MTV News |
- Beyonce's VMA-Nominated 'Single Ladies' Video Began As An Afterthought
- Jay-Z Remembers 9/11 With Kanye West, Diddy, Rihanna At Benefit Show
- Michael Jackson VMA Tribute Will Include Top Choreographers
- Usher And Justin Timberlake Battled It Out For Justin Bieber
- Lady Gaga, MJ Tribute And More Pack First 30 Minutes Of The VMAs
- Kid Cudi Plans To 'Celebrate' DJ AM At The VMAs
- Mary J. Blige Looking Forward To 'Huge' Jay-Z And Alicia Keys VMA Performance
- Justin Bieber 'Thankful' For His Fans Vying For A VMA Shout-Out
- Cobra Starship Say They're 'Bringing The Party' To The VMAs
- Jay-Z Fans Expect 'Surprises' At 9/11 Benefit Concert
| Beyonce's VMA-Nominated 'Single Ladies' Video Began As An Afterthought Posted: 12 Sep 2009 03:52 AM PDT Video director Jake Nava talks about the video's less-is-more style in Behind the Lens.
The most amazing thing about Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" video isn't the dancing, the leotards, the mesmerizing movement of the Queen B's hips or the set's eerie minimalism (though, all of those things are pretty epic). No, what's most amazing is that it was never meant to be a hit at all. Seems "Single Ladies" — which is nominated for nine Moonmen at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year — was basically an afterthought. Director Jake Nava got around to it only after wrapping production on "If I Were a Boy," a higher-gloss, higher-profile video that was originally intended to be the main attraction of B's first two I Am ... Sasha Fierce singles.
"The video was shot back-to-back with 'If I Were a Boy' in New York City, but as soon as we finished the edit, I realized it was special," Nava wrote to MTV News in an e-mail. "I don't think any of us predicted the amount of parodies it would attract. It's a testament to Beyoncé's mind-boggling talent and to the fact that sometimes, less really can be more." Nava isn't kidding. Unlike any other VMA-nominated clip, "Single Ladies" exudes a lo-fi, sorta-DIY charm. In a lot of ways, it appears like it was custom-made for the YouTube generation, which probably explains why making homages became a worldwide phenomenon. Justin Timberlake and Joe Jonas donned black leotards for much-publicized parody versions. Barack Obama mimicked B's hand moves during his inauguration weekend. And online, everyone from portly gentlemen to precocious toddlers put a ring on it. A lot of that can be attributed to the song — which, if you ask us, is pretty great — and Beyoncé's moves, we'd be remiss if we didn't give some props to Nava's team too. From the purposely long takes and the deft edits to the now-classic choreography and the hyper-glam styling, "Single Ladies" is very much a technical accomplishment that looks deceptively simple to the casual observer. "Although I wanted the video to feel like it was one continuous take, on the shoot day we decided to split the song into three parts. I deliberately let the shots be long so viewers would connect with the human endeavor of Beyoncé's awe-inspiring dance, which was inspired by an old-school Bob Fosse routine," Nava wrote. "The styling was inspired by a Vogue photo shoot. All the changes in look and lighting were executed 'in camera,' because I wanted to keep the feel very organic and ungimmicky." Sometimes, less really is more. And "Single Ladies" is proof. Go Behind the Lens of other Video of the Year nominees: Watch the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Preshow this Sunday, September 13, at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the big event, airing live at 9 p.m. New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long, so stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. |
| Jay-Z Remembers 9/11 With Kanye West, Diddy, Rihanna At Benefit Show Posted: 11 Sep 2009 10:57 PM PDT Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, John Mayer, Pharrell, Kid Cudi and Santigold also join Hov onstage at Madison Square Garden.
NEW YORK — Jay-Z returned to Madison Square Garden on Friday night (September 11) and left no question about who is running the Big Apple. Diddy, Pharrell, John Mayer, Mary J. Blige, Kid Cudi, Santigold and Beyoncé were among those who joined him onstage at the "Answer the Call" benefit concert. The proceeds from the show will benefit families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 tragedy. The overwhelming guest spot of the night was, hands down, the first live performance of "Run This Town" with Rihanna and Kanye West.
