assorted shiny baubles and a bemused look, Brand introduced the show by ticking off a list of the night's guests, which he said included some of the "world's most famous stars ... and me." Assuring the audience that he's famous in his native England, Brand gave proof by saying that without that fame, his electric-shock haircut "could be mistaken for mental illness." A quick rundown of the not-even-close-to-appropriate-for-prime-time references Brand made over the course of the night: something about Madonna, Alex Rodriguez and baseball equipment; a bit about how his nether regions are well-lubricated by cherry ChapStick; a pledge to masturbate more that was inspired by Lil Wayne, who he appeared to invite to join him in the bathroom, or not; a cringe-worthy R. Kelly reference; and a string of jokes at the expense of the chaste Jonas Brothers, including some very unclean references to their purity rings. It wasn't all randy English jokes, though. There were plenty of musical highlights as well. Rihanna opened the show with a spooky take on "Disturbia," preceded by a procession of zombies as she was rolled onto the stage in what looked like a giant metallic wedding cake, wearing a black bustier and looking like a robot from the postapocalyptic future. A short time later, T.I. returned to the VMA stage to perform "Whatever You Like." Escorting a fine young lady in a hot-pink dress, the dapper rapper walked his friend across the Paramount backlot, taking her to a fur shop, a club and in a ride in his Phantom, all the while explaining the lengths of his largesse, which included, in order, stacks of cash, Patrón on ice, popped bottles and a private jet. There were also some awards handed out. Picking up her first Moonman, for Best Female Video — which she won over another VMA lady-in-waiting, Mariah Carey — Britney called the moment "an honor" and thanked God, her fans, her family and her "beautiful boys." She repeated those thanks later in the show, when she took the Best Pop Video, also for "Piece of Me," professing to be "speechless" but saying, "This means a lot. Thank you." But by the end of the night, when a truly surprised-looking Brit picked up Video of the Year, also for "Piece of Me," she professed to be "in shock right now." Saying she wasn't expecting the award, Spears again thanked her family, adding, "I just want to dedicate this to all my amazing fans out there for all of your support." (Head here for a look back at Britney's greatest VMA moments from years past.) In a battle of hip-hop and R&B stars, the Best Male Video crown went to Chris Brown for "With You," beating out strong competition from T.I., Flo Rida, Usher and Lil Wayne. "Personally I didn't think I deserved this award. I thought Weezy was going to get it," said a humbled Brown. But you knew you couldn't hold Weezy down for long, as he was onstage a short time later to accept the Best Hip-Hop Video award for "Lollipop." The always humble rapper had only three people he wanted to thank: "God, my family and y'all." Owning up to the biggest performance of his career so far, Weezy hit it running, commanding the stage shirtless and with his white pants sagging, performing a medley of hits from his smash Tha Carter III album, including "Don't Get It" with Leona Lewis, a bit of "A Milli" and, joined by T-Pain — sporting at least his third different bedazzled top hat of the night — bouncing and stomping through "Got Money." Though they went home empty-handed, losing out to Linkin Park's "Shadow of the Day" for the Best Rock Video crown, Paramore rocked the stage of Los Angeles' Whisky a Go Go with a bloody-knuckles version of their hit "Misery Business" — though, as it turns out, Brand was a bit confused, as the band was actually in the house in front of the VMA crowd. Maybe Germany's Tokio Hotel were just being modest when they claimed they thought there was no way they were going to win the Best New Artist award — because, as it turns out, they did. "I can't describe it in any words what we're feeling right now," said singer Bill Kaulitz. But, instead of thanking their record company or managers, TH kept it real by thanking their fans all over the world. Just days after the Republican National Convention wrapped up, Brand decided to get a bit political, pleading with the crowd to elect Senator Barack Obama president and alluding that in England, President Bush might not be allowed to handle scissors, let alone be put in charge of the world's biggest superpowers. He also referred to Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin as a VILF: a "vice president I'd like to ... fondle." Kid Rock, who threw down with Tommy Lee at last year's VMAs, kept it simple and roundhouse-free this year, sauntering out in a black bucket hat and white pinstriped black sweat suit and bringing some Southern boogie rock-and-soul to the proceedings with his summertime hit "All Summer Long." As promised, the mellow tune featured a blazing freestyle breakdown from Weezy, who had changed into red jeans, a plaid vest and a white tee for the occasion. Cranking the fashion up a notch or 10 was Christina Aguilera, who was poured into a second-skin leather catsuit accessorized with silver armbands, a black-leather cat mask, black gauzy cape and platinum-blond hair. Standing in a tower of neon-lit boxes, Christina gave a taste of the future-shock version of her first hit, "Genie in a Bottle," before slinking over to a glowing set to perform her new Goldfrapp-like techno dance tune "Keep Getting' Better." Not to be outdone, Pink's run through her new single, "So What," was all platinum-blond hair and balls of fire. Starting out on a tenement stoop and wearing an electric-blue trench coat, the singer slid down a white rope to the ground and proceeded to wreck the set — literally. In order, she: smashed a mirror, tossed a guy down some subway steps, smashed a window and made a building blow up, caused oil drums to explode as she walked down the street with her girls, and capped it off by stripping down into a barely there black leotard cut down to ... there. And while the Jonas Brothers marked their first VMA performance by keeping their clothes on, they got things equally sweaty. Performing on a New York City set on the backlot of the Paramount studios, they started off plucking away at their new ballad, "Lovebug," on a set of brownstone steps. Halfway in, the steps gave way to a stage as hundreds of screaming girls surrounded them and hung from fake windows as the song exploded into a power-pop rocker. Among the other awards handed out over the course of the evening was Best Dancing in a Video to the Pussycat Dolls for "When I Grow Up."
