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| Obama Calls Youth Ball Dance 'Old School' Posted: 20 Jan 2009 08:39 AM PST First couple mixes up their dance moves a bit at 'Be the Change' event.
The Obamas are doing a lot of dancing tonight. The couple, who were serenaded by Beyoncé to "At Last" at the Neighborhood Ball earlier in the evening (and critiqued by "America's Best Dance Crew" judge Shane Sparks), took the stage for a more formal instrumental version of the song at the Youth Ball.
Obama transitioned from his speech to the dance, as usual, with style and grace. "I promise you, America will get stronger and more united," he said. "You are going to make it happen, and [we] thank you from the bottom our hearts. God bless America. Hit it, band!" The couple then gently broke into a slow dance that was more formal, yet showed a bit more character than the Neighborhood Ball dance, showing off a few more fancy dance moves while laughing and joking with each other before the exuberant crowd. At the end, Obama kissed his wife on the cheek and gave a nod to the crowd before proclaiming, presumably in reference to their more formal dance, "That's what's called 'old school.' Have a great night, guys. Love you." Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Videos Related Photos |
| 'America's Best Dance Crew' Judge Weighs In On Obamas' Dancing Posted: 20 Jan 2009 07:17 AM PST 'It looked like my man got rhythm,' Shane Sparks tells MTV News after the first couple's first dance.
If Barack and Michelle Obama decide they want to ditch this whole president thing to take their dancing act on the road, "America's Best Dance Crew" judge Shane Sparks thinks they might need some practice first. But, let's be honest: They have more important things on their minds. "Their posture wasn't perfect," Sparks told MTV News just moments after the first couple finished their first dance. "I would honestly say I'm sure they could take a few lessons. They could use a little Shane Sparks in there. I would like to see them drop it like it's hot. Obama don't seem like that type to get out and spin on his head."
Sparks was joking, of course, and actually thought the couple did quite well given the pressure of sharing such an intimate moment with the entire world. "I think they did really good," Sparks said. "I was actually really proud. It looked like my man got rhythm. It looked like he was in control. ... It looked like he really loved her, and I loved that." And it was that chemistry that made up for any lack of experience these two may have in the dancing department. "It's almost like no one else was around. They probably can't wait to get home and relax," he said. "I think they did a really good job." Sparks thinks the Obamas might have sought professional advice before the big night. "It was really smooth," he said. "It looked like they knew exactly what they did and when they wanted to do it. It was 50/50. It wasn't perfect, but the good thing was they didn't look uptight." So if the Obamas decide to make a cameo on "ABDC," what score would Sparks give them? "On technique, I would give them an 8. On loving each other, I would have give them a 10. And on the way they were dressed, I would have given them a 9." (One of our bloggers begs to differ about Michelle's dress.) He does have some advice for the couple if they want a perfect 10: "Come to Los Angeles, come to the Millennium Dance Complex, and I will hook them up." Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Photos |
| Kanye, Fall Out Boy, Kid Rock Raise Roof At 'Be The Change' Youth Ball Posted: 21 Jan 2009 09:42 AM PST 'I feel like I'm in the future — first iPods, now this!' West exclaims.
Opening the show from the Hilton Washington, the night's host, Sway, reminded everyone that after what was sure to be an exhausting first day, it was time to celebrate President Barack Obama's historic inauguration. Kanye West kicked off the show with a medley of hits like "Touch the Sky," "Stronger" and "Good Life." "Let's make some noise for our new president, Obama," he told the crowd. "It feels so good to be standing here. My mama would be so proud to see her baby boy with the #1 song in the country and our new African-American president."