Before performing the song, Jay addressed the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. "They believed that it would weaken us; they were sadly mistaken," he said. "I saw the strength and resiliency that made New Yorkers New Yorkers. Now we stand here eight years later even stronger. This is our town. We run this town, New York City. New York City, we run this town." Rihanna started the record with the chorus but didn't come to the forefront of the stage until after Jay's second verse. Kanye brought the most energy, jumping off the stairs on a mini-stage where Jay's Roc Boys band played. During Kanye's verse, Rihanna demonstrated West's words. "She got an a-- that'll swallow up her G-string," Kanye rapped, as Rih placed one of her hands on her posterior. "And up top, uh, two bee stings," he said as the singer placed both hands on her breasts momentarily. After the record, the three soaked up their victorious performance. Rihanna left the stage, but Kanye stayed to rock "Can't Tell Me Nothin'." "Jay, can I do one more before I get outta here?" Kanye asked the Jiggaman. A unified yell came came from the crowd as he started "Good Life." "Answer the Call" started a little early. Jay was originally slated to get on at precisely 9:11 p.m., but he appeared around 9:05 instead. But who's complaining? DJ Biz Markie warmed the audience up, spinning pop hits form the '80s like Madonna's "Holiday" and hip-hop classics like his "Just a Friend." Some firemen in uniform were having fun singing, "Oh baby you, got what I neeeeed," at the MSG concession stand.
When it was time for Jay-Z, a huge video screen appeared shaped like the New York City skyline, with Hov's band underneath on a smaller stage. Jay held court dressed in all black on the big stage. "Empire State of Mind" was the opening number. Alicia Keys wasn't there — you'll have to wait for the VMAs on Sunday for that — but Jay did have a background singer with strong pipes. "Is New York City in the house tonight?" he asked. The Brooklyn native then devoted his attention to one borough in particular. No surprise there. "Brooklyn Go Hard" followed, with guests Santigold and Memphis Bleek hyping the situation. "P.S.A." and "Heart of the City" provided back-to-back adrenaline rushes. Kid Cudi came out next for Blueprint 3's "Already Home." "They say that I'm in the way, they want me to sit with them," Jay rapped, facing Cudi while Kid bopped and threw in ad libs. "But what they admitting is, they ain't got sh-- for him/ But really the fact is, we not in the same bracket/ Not in the same league, don't shoot at the same baskets/ Don't pay the same taxes, hang with the same bi---es/ So how am I in the way, what is it I'm missing?" "We just warming up!" Hov said next. "You Don't Know" followed, with John Mayer helping out on guitar. The Grammy winner then played a medley of familiar Jay-strumentals: " '03 Bonnie and Clyde," "Run This Town," "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" and finally, when it came to riffs from "D.O.A.," Jay did the entire record. "I got a song for those people in a cave that attacked New York City," Jay said further along in the show. "I want New York City to be with me on this one. For all those people hiding in a cave. "I got 99 Problems, but a bi--- ain't one,'" he said next, leading into "99 Problems." Toward the end of the concert, Jay performed "Hard Knock Life" and had a moment of silence after. The chorus to BP3's "Forever Young" was then played, while pictures of some of the victims of 9/11 scrolled up the screen on the stage. "Make some noise for everybody who lost their life, so we could live ours," Jay commanded. The last song was "Encore," with Diddy and Kanye coming back out. "I done seen a lot of sh-- in my life," Diddy said. "But I never seen what happened here tonight. Make some noise for Jay-Z." The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards air live this Sunday, September 13, at 9 p.m. ET, but New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long! Stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. Related Photos Related Artists |
| Michael Jackson VMA Tribute Will Include Top Choreographers Posted: 11 Sep 2009 06:14 AM PDT Wade Robson, Cris Judd and more will take the stage for a dance tribute to the late King of Pop.
Since he won his first Moonmen at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, Michael Jackson has graced MTV's biggest stage time and time again with his eye-poppingly inventive dance moves — kicks, spins and moonwalks that continue to influence the world of contemporary dance. Though MJ's gone, the music industry's biggest choreographers have not forgotten the King of Pop's impact on their craft. That's why some of the hottest names in choreography from the last 15 years will be joining the tribute to Michael Jackson that will kick off the VMAs on Sunday.