Though he vowed to never return to the VMAs last year, Kanye West broke that promise in dramatic fashion to end Sunday's show, debuting a new song, "Love Lockdown," which showed off his considerable singing chops and a new, next-level sound. Taking the stage alone in a gray suit accented by a glowing red heart, 'Ye sang the spare, rock-tinged tune — which featured an insistent piano riff and thundering Taiko-style Japanese drum breaks from a mysterious group of masked drummers behind a screen — while holding on to the microphone stand like a 1950s crooner. Swaying side to side, he sang the pleading lyrics "Keep your love locked down/ So keep your love locked down," ending the performance under a shower of sparks as he stared out into the crowd as if to say, "Now what?" As stunning as the new 'Ye tune was, in the end, it was Britney's night. What a difference a year makes. (Head here for what you didn't see in the big show, and check back later for a full report on the night's post-VMA parties!) It's a wrap! Now that the 2008 VMAs have come and gone, check out all the winners, the most surprising moments, the best red-carpet fashions and more at VMA.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists | |
| VMAs Behind The Scenes: Rihanna And Chris Brown Go Their Separate Ways, Tokio Hotel Get Emo Posted: 07 Sep 2008 10:17 PM PDT Also: Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens lose smiles when cameras are off; Lil Wayne's shirt vanishes.
Even with all the different stages and performances at Sunday night's VMAs, a lot of excitement happened that didn't make it into the main show! Check out some of the highlights that our eagle-eyed reporters picked up behind the scenes, as they happened ... From the red carpet ... 7:16 p.m. ET — Heavy D walks up. No car — just calmly strolling and talking on his BlackBerry. Soon the roar of the motorcycles traveling with Young Jeezy can be heard: They're nowhere in sight, though, they just have very loud pipes. 7:18 p.m. ET — Sean Garrett just told us he's working with Beyoncé. He said it was supposed to be a secret, but now the secret is out. 7:23 p.m. ET — The Cab frontman Alex DeLeon appears super blown away by the star power of preshow co-host Taylor Swift. "We were behind her and all the photographers were like 'AAAAH!' " he laughed. "And then when we rolled up, they were like 'Eh.' " No matter, though. "Last year we just hung out in Fall Out Boy's suite. This year we get to see Kanye perform. Plus, no one knows who we are, so I can get drunk!" 7:25 p.m. ET — A dapper Donnie Klang and two bodyguards stop for a minute to enjoy the view of Lauren Conrad while she does an on-air hit with MTV News' Tim Kash. Audrina Patridge walks by, and I swear she was talking to her publicist about a hot dog stand. Seriously! 7:27 p.m. ET — All you hear in the parking lot leading up the entrance of the red carpet is "My president's black/ My Lambo's blue/ I'll be g--damn if my rims ain't too." Young Jeezy is sitting on the back of his all-black old-school convertible. Meanwhile, he's accompanied by what looks to be a couple dozen guys on choppers. If Jeezy were to ever hold office, chances are the Secret Service and the police wouldn't be guarding him. Meanwhile Lupe Fiasco shows up in a fly jockey outfit. He fixes his shirt right before stepping on the carpet. 7:42 p.m. ET — Pink blew by on a golf cart in a black-and-red-striped dress and hair out to there, like a modified version of Tokio Hotel's Bill Kaulitz, which will probably only make Bill happier if he meets her — she's the one star he told me he can't wait to meet today. 7:47 p.m. ET — Speidi spotting! Spencer actually looked quite polished in pinstripes. He had a happy-looking Heidi at his side in a '70s-era off-the-shoulder glittery black minidress and studded black boots. (Head here for a full report on VMA fashion!) The power couple already gets my vote for glammest couple of the night. Ooh, here comes Pete Wentz, who just gave them both a hug, and Spencer fixed Pete's Amish-guy tie. It's like an MTV family reunion! 7:49 p.m. ET — T.I. Is walking up to the carpet. It's just Tip, his lady Tiny, a female friend and Tip's publicist. On the way to the carpet, Travis Barker walks up and they all shake hands and hug. Paul Wall walks up a few minutes later and joins them. 7:56 p.m. ET — Rihanna boards a golf cart headed for the main show, and as she's leaving, she pokes fun at her assistant's particularly flamboyant porkpie hat. "Oh my God, are you a Jonas?" she laughs. The Plain White T's hang around by the security checkpoint, apparently waiting for their tickets. "We got here really early this time, 'cause last year we almost missed the opening of the show," frontman Tom Higgenson says. Minutes later, they receive the coveted tix and head inside. 8:07 p.m. ET — Tom Kaulitz claps his hands to the beat as Tokio Hotel stand up in the back of their monster truck. The truck is in position as the driver waits his cue. As they approach the carpet entrance, the only thing louder than the roar of their truck is the rock music blasting out of the speakers. 