Later in the night, he joked, "I still can't believe it. I feel like I'm in the future — first iPods, now this!" All Kanye-related accolades aside, the night really belonged to President Barack Obama, who dazzled the 7,000 party goers with a heartfelt speech about how thankful he is for the work the young people put in to get him elected. "I've been looking forward to this ball for quite some time because, when you look at the history of this campaign, what started out as an improbable journey when nobody gave us a chance was carried forward, was inspired by, was energized by young people all across America," he told the room as the crowd shouted, "Yes, we can," before he and first lady Michelle Obama took the stage for their first "old school" dance to an instrumental version of "At Last." But, the party didn't end with a dance by the first couple. Even after the president left, everyone was still ready to keep the celebration going. Fall Out Boy performed a few hits like "Dance, Dance," but after they played "Thnks fr th Mmrs," bassist Pete Wentz joked, "We felt like we needed to play a song for George Bush." "It's mind-blowing. It's one of those things where it's such an amazing experience — just being in his presence is amazing," Wentz later gushed about meeting the president. Kid Rock played an acoustic version of "Amen." "Can you feel that?" he asked the crowd. "God bless you all." Guest reporters like Rosario Dawson and Usher were on hand along with celebrities like Beastie Boy Adam Yauch, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Kid Rock and Santogold. "I mean, after eight years of Bush, we just wanted to do everything we could to try and help," Yauch said. Meanwhile, Tobey Maguire proclaimed, "This is a party." But the night wasn't just about partying — it was also about community service, and MTV was in New Orleans, Kenya and Washington D.C. to track the progress of several community-service projects. MTV caught up with volunteers across the globe helping to make a difference and change people's lives for the better. MTV Tr3s VJ Carlos Santos was in New Orleans — along with a group of volunteers — helping rebuild homes for people like the Albers family, who lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina. Tim Kash was in Kenya to help construct a computer lab for kids who have never seen a computer before. Meanwhile, Kim Stolz worked at Simon Elementary in Washington, D.C., to give the school a makeover and build two new libraries for the students. "To see all this going on is amazing," Shaquanda, 19, who volunteered at Simon Elementary School, told MTV News about the chance to volunteer and make a difference during this historic time in American history. Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Jay-Z Explains 'History,' New Song Performed At Neighborhood Ball Posted: 20 Jan 2009 06:27 AM PST 'The 'History' record is really about making history,' Jay explains of the song he performed at Barack Obama's inaugural ball.
A lot of rappers penned songs honoring President Barack Obama in the weeks leading up to Election Day. There was Will.I.Am's "Yes, We Can" tribute, Nas' "Black President" and Kidz in the Hall's "Work to Do." Jay-Z took a different route, headlining rallies to encourage voter registration, speaking out against George W. Bush during his Heart of the City Tour, and writing an open letter in support of Obama. But on election night, Hov joined the fray with his own Obama track, "History." The song was rumored to be a number from his upcoming The Blueprint 3.
Neither Jay nor anyone from his camp has confirmed where the song will land, but he performed it live on ABC's "Neighborhood Ball" Tuesday night (January 20). "All I got is dreams nobody else can see/ Nobody else believes, nobody else but me/ Where are you victory, I need you desperately/ Not just for the moment to make history," he raps in the song's first verse. Donning a tuxedo and his newly ubiquitous black-rimmed spectacles, he took to the stage. "Put the peace sign up! Y'all made history!" Jay said to the crowd. On Monday night in D.C., Jay talked to us about the song. "The 'History' record is really about — once again — about making history," he explained. "But I use different words as if they were women: 'Success. I met success and success was a sister of defeat.' You know, if you listen to the record it's pretty much talking about trying to find victory, victory being a woman, and so me and victory can make a kid — the kid being history, and then history tells your legacy. It's deep but it's fun. It's not really that complicated." Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Usher Gets Down, Fall Out Boy Meet Obama Backstage At Youth Ball Posted: 20 Jan 2009 11:55 PM PST Plus: Ashton Kutcher snaps iPhone pics of the president; Kid Rock hits D.C. just in time.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Our nation's capital has been at its absolute craziest over the past few days, and A-listers had their choice of high-profile events to attend in honor of President Barack Obama. But where did the stars flock? Our "Be the Change" Youth Inaugural Ball, of course. And we had the backstage covered, so no odd celebrity pairing or impromptu dance (we're looking at you, Usher) went unnoticed. First on the stage was Kanye West. We spotted one of 'Ye's bandmembers earlier in the night wearing a crazy black face-shield that resembled a welding get-up. We actually thought he might be there to do some emergency repairs. As West performed a medley of his biggest hits — including "Stronger," "Good Life" and "Touch the Sky" — a couple ballroom-danced throughout the entire set. They must have been inspired by the first couple's first dance.