The creative director for the tribute is Gil Duldulao. Joining him as dancers will be choreographers Dave Scott, Cris Judd, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio, Travis Payne, Jeri Slaughter, Laurie Ann Gibson, Mia Michaels and Tina Landon. Some of these people you may have heard of before, but you've most definitely seen the way they've made the feet move of the biggest names in music: Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Usher, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga — they've all worked alongside these choreographers. And these choreographers have all been heavily influenced by MJ over the years — they've even contributed moves to the King of Pop's own routines. The VMA tribute gives these talented men and women a chance to honor Jackson's body of work, to connect past generations of dancers to future ones and, of course, to bring some high-energy toe-tapping to the 2009 show. The list of their career collaborators is a long and impressively dizzying one. Duldulao is Janet's close creative partner who's also come up with moves for Aguilera, Spears and Lopez. Today's pop-culture universe has opened up vast new opportunities on the big and small screen, a development Scott has taken full advantage of with his work on movies like "Stomp the Yard" and Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance." Although probably best known as J. Lo's onetime hubby, Judd is a pop force in his own right, having performed with 'NSYNC and Celine Dion. Who doesn't remember Christopher Walken's turn in Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" video? Well, if you dug it — and how could you not? — you're already a fan of Friedman, as he was Walken's double for the shoot. He's also boogied with Prince, Spears and 'NSYNC. You want Grammy nominations? Emmy wins? Look to Robson, a vet of "SYTYCD" who's also worked with Spears and 'NSNYC. Another "SYTYCD" contributor — a guest judge, in fact — is Diorio. He's also found time to work with Paula Abdul and J. Lo. Payne knows MJ's style well, and he's partly responsible for it: The guy created some of the choreography for the pop star's HIStory tour in the '90s. Gibson has jammed with Lady Gaga, Danity Kane and Jordin Sparks, while Michaels has danced with the likes of Madonna, Prince and Celine Dion. Landon's impressive credits include work with Janet Jackson, Ricky Martin and Abdul. And Slaughter is just plain ridiculous: Aguilera, J. Lo, Mariah Carey, Spice Girls, Leona Lewis, Cher and more. Check it all out on Sunday at 9 p.m. when the VMAs get an unforgettable jolt from this all-star Michael Jackson tribute. Watch the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Preshow this Sunday, September 13, at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the big event, airing live at 9 p.m. New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long, so stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Usher And Justin Timberlake Battled It Out For Justin Bieber Posted: 12 Sep 2009 03:52 AM PDT Online singing sensation will shout out his biggest fan when he walks the VMA red carpet Sunday.
Justin Bieber is poised to become pop music's next big thing, thanks to his rabid Internet fanbase. And at 15, he's already been sought after by Justin Timberlake and Usher. Usher eventually won the label bidding war and signed the young artist, who has more than 200,000 fans following him on Twitter. But that doesn't mean he's a household name just yet. That all could change once he steps onto the red carpet at the Video Music Awards on Sunday. So how did he make it to this point in his career?
"My manager found me on YouTube," he told MTV News. "He actually flew me out to Atlanta for the first time. I was going to the studio to meet some people." But that initial encounter didn't work out the way he might have wanted it to. "Usher happens to roll up in his Range Rover, so I was like, 'Man, that's Usher.' So I ran up to him." Unfortunately, Usher turned down the chance to hear Justin sing right there on the spot. But the "Yeah!" singer eventually came around. "He actually watched my videos and was like, 'Man, I should have let this kid sing,' " he said. "And he flew me back to Atlanta. I got to sing for him, and then a week later, I had a meeting with Justin Timberlake. They both kind of wanted me." People are still competing to win Bieber's attention, but now they're the ones posting videos online. Come VMA night, the fan who posts the video Bieber likes the most will get a shout-out on the red carpet. (Want to be that person? Let us know why you're Justin Bieber's biggest fan!) "Being able to have them all participate just makes me feel good," he said about the contest. "Having them make videos for me is awesome. I mean, without my fans, I wouldn't be here, so I definitely am thankful for my fans. You guys keep coming up with the videos. They're awesome, so just keep coming with them." The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards air live this Sunday, September 13, at 9 p.m. ET, but New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long! Stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Lady Gaga, MJ Tribute And More Pack First 30 Minutes Of The VMAs Posted: 11 Sep 2009 07:46 AM PDT There will also be performances from Taylor Swift and Wale, along with appearances by Taylor Lautner, Eminem and more.
Though the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards don't begin until Sunday night, the bass-bumping, guitar-wailing action is already in full swing inside New York's Radio City Music Hall as superstar artists rehearse for their performances. And you know what? It's just not fair that we're the only ones who get a sneak peek at this pop-culture heaven. That's why we've decided to pull aside the curtain and let you know what the first 30 minutes of the VMA show will deliver.