8:12 p.m. ET — T-Pain, looking very much like a gilded ringmaster, describes his red-carpet entrance (atop an elephant, FYI) to a member of his posse: "It's very hot, and my b---s hurt." Good to know! (Check out a full report on VMA artist arrivals right here.) 8:34 p.m. ET — Corbin Bleu — in a sleek, dangerous-looking motorcycle jacket and hair that'd make the gods envious — stopped for a backstage photo as Lauren Conrad teetered by (avoiding a scary-looking grate) holding a glass of champagne, Busta Rhymes rolled by wearing a diamond watch bigger than my face, and Ne-Yo played the part of the gentleman, slinging his jacket over his shoulder. Oh, and he was wearing a hat, obvs. Ooh, and Nicky Hilton looks the chicest — and richest — I've ever seen her!! 8:48 p.m. ET — "Twilight" stars Kristen Stewart in a gorgeous Phillip Lim dress and Robert Pattinson just stopped for a snap (looking like a real-life couple) with T-Pain right behind them. 8:50 p.m. ET — Michael Phelps will have to wait just a little longer to meet one of his favorite rappers, Lil Wayne. Phelps is getting interviewed with Kid Rock — and who pulls up in a golf cart right behind them? Weezy. Phelps had no idea, and before Wayne could say hi, the rapper was directed to another part of the carpet. The Olympic gold medal winner did get a chance to chop it up with Kid for a few minutes. "Congratulations," Kid said. "Thanks, man," Phelps replied. "What are you up to?" "Trying to ride the wave like you," Kid answered with a grin. Ciara pulled up while they chatted. 8:51 p.m. ET — Paramore are in a couple of Smart Cars, one red and one blue. Chivalry is dead, though: As the guys pop out, who comes up out the trunk? The only female, Hayley. 8:59 p.m. ET — We have Jonas! In the golf cart! And I'm fangirling out because Kevin yelled out to me, "How you doin'?" My heart just grew another heart, and that heart is making the little Jonas heart sign with its little heart hands!!! The show begins ... 9:04 p.m. ET — Britney!!! She's back! 9:11 p.m. ET — One of T-Pain's clowns is mesmerized as he watches Rihanna perform "Disturbia" with her own clan of face-painted misfits. He looks like he belongs onstage with them. 9:21 p.m. ET — Miley Cyrus is standing like four inches from me. Her dress says "next Madonna" to me (but not the rapping version). And Lindsay Lohan is a fox on heels, but you knew that. Also, I'd punch my own mother for the tartan dress Vanessa Simmons is wearing. Oh, Katy Perry just walked by — I'd kick my cat for her shoes. Ooh, Kid Rock just walked by and refused some random guy's photo. DENIED!!! 9:33 p.m. ET — OMG. Lindsay Lohan just sprinted by in her next look: a modified tux vest held together in the back by like something no more substantial than a human hair! 9:55 p.m. ET — Uh-oh: The venue is packed to capacity and the fire marshal ain't lettin' no one back in. Which means I'm watching Vanessa Hudgens' handlers work their handling magic on the security guys at the side door. Same thing Paramore's people just had to do. (I'll bet Jim Cantiello doesn't have to deal with this!) Ooh, Pussycat Dolls and Keri Hilson are all exchanging pleasantries! 9:59 p.m. ET — T.I.'s team loves Katy Perry. For the past 10 minutes, they've been singing "I Kissed a Girl" to each other. Clay especially — when he sees me, he grabs me and serenades me a little with the song, and then adds, "I want to kiss a girl!" Females backstage, you've been warned ... 10:04 p.m. ET — Katy Perry got teased by security as she tried to make her way backstage. "No beer on the premises," a guard joked, pretending to block her. Katy's response? She hoisted the bottle above her head — as if to toast him — and strolled on through, laughing. 10:06 p.m. ET — Did Lil Wayne have a wardrobe malfunction? His team is all atwitter that he had his shirt off and was showing off his tattoos — that was most definitely not according to plan. They just managed to get a plain white T on him before he made his entrance to Stage 16. 10:16 p.m. ET — On the hunt for a bathroom, Seth Green found Slash instead, by talent check-in. "Slash doesn't want to go in right now," his rep said while the hug-fest ensued. 10:21 p.m. ET — Seth Green and LL Cool J's bro hug was one of the funniest moments I'd seen — until I just almost walked directly into Slash's wife's ginormous rack. Slash, his wife and a few of Slash's other friends are singing happy birthday to someone ... 10:23 p.m. ET — Slash is hungry. He wants to go to Lucy's, but his wife, Perla, wants Nobu. But so many people keep coming to hug him, he can't leave. "I just want to get out of here!" he yells to Perla as she walks away to find a bathroom. 10:27 p.m. ET — Britney is back ... at Studio 16. While most people walk or ride in a golf cart, Britney had a tram. But seconds after Britney walked through the side door, Christina Aguilera — in a cart — pulled up and followed her through. 