Fall Out Boy were out in full force to watch Kanye's performance from the side of the stage. But the boys were even more starstruck by Obama, whom they met 10 minutes before hitting the stage themselves. They played "Thanks Fr Th Mmrs" — and dedicated it to ex-President George W. Bush. The final performer, Kid Rock, arrived in town on Tuesday (January 20), just in time to hear Obama make his inaugural address. "I listened to it," Kid told MTV News backstage. "We had just gotten off the plane. We were in the van, but that's the important part: listening to it." While the three musical acts owned the stage, let's not forget who was the man of honor: Barack Obama. The place went bonkers when the new president arrived onstage, and all the kids had their camera phones up in the air to capture the moment. But it wasn't just the kids — even Ashton Kutcher was snapping iPhone photos as he stood alongside wife Demi Moore, Kid Rock and special MTV News correspondent Usher. Ashton and Usher gave each other a bro-hug a few minutes later and stood together to watch Obama address the crowd. It wasn't all serious for Usher during the ball. When he first arrived, he did a little cabbage-patching to Bell Biv DeVoe's "Poison" as wife Tameka Foster, decked out in an elegant, eggplant-colored, floor-length gown, looked on and laughed. When the festivities were wrapping up, Sway grabbed Fall Out Boy and Kanye West for a joint interview. That can only be a good thing, since the last time 'Ye and FOB got together, it resulted in the amazing "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" remix. Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| 'At Last': The Story Behind The Song Beyonce Sang For The Obamas' First Dance Posted: 20 Jan 2009 06:29 AM PST Once Beyonce finished singing, she and the Obamas were in tears.
Moments before Beyoncé took the stage to sing for the Obamas' first dance, the president asked the crowd, "How good-looking is my wife?" and launched into a brief speech about the significance of the Neighborhood Ball and the role neighborhoods played in his election. Beyoncé, in a lavender satin gown, serenaded the couple as they shared a few laughs and quiet conversation during the dance. By the time the song was over, B and the Obamas were all in tears.
The song Beyoncé sang, of course, was Etta James' "At Last." While the song has certainly taken on a new significance this year, it's got quite a history. "Interestingly enough, the year Etta James made this song popular, 1961, is the year Barack Obama was born," Greg Johnson, blues curator and associate professor at the University of Mississippi, told MTV News. He added that he can't be sure as to Beyoncé's reasons for picking the song, but he is willing to take a few guesses. "The title can imply, 'At last the United States has elected a black president,' " he suggested. " 'At last the United States has overcome its past fears of people of mixed race, at last the United States has chosen positive vision over the status quo.' " Johnson did find a connection that has been evident throughout this entire election — that youth voters have once again found a reason to be interested in politics. "Another spin is that, 'At last youth may find a connection with politics and become more engaged,' " he said. "Whatever the reason, the song will honor not only the Obama family, but pay tribute to one of our finest blues, soul and gospel singers, Etta James." Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| War Vets Honored At Heroes Red, White And Blue Military Ball Posted: 20 Jan 2009 11:28 PM PST President Barack Obama stressed in his inaugural address that their example of courage should be followed.
As they say in the biz, the show must goes on. And on the eve of President Barack Obama's inauguration, the Heroes Red, White and Blue Military Ball had to do just that. Jamie Foxx, Nas, Josh Groban and Tiki Barber pulled out last minute, putting ball sponsors USO, TAPS and Citizens Helping Heroes in a difficult position. Nevertheless, adjustments were made and the night was a huge success, with performances by Parliament Funkadelic mastermind George Clinton — who is renowned for his wild live shows — David Banner, Memphis Gold and others. "We can be so proud," Captain Angelina Carrera said. "We served our country with love and honor." Carrera served in Iraq with her husband, Colonel Stephen K. Scott. He was killed by a mortar round in Baghdad last April. Carrera's remarks came during an intermission between performers Memphis Gold, Peter Paul and George Clinton in the historic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. During Obama's inaugural address earlier that day, the president stressed that American civilians should follow the example of men and women in uniform. Staff Sergeant Calvin Linnette, who was wounded twice in Iraq, said Obama's remarks made him feel good. "A lot of people today wouldn't join the military," he said. "A lot wouldn't dare join. But Obama sees the courage in us, he sees what we endure. For him to make that comment, about our service, it means so much. He understands what we sacrifice." The sacrifice wasn't lost on the quickly organized group of performers, including George Clinton and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, who stepped up to give America's heroes a show. "This is an honor," Peanut of George Clinton's entourage said. "We don't say it enough. We don't say 'thank you' enough." Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Jennifer Lopez And Marc Anthony Spice Up Western States Inaugural Ball Posted: 21 Jan 2009 12:26 AM PST Tyra Banks, Ron Howard and other Hollywood types mingle with Montana cowboys at the party.