A very special tribute to Michael Jackson will begin the show, and Janet Jackson will be there to take part. From there, it's off to the entertainment races. Get ready for Eminem, Jack Black, Pete Wentz, Kristin Cavallari, Justin Bieber and Miranda Cosgrove. Did we mention you'll also get Shakira and "Twilight" star Taylor Lautner too? Well, it's gonna happen, so get prepared, and time your bathroom breaks wisely. In the first 30 minutes, you'll also be treated to performances from Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and house-band MC Wale. Of course, host Russell Brand will be front and center the entire time. Returning for emceeing duty after last year's controversy-filled show, Brand has promised to bring the love to the 2009 VMAs. Goodness knows what that means to the potty-mouthed comedian! There's pretty much an entire awards show of pop-culture righteousness stuffed into this half-hour. But there's much more to come afterward, and you'll just have to keep glued to the boob tube to take it all in. There are going to be performances by Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Pink, Green Day and Muse. Plus appearances by Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Nelly Furtado, Leighton Meester, Chace Crawford and Ne-Yo, and exclusive, never-before-seen footage from "Twilight" sequel "New Moon" and the Michael Jackson documentary "This Is It." So there you are. Welcome behind the VMA curtain. We hope you're as pumped for the show as we are. The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards air live this Sunday, September 13, at 9 p.m. ET, but New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long! Stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Kid Cudi Plans To 'Celebrate' DJ AM At The VMAs Posted: 11 Sep 2009 04:53 AM PDT 'DJ AM was a good homie of mine, so we're going to do a little something for him,' rapper says.
When Kid Cudi performs with Wale and the go-go group UCB, the VMA house band, at Sunday's awards show, he will take some time out to remember 2008 house-band member DJ AM, who died unexpectedly last month. "DJ AM was a good homie of mine, so we're going to do a little something for him," the VMA-nominated rapper told MTV News. "We doing this for AM. He had so much love."
For Cudi's time at the Video Music Awards, he plans to make sure his party is all about AM. "We're going to be celebrating his life," he said. "You know what I mean? It's going to be a great night, and I don't know about everybody else, but I'm celebrating the VMAs in memory of Adam Goldstein." Wale spoke to MTV News after AM's death about picking up where Travis Barker and DJ AM left off last year. "AM was one of the greatest DJs I've ever seen play," he said. "Him and Travis had such a chemistry. [AM was] definitely one of the greater ears in music, and he's definitely underrated [as a DJ]." Wale and UCB will also be joined by Solange Knowles, Pitbull and 3OH!3 for a series of originals and covers that will definitely keep the VMA crowd rocking all night. If Wale's VMA rehearsal Thursday was any indication, those covers could include songs by Britney Spears, Coldplay and Kings of Leon. The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards air live this Sunday, September 13, at 9 p.m. ET, but New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long! Stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Mary J. Blige Looking Forward To 'Huge' Jay-Z And Alicia Keys VMA Performance Posted: 11 Sep 2009 02:46 AM PDT Swizz Beatz says Sunday's 'Empire State of Mind' duet will put 'two greats on the stage, and you know what happens.'
The list of famous New Yorkers could go on longer than Mayor Michael Bloomberg's term in office, but undoubtedly two of the most beloved natives are Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. The pair will take the stage on Sunday at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards to perform Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind," a Frank Sinatra-like number that name-checks some of Gotham's notable neighborhoods and captures the city's essence, from attending Knicks games (courtside, if you're Jay-Z) to its famous residents.
Keys is featured on the track where she croons on the chorus, "Count on New York, these streets will make you feel brand new/ Big lights will inspire you." The track is from Jay-Z's recently released Blueprint 3 album and the VMA performance will mark his first time performing the song live. Rehearsals at Radio City Music Hall have had frequent Jay-Z collaborator Swizz Beatz on hand. The super-producer said the new Big Apple anthem reminds him of another Jay-Z collaboration, a classic from his debut that was more of an ode to Brooklyn — but bigger. "That's like 'Can't Knock the Hustle' 2009, [but] featuring Alicia Keys," he told MTV News. "It's just like Jay and Mary [J. Blige] with the chemistry there, the love for music is there, the creativity is there — it works. It's not like putting two opposite people onstage and trying to make things happen, no. It's putting two greats on the stage and you know what happens. And that's the result of 'Empire State of Mind.' " Jay-Z and Blige toured together last year and they paid homage to their roots by naming their joint trek the Heart of the City tour. Blige has joined Jay-Z on more than one occasion to honor New York — she expects his performance with Keys will be just as big, calling the pairing "huge." "I just hope it's as crazy as it sounds," she said. "I hope it's as big as it sounds. I hope it looks that big. I believe it will be — she's incredible. And he's Jay, you know? Let's see." Watch the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Preshow this Sunday, September 13, at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the big event, airing live at 9 p.m. New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long, so stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Justin Bieber 'Thankful' For His Fans Vying For A VMA Shout-Out Posted: 11 Sep 2009 04:51 AM PDT Up-and-coming pop singer hopes to run into Beyoncé on the red carpet Sunday.