10:28 p.m. ET — In the talent holding area, all eyes are glued to the big show, playing on a nearby flatscreen. Awhile back, Paramore's Farro brothers watched the Jonas Brothers' performance intently, heads in hands, like a couple of awestruck toddlers. Across the room, Kid Rock's drummer, Stefanie Eulinberg, was watching too, though she wasn't exactly awestruck by what she saw. "They look like [preschoolers' favorites] the Wiggles," she laughed to no one in particular, before leaning way back in her chair. Things aren't nearly as laid-back in Studio 16, where the main show rolls on. As a tech crew hustled in Paramore's "Whisky a Go Go" set, Pete Wentz was nearly crushed, forced to take cover behind a velvet curtain. "I have no idea what's happening right now," he said, eyes wide. "You can be killed at any minute if you're not careful." 10:33 p.m. ET — Looks like Slipknot might be leaving. "Especially with the masks, no one expects you to sit there for five hours," a rep tells injured bandmember Joey Jordison (whose broken ankle recently caused the band to postpone tour dates), who walks with the aid of two canes. Meanwhile, McLovin is getting some loving from Slipknot. "You've got to come to a show, man," they tell him. 10:40 p.m. ET — Looks like Nicky Hilton is getting some loving — a guy she's with is trying to kiss her, but taking a cue from her sister Paris, she looks bored. 10:45 p.m. ET — Christina has left the building! She runs out of the stage door as her dancers clap for her. "We nailed it!" one of them cheers as they pile into a golf cart. "Whoo-hoo!" Christina yelps as they drive away with everyone on the backlot applauding her. 10:52 p.m. ET — Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens were all smiles and holding hands as they walked out of the stage door — but when they got away from the crowd, the hands were dropped and their faces went cold. Looking much happier were Travis McCoy and Katy Perry, who walked out a moment later — despite no hand holding. 10:57 p.m. ET — An emotional Tokio Hotel are hugging their staff so hard that someone might break a bone. Achtung!!! 10:59 p.m. ET — Robert Pattinson from "Twilight" is lost, and who can blame him? This Paramount lot is confusing. Meanwhile, Paris Hilton is walking away when a random bystander wants to take a picture with her. She poses and tells the fan, "Have fun!" 11:01 p.m. ET — Apl from the Black Eyed Peas nearly ran me over in his golf cart. My fault, really. "Beep beep!" he jokes as he pulls away. 11:08 p.m. ET — After his performance, Kid Rock walks out and says, "I feel like an old man. I've been doing this for 10, 15 years." The ability to remember exact dates is the first thing to go, Kid ... 11:15 p.m. ET — Paris Hilton is the rare multitasker who can type on a BlackBerry and smoke a cigarette at the same time. 11:19 p.m. ET — When "Piece of Me" won Video of the Year, director Wayne Isham and his crew went bananas — screaming, hugging and snapping photos. And after the show ... 11:20 p.m. ET — Rihanna and Chris Brown are going their separate ways — but only for 10 minutes. "You go do your thing, and you meet me right here," she tells him. 11:23 p.m. ET — Tokio Hotel and the Pussycat Dolls just hugged it out. Bill gave Nicole Scherzinger the two-cheek kiss and then went off to find a drink. Meanwhile, Angela and Vanessa Simmons sought out a bathroom, and T.I. tried to find a polite way to turn away an annoying reporter who was trying to hop aboard his golf cart. 11:25 p.m. ET — Chris Brown went to the spot where he was supposed to meet Rihanna ... and found Jamie Foxx instead. And a minute after that, McLovin (a.k.a. Christopher Mintz-Plasse). "Good to meet you," the "Superbad" actor told him. 11:28 p.m. ET — The Pussycat Dolls almost lost a member as they got into their tram. "Please don't leave without me!" Nicole Scherzinger cried while holding the train of her dress up to run to them. The night didn't stop there! Check back later for a full report on the post-VMA parties and action! It's a wrap! Now that the 2008 VMAs have come and gone, check out all the winners, the most surprising moments, the best red-carpet fashions and more at VMA.MTV.com. Related Videos
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| VMA Host Russell Brand Calls Show 'Dawning Of A New Age For America' Posted: 07 Sep 2008 11:27 PM PDT Britney Spears, Jonas Brothers, 'Twilight' stars all fall victim to funnyman's acerbic wit during hosting stint.
Britney Spears, the Jonas Brothers and even the young cast of "Twilight" were fair game at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, all brought down a peg or two by the acerbic wit and biting tongue of first-time host Russell Brand, whose seemingly uncensored quips left some uncomfortable and others rolling in the aisles. You thought he would be any less controversial with the cameras off?