By midnight, the stage at the Western States Inauguration Ball had seen more canoodling couples than a small-town lovers' lane. At around 11 p.m., Vice President Joe Biden and wife Jill embraced in a ceremonial inaugural dance. Near midnight, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle grooved together on the same floor. But hours earlier, in a surprise guest appearance, Jennifer Lopez cuddled with hubby Marc Anthony on that very same stage. Tuesday night's celebrations were divided by geographic region, and this party was for all things West — from America's rugged wilderness to chichi California. Hollywood types like director Ron Howard shared the floor with Montana cowboys. One rancher, Brett DeBruycker, was a president himself — of the Montana Cattleman's Association. "There's more people in this room than in my entire state," he laughed. Held in the cavernous basement of the Washington Convention Center, the ball didn't have much to offer guests by way of entertainment for the long hours leading up to the arrivals of the presidential couples. A shimmying cover band played the hits, lines for cocktails stretched for miles, and some deflated guests slumped on the floor in their voluminous ball gowns. To the rescue came Anthony, the star performer of the night. Anthony pumped out Latin music, telling the crowd repeatedly, "You know, it's OK to dance." He took a breather with the slow song "You Sang to Me." "I wrote this song for Jennifer about 10 years ago," he said. "It didn't work back then, but eventually ... she got the point." To prove that point, Anthony's muse herself stunned the crowd when she unexpectedly strutted onstage, wearing a white chiffon asymmetrical dress (a bling-free version of Michelle Obama's dazzling wonder). Crushing rumors about their marriage being on the rocks, Lopez and her husband salsa-ed together during a duet in Spanish and closed the number with a kiss. As the crowd cheered his wife, Anthony couldn't help but gush: "Man, she's cute." Another gusher was Tyra Banks, who alternately poured out her love for Barack Obama and Nicole Miller, who designed her brown evening gown "from scratch." Obama's decision to appear on her talk show last year personally affected the model, she said. "I was nervous. He validated me as a journalist," she said. "He made me feel proud of my accomplishments." After the Latin interlude, the army of ball-goers stood at attention for hours, waiting for the brief appearance of the Bidens and Obamas, who were scheduled to pop into each of the 10 official balls that evening. In the packed crowd, more than four people collapsed and at least two had to be removed on a stretcher. A young law student who fainted begged paramedics not to carry her out on a gurney: "It will be so embarrassing!" Despite some hairy moments, and the dreary tedium of waiting, the appearance of Joe and flame-red-clad Jill Biden got the crowd back on its feet again. Biden's humble comment that "now you're gonna see how I can't dance" didn't stop the thousands of onlookers from cheering as the vice-presidential couple swayed in each other's arms. But it was nothing compared to the response Obama and his wife garnered when they twirled and hugged on the dance floor. Obama's simple "hello" was met with a deafening response, and when his hands lowered to the first lady's hips, oohs and aahs filled the air. Though he stepped on her train, Obama may have made it up to his wife with his closing comments. Michelle, he said, "Does everything I do, but she does it in heels." With a wave, he turned with one last message to the audience: "Let's go change America." Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Barack Obama Tells Youth Ball His 'Improbable Journey' Was 'Energized By Young People' Posted: 20 Jan 2009 08:18 AM PST New president tells crowd at 'Be the Change' celebration that 'America will get stronger and more united.'
