The MTV Video Music Awards took place in Las Vegas this year with Britney Spears giving the worst VMA opening in history. Spears debuted her first single, "Gimme More," in a much anticipated performance, decked out in a sequined black bikini and black boots and joined by several dancers also decked in black, who gyrated on stage and on silver poles to the funky-catchy beats of Spear's pop-dance "Gimme More", supporting the comeback pop-princess simply Vegas style. Spear's performance lacked energy, enthusiasm and excitement and the looks on the faces of the audience were evidence enough that MTV flubbed majorly by having her open the show. If Spear's comeback is a peek into what we should expect from her upcoming album release on November 13, sadly, there may not be very much to look forward to. Comic, Sarah Silverman immediately appeared on stage after Spears ended describing Spear's children as, "the most adorable mistakes."
Rihanna's single, "Umbrella," claimed the first award of the evening, 'Monster Single of the Year,' presented to her by rapper, Eve and former Pussy Cat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger and after Rihanna graciously stated, "MTV thank you so much, you guys have been so supportive of my career," in her thank-you speech, Kanye's "Stronger" performance followed live from his "Good Life," party palace in the Penthouse Suite of the Palms Hotel.
As renowned DJ and producer, Mark Ronson, dutifully saw to his job as the show's music set producer, the two other parties happening in sync with the VMA's continued in full effect. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland hosted the "Southern Hospitality Party," while Pete Wentz and Fall-Out Boys hosted the "Friends or Enemies Party." Both parties, like West's were held at the Palms Hotel. R&B singer Robin Thicke and Golden Globe winner Jennifer Hudson presented the first ever "Quadruple Threat Award, " to Justin Timberlake for his role as an actor, singer, dancer and clothing line founder. Timberlake, after comically accepting his award by jumping around with his fans, challenged MTV to play more videos in his award acceptance speech. Fall-Out Boy's mini performance of their mega-hit "Thanks for the Memories" followed from their own rocking "Friends and Enemies" party and ended with the band destroying their instruments on the tiny stage.
While Dave Grolh and the Foo Fighters rocked out in an unknown location, Fifty Cent and Kanye West walked on stage facing off as they did on the cover of Rolling Stone to present the award for the most "Earth-Shattering Collaboration." In a surprise win, Beyonce's and Shakira's, "Beautiful Liar" took the top prize. Maroon 5 frontman, Adam Levine, gave a short performance of "Wake-Up" as Mark Ronson strummed on his guitar in Levine's background. TI performed "Do It" at Justin's 'Southern Hospitality" party announcing to all who were present, that he "is the King" at the end of his short, lively gig.
Actress Rosario Dawson introduced singer/dancer Chris Brown whose performance of his hit song 'Wall-to-Wall" was one of the best of the night. The young and extremely talented R&B singer working off of a Charlie Chaplin impersonation-concept wowed the audience with tricky dance choreography, a Michael Jackson dance impersonation and a surprise performance with Rihanna who belted out her own mega hit "Umbrella," complete with on-point dance moves on a recently broken ankle.
Audrina, Whitney and Lauren, all cast-mates of the MTV reality show "The Hills" presented the "Male Artist of the Year Award" to Justin Timberlake who beat out, Akon, Robin Thicke, TI and Kanye West for the coveted prize. Once again, Timberlake implored MTV to play more videos instead of featuring reality shows and shows like "the Simpsons". Timberlake also gushed about Brown's presentation and stated that he thinks "music is in a great place right now." Ce-lo gave a moving rock performance with the Foo Fighters while 50 Cent and Timberlake performed their own "Ayo Technology." Hot young actor, Shia LeBoeuf finally announced the title to the next Indian Jones installment, "Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull," in which he plays a lead role while presenting to himself the award for the "Best Female Artist of the Year" as the award's winner, Black Eyed Peas singer, Fergie, who beat out singers Rihanna, Beyonce, Amy Winehouse and Nelly Furtado was absent. Pamela Anderson, aside from causing a major fight between ex-husbands Tommy Lee and Kid Rock, introduced West's second performance of the night, "Good Life" which featured crunk rapper, T-Pain.
Fall-Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Lil Wayne and Panic of the Disco's lead singer, Brendan Urie, all collaborated on a surprise impromptu performance from the "Friends or Enemies" Party room. Actress, Megan Fox, introduced, "Maestro" Timbaland and dynamic rock-group Linkin Park, who gave a moving exhibition of Linkin Park's hit single, "Bleed It Out," at Las Vegas' "Rain" nightclub. Kevin Connelly and Adrien Grenier of HBO's hit show, "Entourage" presented the "Best Group" award to Fall-Out Boys who won over, pop-rock group Gym Class Heroes and grunge-rock duo, White Stripes. Wentz, bassist of Fall-Out Boy and the most vocal member of the group "thanked all the people who are real fans of music," while repeating the phrase, "Big-Up."
Rihanna and Fall-Out Boys collaborated on a performance of Rihanna's hit single "Shut-Up and Drive," which featured the pop/R&B princess jumping on a bed while wearing a black mini-dress and leather gloves. Rapper Nelly introduced the "classiest women in Vegas," Alicia Keys, who delivered the second stand out piece of the night and debuted her new single, "No-One" to a stunned crowd. She followed with, "Freedom" accompanied by a band and back-up singers. Keys wore a fitted black outfit and silver boots and characteristically banged away at her piano during her very moving recital. Common and Kanye West belted out hip hop lyrics while Gym Class Heroes and Fall-Out Boys rocked out with Gym Class Heroes' major single, "Clothes Off." The "Best New Artist" award was awarded to Gym Class Heroes immediately after and was presented to the pop-rock group by actor/singer Jaime Fox and actress Jennifer Garner who both shamelessly promoted their new movie "Kingdom."
50 cent sang "In Da Club" for the hundredth time, Ms. Teen South Carolina (who needs no introduction) appeared on our screens making fun of her little mishap at the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant and Mark Ronson featured Allido artist, Rhymefest and "Stop Me" singer Daniel Merriweather. Mary J Blige introduced legendary rap music producer and lyricist Dr. Dre making us all wonder whether Dr. Dre was receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Instead Dr. Dre only bestowed his presence on the VMA"s to present the biggest and finale award of the evening, the "Video of the Year Award" to Caribbean R&B sensation, Rihanna, who's had a titanic year following the release of her latest album "Good Girl Gone Bad." Timberlake and Timbland closed out the night with Timberlake's "Lovestoned" and featured Nelly Furtado who belted out her latest single to a still active crowd.
In the end the only thing that really stood out at the VMA's this year was the many times Mark Ronson pushed Amy Winehouse's "Valerie" and Lily Allen's, "LDH."
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