"This evening saw the resurrection of Britney Spears. This could be the dawning of a new age for America," Brand said immediately following his stint as host when asked about what he'd most remember from the night. "Britney Spears lost her VMA virginity. Hopefully the Jonas Brothers will be next," he added while walking briskly to the afterparty, in reference both to Britney's first Moonman and the young Jonas siblings' purity rings, an oft-joked-about topic during his monologues. It's the kind of take-it-or-leave-it comedy that defined Brand's performance at the VMAs. Of course, whether you loved or hated Brand, you were probably asking yourself the same question as everyone else: Just who in the hell is Russell Brand anyway? Before Sunday night, Brand was primarily known in America for his supporting role alongside Kristen Bell and Jason Segel in the recent Judd Apatow comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." "Of course [Americans have] seen me in 'Sarah Marshall,' if they're alive!" Brand laughed when we visited him in May after a comedy performance at the Roxy in Los Angeles. "If they've got lungs and kidneys, we can assume that [they've seen me]. It's a given. It's on the national curriculum: breakfast, go watch 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' come home, remember scenes from 'Sarah Marshall.' " Brand is much more intimately known in his native Britain, where he was a onetime VJ at MTV UK. He's actually really intimately known, thanks to the warts-and-all autobiography "My Booky Wook," which chronicled his rise to fame and subsequent addictions to drugs (including heroin) and sex. For a while, Brand had plans to adapt his novel into a film, but that's no longer the case, he told MTV News in May. "I'm not going to make the 'Booky Wooky' into a film anymore because then people in America will learn what my past is like. People that can be bothered to read will know that I have a checkered past," he laughed. "Fingers crossed, we give them a book I've written already, I don't have to do no more homework!" Instead, Brand plans to star in "Get Him to the Greek," the story of a record-company intern (Jonah Hill) who has to transport a rock star from Europe to L.A. "A rock star as usual," Brand sighed of his role in the upcoming film. "I'm going to play rock stars for the first 10 years of my career, and then I'm going to move on, and I'm only going to play mailmen for the next 10 years. It's going to be fun." Brand will also appear alongside Adam Sandler in the upcoming "Bedtime Stories." It's a wrap! Now that the 2008 VMAs have come and gone, check out all the winners, the most surprising moments, the best red-carpet fashions and more at VMA.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists | |
| VMA Red-Carpet Roundup: From Katy Perry's Pinup Pants To T-Pain's Top Hat Posted: 07 Sep 2008 07:47 AM PDT Taylor Swift brought the gold, Ashlee Simpson embraced her bump, and lots of guys were digging tweed this year.
Short, sweet and glittery. That's the best way to sum up the majority of the ladies' looks on the red carpet of the VMAs this year. Though many arrived in muted champagne and blush tones, a few stars did manage to stand out from the crowd, literally. Before she began her duties as MTV News' red-carpet fashion commentator, Taylor Swift showed up in a blush-colored dress with a bustier-style top and a skirt that flowed out from her, accessorized by gold heels, a funky long necklace and chunky bracelet. Later, she changed into a Blumarine show-stopper: a short, gold-embellished drop-waist dress with black pumps. Swift's rivals for Best New Artist, Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry, arrived hand-in-hand. Katy embraced her inner pinup in hot pants and a halter she said she acquired at a thrift store. By contrast, Miley was more sophisticated, though still playful, in a sparkly charcoal peacock-printed sheath dress. Fellow New Artist nominees Tokio Hotel concentrated more on their hair and wild ride than their outfits, but Bill looked lovely in his multiple chain necklaces, leather vest and tight jeans. The rest of the guys just cannot compete with his androgynous beauty! Meanwhile, the Jonas Brothers arrived in their usual hipster suits: Nick in gray, Kevin in black and Joe in white. (Read all about how Tokio Hotel and others arrived at the VMAs here.) T-Pain was anything but usual: He arrived on an elephant, and naturally, had to wear a red top hat and a red tuxedo jacket to complete his circus ringmaster chic. We've always been able to count on Christina Aguilera's fashion statements at the VMAs. The new mama looked ravishing in a long black gown with a mermaid tail hemline. Rihanna followed up last year's hot-pink number with a tight black strapless top and yellow-and-green asymmetrical skirt paired with white platforms and some bangles. It was one of the singer's more sedate red-carpet moments. But Pink, like always, stood out from the crowd with a platinum-blonde faux-hawk, a black-and-red vertical-striped gown with a belt and dangling earrings. Ciara glittered in a sparkly silver minidress by Dolce & Gabanna with a giant black belt. Ashlee Simpson and her baby bump were more subdued in a long, flowy, black Alexander McQueen gown. And in a mini white dress, Ashley Tisdale was ying to Ashlee's yang. The "Hills" girls were alive with the sound of fashion. Lauren Conrad wore a short white and silver dress with a deep V-cut neckline and silver peep-toe heels. Frenemie Stephanie Pratt kicked off the night in a black strapless minidress with loads of bling, showing off her gams in super high red pumps. Lo was in a floral-print gown with sparkle on the straps and around the décolletage. Audrina Patridge rocked a champagne bubble mini-dress in gold. Heidi channeled disco glamour in a sparkly black off-the-shoulder dress, while Spencer wore his signature flesh-colored beard and a suit. Jordin Sparks looked fresh and young in a glittery black dress with a pink belt, while Solange brightened things up in a fuchsia ruffle minidress with a giant Fendi clutch and platform sandals. Lindsay Lohan kept it simple in a purple satin dress with sleeves. Paramore's Hayley Williams was a mess, probably on purpose. In an aqua dress, the grrrlicious lead singer opted for a bow tie and a bed-head look (that's a nice way of saying she forgot to comb her hair). Jermaine Dupri was dapper in a gray tie, gray vest and gray tweed suit pants with a tuxedo stripe down the side. Ne-Yo showed up in a fedora, leather jacket and pants that were very similar to JD's but without the tuxedo stripe. Continuing the tweed trend was Lupe Fiasco, who managed to make the look even geekier by tucking his pants into his motorcycle boots. Chris Brown took a cue from Lupe and tucked his jeans into his high tops. He also wore a diamond brooch that he may or may not have borrowed from his grandmother! Some other notable red-carpet appearances included T.I., who wore a crimson tuxedo jacket with no tie. Mel B looked spicy in a champagne-colored sparkly mini-dress and heels. Tila Tequila mixed things up by wearing a frilly button-down shirt and pants. And of course, Kid Rock classed things up in a wifebeater with a fedora. Who do you think rocked the red carpet better? Let us know in the comments! It's a wrap! Now that the 2008 VMAs have come and gone, check out all the winners, the most surprising moments, the best red-carpet fashions and more at VMA.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists | |
| VMA Performers Paramore Tear Up Virtual Whisky A Go Go Posted: 08 Sep 2008 09:36 AM PDT Go behind-the-scenes with the pop-punk act as they get down to 'Misery Business.'