President Barack Obama wowed a crowd of nearly 7,000 when he made his way onstage during the "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" at the Hilton Washington on Tuesday (January 20). With his wife, Michelle Obama, by his side, the president thanked the legions of young Americans who worked to make sure that he became the 44th president of the United States. "I've been looking forward to this ball for quite some time because, when you look at the history of this campaign, what started out as an improbable journey when nobody gave us a chance was carried forward, was inspired by, was energized by young people all across America," he told the room, as supporters shouted, "Yes, we can!"
"I can't tell you how many people have come up to us and said, 'I was kind of skeptical, but then my daughter ... she wouldn't budge. She told me I needed to vote for Obama,' " he continued as the crowd cheered him on. " 'Suddenly, I saw my son and he was out volunteering and getting involved like never before.' And so a new generation inspired a previous generation and that's how change happens in America. "It doesn't just happen in the election and campaign. It's happened in service all across America. As this is broadcast all around the world we know that young people everywhere are in process of imagining something different than what has come before us: Where there is war they imagine peace. Where there is hunger they imagine people being able to feed themselves. Where they imagine bigotry they imagine togetherness. The futures will be in your hands if you are able to sustain the kind of energy and focus you showed on this campaign. "I promise you, America will get stronger and more united. You are going to make it happen, and [we] thank you from the bottom our hearts. God bless America. Hit it, band." The first couple then danced to an instrumental version of "At Last," but this time their dance showed a bit more character and the two freestyled a few more fancy dance moves while laughing and joking with each other before an exuberant crowd. At the end, Obama kissed his wife on the cheek before proclaiming, "That's what's called 'old school.' Have a great night, guys. Love you." Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Videos Related Photos |
| President Barack Obama Assures Americans 'Yes, We Will' At Neighborhood Ball Posted: 20 Jan 2009 08:04 AM PST Mariah Carey, Will.I.Am, Beyoncé and others gather to celebrate Obama presidency.
One of President Barack Obama's promises on the campaign trail was to offer an administration that was transparent. Well, he got off to a good start Tuesday night (January 20). The Neighborhood Ball inauguration celebration was the first ball to be open to the public and not restricted to political dignitaries. The two-hour event was broadcast live on ABC and featured a slew of celebrities, including Beyoncé, who performed "At Last" for the president and his wife's ceremonious first dance.
Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Vanessa Williams, Ray Romano, Leonardo DiCaprio and Denzel Washington participated in the festivities as well. Washington introduced the country's newest first couple to the roaring audience. "It's a privilege for me," the actor said. "Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States and the first lady, Michelle Obama." The Obamas entered to thunderous applause. "I want to thank all of you, not merely for helping me get elected, but I want to thank each and every one of you and all the people who are watching tonight for what you do to make this country better," the president said. Obama then went on to call for his supporters to continue their commitment tomorrow, this year and over the next four years. "Because together, we're going to change America," he finished. "Thank you, guys." Throughout the ball, performers tailored their songs to match Obama's campaign messages. Mariah Carey took to the stage after being introduced by the house DJ, her husband Nick Cannon. "This is for everyone out there with dreams," Carey said, before singing her ballad "Hero." "And, of course, I have to dedicate [the song] to our president." The night's entertainment — from Carey to Alicia Keys to Will.I.Am to Maroon 5's Adam Levine — all joined together with Stevie Wonder for an all-star rendition of Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." The president later spoke with ABC's Robin Roberts during the ball and explained his and Chief Justice John Roberts flub during the swearing-in earlier in the day. The two seemed to be out of sync during their exchange. But Obama, ever the optimist, said they helped each other out. "I think we were up there, we had a lot of stuff on our minds," he said, smiling. "He actually helped me out on a couple stanzas. Overall, I think it went relatively smoothly." Wonder returned to the stage with Sting to close out the show with the latter's "Brand New Day." Afterward, Obama again spoke to the crowd from the stage. The 44th president told the audience the event was the first of 10 he and the first lady were to attend. Before he exited, Obama once again evoked his messages of change and hope. "Yes, we will," he said, leaving to chants of Obama. Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya. Related Photos Related Artists |
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