Justin Bieber is ready to take his fame to the next level at the 2009 Video Music Awards. While the Usher protégé has a few fans of his own — more than 200,000 on Twitter — there's one lady he still gets excited about. And he's hoping that when he graces the carpet at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, he'll get the chance to meet the nine-time-nominated star.
"I'm very excited to be able to walk the red carpet," the 15-year-old pop singer told MTV News. "I actually went to the Kids' Choice Awards awhile back, but this is the first big red-carpet experience, so I'm very excited. And I'm really looking forward to seeing Beyoncé. That's going to be great." Bieber — who names Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Boys II Men as the influences for his album My World, out November 17 — will be making one of his fans very happy at the VMAs. He'll shout out one fan's name on the red carpet, which he's really looking forward to. (Want to be that person? Let us know why you're Justin Bieber's biggest fan!) "Being able to have them all participate just makes me feel good," he said about the contest. "Having them make videos for me is awesome. I mean, without my fans, I wouldn't be here, so I definitely am thankful for my fans. You guys keep coming up with the videos. They're awesome, so just keep coming with them." The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards air live this Sunday, September 13, at 9 p.m. ET, but New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long! Stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Cobra Starship Say They're 'Bringing The Party' To The VMAs Posted: 11 Sep 2009 07:43 AM PDT Rockers are kicking off VMA weekend with a concert in NYC.
You probably couldn't guess this, given their penchant for Day-Glo, their hit single "Good Girls Go Bad" or roughly 75 percent of the rest of their Hot Mess album, but Cobra Starship take the concept of partying pretty seriously. So much so that, when they arrive at Sunday's Video Music Awards, they're not straying far from that concept.
"We're all about the party, so we're bringing the party with us," Cobra Starship frontman Gabe Saporta laughed. "I can't tell you more than that, but it's gonna be big. I'll just leave it at that: a big party." And up until that arrival? Well, Saporta pledges to keep things festive — even if they do have some pretty big responsibilities during the show. "I'm announcing Lady Gaga's performance during the show!" he said. "Me and Pete [Wentz] are. I'll probably get up there and screw it up, though. ... Like, 'And here, in her crowning performance ... Lady Jaja.' " But before he can even begin to worry about that, there's the matter of rocking Friday night's (September 11) pre-VMA concert at the Filmore at Irving Plaza, which, he'll have you know, is sponsored by Taco Bell. "We're gonna eat a lot of Taco Bell! I want some of those Taco Bell bucks," Saporta laughed. "Actually, I want an employee card. I wanna walk into every Taco Bell in the country and get whatever I want." "You know what I want? I want to be able to walk into a Taco Bell and have them say ''Welcome back, Mr. Blackinton," guitarist Ryland Blackinton laughed. "I want my mail sent to Taco Bell, and I want a mug with my name on it. And I want coffee in it." The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards air live this Sunday, September 13, at 9 p.m. ET, but New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long! Stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Jay-Z Fans Expect 'Surprises' At 9/11 Benefit Concert Posted: 11 Sep 2009 07:39 AM PDT 'This show is gonna be one of the single greatest performances in history,' one fan says on his way in to Madison Square Garden.
Jay-Z has had quite a few sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, but you never take going to see Young Hov for granted. Especially Friday night (September 11) at MSG. Eight years ago, he dropped arguably his best album on a day that the world suffered a monumental tragedy. His "Answer the Call" charity concert is in full swing, and earlier, fans were loading into the Garden ready for a classic.
Alec Friedman, 18, came with a couple of buddies from Livingston, New Jersey. "I think Blueprint 3 was the first album Jay was able to sit back and get back to music with no pressure," he said. "Black Album, he was retiring. Kingdom Come, he was coming out of retirement. American Gangster, the movie was coming out. This one has no plot line. "I think this show is gonna be one of the single greatest performances in history," Friedman added of his lofty hopes. "It hits on every angle: 9/11, Jay at the Garden, coming back to his hometown!" Alec's friend Mike Lopes, 18, said the fellas saved up to get money for the show. "We all work two jobs. We hustled for two months to save for the tickets," he explained. "So what if we can't buy new clothes for a month? We gotta see Jay. We heard about the show a couple of months ago and all said we were going." Terry Jackson, 19, said she loves seeing a fellow Brooklynite rock the stage. "Jay is always going to be the best to me. He's the best rapper and best performer. I know we're going to see a lot of surprises tonight. Nobody's seeing him, period." The MSG show is the unofficial kickoff of VMA weekend. Jay is set to perform "Empire State of Mind" with Alicia Keys at Sunday's Video Music Awards. The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards air live this Sunday, September 13, at 9 p.m. ET, but New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long! Stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more. Related Artists |
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