HOLLYWOOD — Paramore look understandably freaked out amid the chaos backstage at the Video Music Awards. It's a swirling mass of camera crews, tech guys, microphone guys, megaphone guys, headphone guys, directors, publicists, assistants, stylists and hangers-on. Roughly 80 percent of them are driving golf carts. The other 20 percent wish they were, so they could run over everyone else. It is hot, sweaty, smelly and ugly. Paramore are not just nervous because they could be crushed, trampled or killed at any second. See, they're due onstage in 10 minutes for their first-ever awards-show performance, which just so happens to be a fairly large production including tons of extras, several lighting cues and exactly one picture-perfect re-creation of the famed Sunset Strip rock venue the Whisky a Go Go — a a re-creation that will be summarily destroyed midway through their set. They jump in place, they huddle together, and then — with the prodding of their road manager and label rep — they begin to cut through the crowds and make their way to the stage. Suddenly, all those nerves seem to be gone. Or at least carefully camouflaged. "Man, we're excited right now," frontwoman Hayley Williams laughs, despite the fact that she's close to being swallowed by the crowd around her. "We always love playing shows, and this one just happens to be the biggest show out there." As she's talking, she and her bandmates inch closer to the stage door, where they're promptly stopped as a shouting match erupts between security, show producers and the band's manager. There are about 50 people also trying to squeeze their way in, creating a genuinely terrifying bottleneck that threatens to turn into a full-on riot. Headsets crackle, angry producers shout at security that "this is Paramore, and they're performing in five minutes" and the band looks on rather bemusedly. After a few moments, the situation is resolved, and the band is whisked inside, while a rep for Wrigley's Gum shouts about how he should be let in first because he's "sponsoring the show." Inside, the situation isn't much calmer. Stagehands hustle the Whisky set into place, sending band and reps scattering for cover. They find a pocket of space underneath some risers and scramble to get their in-ear devices situated while people in headsets race by menacingly. The VMAs have just come back from a commercial break, and while Lil Wayne is introduced by Michael Phelps, in the studio there is a bizarre moment of silence, which drummer Zac Farro promptly fills by bellowing "I've got my in-ear!" to no one in particular, cracking up his bandmates but drawing death stares from a nearby crowd of stage managers. As Wayne launches into his performance of "A Milli," Paramore — somehow oblivious to the chaos swirling around them — break into an impromptu dance session. Williams and bassist Jeremy Davis get especially into the groove (it bears mentioning here that as a dancer, Williams is a very good lead singer). Finally, the Whisky set is built, the word is given that there's "one minute until positions," and the bandmembers huddle up to try to clear their heads. They're hustled onto the stage. Extras are loaded into position. Lights are cued. Everything is ready. The following four minutes are truly excellent. The band rip through "Misery Business" just like they're playing at the actual Whisky, with guitarist Josh Farro bounding about and Williams strutting and preening like a punk-rock ringmaster. The extras go nuts, the Whisky stage is pulled apart in perfect unison, and the whole thing goes off without a hitch. As the final notes of the song fade away, there are tons of cheers in the house, and we're off to commercial break. Paramore are then guided directly to their seats (better than Ludacris'!) and get ready to hear whether they'll take home the award for Best Rock Video. (Ultimately, they lose to Linkin Park.) "That," Davis smiles, beads of sweat quivering on his forehead, "was amazing. Honestly, it flew by. I really don't even remember being up there." His bandmates agree, wiping away perspiration and giving emphatic thumbs-up signs to their management. In the moments before the show comes back live, Paramore finally have a second to exhale, take it all in and realize what they just pulled off before an audience of millions. It's all over now, save for the partying — and you get the feeling they're going to party pretty hard. After all, they've earned it. It's a wrap! Now that the 2008 VMAs have come and gone, check out all the winners, the most surprising moments, the best red-carpet fashions and more at VMA.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists | |
| Posted: 08 Sep 2008 05:00 AM PDT Plus: Andre 3000 wants you to say he's wack.
Artist: T-Pain Representing: Naaaappppyyyy Booooyyyy! Mixtape: Pr33 Ringz 411: T-Pain wants it all. He's sung on everybody's hook, and now he's coming for that MC money. Now that the world is jockin' his melodies, he wants them to sweat his rhymes. "Pr33 Ringz is just a warning before the Thr33 Ringz,," he said of his street CD, which lands October 28, a couple of weeks before his third official album hits stores. (Pain's slogan for his official album is "Four Ones, Thr33 Ringz," in a nod to its November 11 release date.) "It's not so much letting you know what you need to get ready for. It's letting you know what you need to know about. A lot of people don't know me as a rapper. I'm rapping a lot on there. I got a couple of R&B tracks on there, all original beats. None of the beat-jacking or remixing. None of that. All brand new stuff. Twenty-one songs I'm just giving away." Pain — who recorded all of his material in just four days — got beats from a few of his friends (he only produced one track) and said he's just as passionate about being an MC as he is about being a singer. "I been doing it ever since," Pain said of his raps. "It's just that a lot of people haven't been accepting it. I do everything. I always rapped, I always sang. People are more attracted to the singing part than the rapping part. I'm forcing the issue. Free songs — here it is." He's still writing and producing for a slew of artists, including Ciara, and just might have more on his plate now that Pr33 Ringz is circulating. "A lot of my people been calling me asking for the actual songs," he explained. "They wanna put my mixtape song on their album. I'm like, 'How you gonna solidify that? How you gonna take a mixtape song and put it on your album?' They don't even care. A lot of people just say, 'I'll figure out a way to do it. Just give me something. Give it to me.' " Joints To Check For "Up & Down." "It's so different," the dread-head said, describing the song. "It was so strong. It's one of two R&B songs on the mixtape. I did it on my tour bus. I was in a different environment. The other R&B song is nothing but a verse and hook. It's one of one and a half R&B songs. 'Up and Down' is the emotions of this girl that keeps confusing me. It's a relationship — that's how it goes." "Like I Outta." "I'm going in. It's a rap track," Teddy said. "It's pretty much me doing everybody else like how everybody is doing me. On the second verse I rap like E-40, Soulja Boy, Shawty Lo. I rap Jeezy, Ross, Wayne. I go in on everybody. "Ain't no dissing occurring, but it's me going in, showing people I can do more than Auto-Tune," the 23-year-old continued. "I can do more than rap. I can do their people too. Y'all could do me — let me do somebody else." "Somebody Tell Em." "I want people to know the truth," Pain demanded. "How things go. It ain't easy doing all these records. When people come and get these records, they don't know the drama behind them. Managers fighting — I may get into an altercation with another artist because my hook is overpowering his verses. It's not just doing a hook and somebody puts it out and it happens. It's a lot going on behind the scenes. I need you to know." Don't Sleep: Other Notable Selections This Week » DJ Woogie, DJ Ian and Freeway - Freeway Is Back 'Hood's Heavy Rotation: Bubbling Below The Radar » Ne-Yo (featuring Fabolous and Jamie Foxx) - "She Got Her Own" ("Miss Independent" remix) The Streets Is Talking The hottest chick in the streets right now isn't from New York, Philadelphia or L.A. She wasn't even born in the U.S. Yet, everyone from 50 Cent to Jim Jones to Kanye West is so in love with her music, they've jumped on her track or sampled her voice. Guess what? Her popularity is finally resonating in the mainstream as well, thanks to the "Pineapple Express" trailer. "Um, I wasn't paying attention when it happened," M.I.A. said last week via phone from her native London about the rise of "Paper Planes." The record is more than a year old, yet it's still popping up daily on mixtapes. 50, Jones, members of State Property and others have inserted their verses on unofficial remixes. Meanwhile, Kanye West sampled her vocals while making the track for T.I.'s "Swagger Like Us." "I think it's cool when you bring all these rappers and artists like the Clash together," she said. "It's cool that they support it. It's so many people that be like, 'I don't know what you're talking about.' It's kind of like 'This is the sh--, and we think it's hot.' It's great, especially coming from London. "The song wasn't ... made with marketing blah, blah, blah," the spunky performer added. "It was something organic. It's nice to make something creative and have people like it. Somebody told me it was #3 or 4 on iTunes. iTunes! I beat the Jonas Brothers. I was like, 'What's going on?' Charts don't really compute with me. It's an interesting thing I'm learning. It's kinda nice to have the support." M.I.A. told us that one of her big supporters has been the Louis Vuitton Don. "Kanye e-mailed me back in, like, Christmas and told me he listens to 'Paper Planes' every day," she said. He recently hit her up with an early version of "Swagger Like Us." "I thought it was really hot. He e-mailed the demo version to me. I think T.I. rewrote his verse. It sounded even better once it was done. Kanye just took one sentence and made a whole thing out of it. I'll probably end up doing something with Kanye one day. We have a lot of respect for each other." M.I.A. also said she was interested in working with Jones' Byrd Gang. The pretty Brit also just started her label, N.E.E.T. (Not in Education, Employment or Training). The first artist is Baltimore rapper Rye Rye. If you want to hear more about M.I.A.'s label and her thoughts on retirement, come on back to MTV News later in the week. ... Andre 3000 is trash! C'mon, everybody, repeat it. Three Stacks is gah-bage! Truck juice. Obviously no one in their right mind believes that, but if it will inspire the musical great to give us that album, hey, let's put it on billboards. Just don't say he can "save hip-hop." "To be honest, man, I really appreciate that people appreciate what I do, but I don't like that type of pressure," he said last week of the assertion. "Like, I hate it, to be honest. ... I cannot save no whole rap game. I mean, the rap game has to save itself. Everybody's saving it. I mean, people like Lil Wayne is saving it. He's bringing energy to it. "You cannot put that all on one man," he added. "Especially me. I write a verse every year. You can't do me like that. To be honest, I work best when people doubt me. Our whole Outkast career has been built on people doubting us. [Hip-hop fans] up North hated on us from the get-go. We wouldn't be Outkast if people didn't understand what people would call weird. You know, none of that would've happened. Actually, if you see me, tell me I'm wack. That's the best thing you can do for me. You know, if you want a greater album, say that. Say that!" 'Dre's solo album doesn't look likely to materialize soon; he still says he's "early on" in the production of it. But Mr. Benjamin did say he's going to be amping up Big Boi's Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty album whenever he gets the chance. With such long stretches between LPs, 'Dre credits his portable and home studios for keeping his phone ringing. "I just did a cut with a new Pussycat Dolls single," Stacks divulged. "And I think it's called 'Baby,' so check it out. I've been doing remixes here and there, and let me tell you, thank God for remixes. I wanna tell everybody who's been checking out the remixes and things like the John Legend song ["Green Light"]: In this day and age, those are the things that have kind of been keeping me alive. Because it takes me a while to record albums. I have to kind of build up something to say." For other artists featured in Mixtape Monday, check out Mixtape Mondays Headlines. Related Videos Related Artists | |
| Tokio Hotel, T-Pain, Fall Out Boy Arrive At VMAs Via Elephant, Monster Truck And More Posted: 07 Sep 2008 06:51 AM PDT Paramore, Young Jeezy also make memorable red-carpet entrances.
Bentley coupe, Phantom Rolls, Maybach, stretch limo? Those cars will never be played out, but they've been done time and time again. If you want to stick out when arriving at the VMAs, you have to do it in style, but you also have to be different. It's not just about what you wear on the red carpet, it's also about how you got there. This year we had a few guests that made sure nobody would forget their initial appearance. Artists: Tokio Hotel Artist: Young Jeezy Artists: Fall Out Boy Artist: T-Pain Artists: Paramore It's a wrap! Now that the 2008 VMAs have come and gone, check out all the winners, the most surprising moments, the best red-carpet fashions and more at VMA.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists | |
| 'Twilight' Stars At The VMAs: Send Us Your Reactions Posted: 07 Sep 2008 10:52 PM PDT Upload your video response to Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and Cam Gigandet presenting at the awards.
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| Jonas Brothers: 'We Really Hope We Get To Meet' Britney Spears At The VMAs Posted: 07 Sep 2008 04:12 AM PDT 'You want to pull for Britney and hope for the best,' Kevin Jonas tells UsMagazine.com.
(Editor's note: The VMAs are a big assignment, and our friends at Us Weekly are helping us make sure we've got every angle covered. You'll see their celebrity reporting here at MTV.com.) The Jonas Brothers aren't just looking forward to their performance of "Lovebug" on the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards — they also hope to be introduced to Britney Spears, who's opening the show. "We really hope we get to meet her," Kevin Jonas told UsMagazine.com following their rehearsal at Paramount Studios for the VMAs, which will air live from Hollywood tonight at 9 p.m. "That would be an honor," Kevin added. Kevin's brothers agreed. "I wanna meet her," Nick told Us. "She was the first CD I ever bought, so it would be cool," Joe revealed. Though the Jonas Brothers are up against Britney Spears and Chris Brown for Video of the Year, they hope there are enough Moonmen to go around. Brown "is our new friend," Joe told Us. "We were hanging out with him today before talking about maybe working together on a song." Kevin added: "You want to pull for Britney and hope for the best." The Jonas Brothers are excited about their first VMA performance. "Everyone dreams of being on the Video Music Awards, so to be here is incredible," Kevin told Us. "It is always a new experience. Something brand new." But Joe admitted he's afraid he'll trip as he walks up stairs during the performance of "Lovebug," their new single. "When I have to walk up stairs, I am like, 'Oh No,' " he told Us. "I was like, 'Can I just have a jet pack or something?'" Nick also revealed to Us their inspiration for the song. "We wrote it from our hotel room [over] Christmas break of the Hannah Montana tour," he said. "We sat down and wrote it that night in about 15-20 minutes. " 'Juno' was one of our favorite movies at the time," Nick explained. "It was weird intimacy." The song is about "when you fall in love with somebody and they break your heart, or you break their heart, however it ends," Nick said. "You think that's it forever and it is never going to happen again. That is until the 'Lovebug' hits you." Kevin added, "For us, it is throwing any past inhibitions to the wind." The Jonas Brothers are heading to London after the VMAs for the premiere of "Camp Rock." It's a wrap! Now that the 2008 VMAs have come and gone, check out all the winners, the most surprising moments, the best red-carpet fashions and more at VMA.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Artists |
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