SHANNON URTNOWSKI
A&E Editor
I used to think change was a good thing, but this year’s MTV Video Music Awards has given me a new outlook. The awards show, which aired Sunday, showed a completely revamped version of the annual ceremony, which recognizes musicians in pop culture.
First off, in honor of the show airing in Las Vegas this year, the network launched a publicity campaign playing off the familiar phrase, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” The premise was that the VMAs would air only once, but the programming schedule on MTV’s Web site later proved the claim to be false. It has been airing all week and will continue to do so through the weekend.
Let me just say off the bat, though, that I not only wish the show had stayed in Vegas, but taken the year off for some much-need R&R.
This year’s lackluster VMAs had a few noteworthy moments, but it was generally a big, fat letdown.
This isn’t to say that the build-up to the VMAs was lacking. As soon as the trailers for Britney Spear’s “comeback” broke, my calendar for Sunday night was set.
The show opened Sunday with Spears’ “Gimme More,” which will be on her not-yet-titled upcoming release. Spears is just one of many celebrities to frequent the Palms Hotel and Casino, which was hosting the VMAs.
She took the hotel’s Pearl Room stage at the start of the night, and my suspicions were confirmed — not only did it appear that Spears was lip synching (shocking, I know), her “dancing,” or should I say awkward movements, were borderline ridiculous. Maybe her black, heeled boots were causing her trouble, or maybe the flashy lights were getting in her eyes — either way, she appeared to be having a hard time.
From here, I thought the night was going to get back on track. Boy, was I wrong. MTV, in hopes of raising ratings this year, changed its classic performance routine. Artists like the Foo Fighters, Fall Out Boy and Kanye West performed throughout various locations in the hotel. They were situated up in the Palms Fantasy Suites, where various rooms and spaces at the top of the hotel served as event “party-hubs.”
Despite the less-than-ideal setup, the various performances dispersed throughout the show saved the night from being a complete loss. Stealing the night in this department was 18-year-old Chris Brown. His performance was edgy, his dance moves were tight and he even had two little boys dance alongside him during part of the act. I don’t know if this was a gimmick of sorts, but it definitely worked for me.
Also, big-name award presenters showcased during the event, including Hollywood celebs Shia LaBeouf, Seth Rogen, Diddy, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Garner and Alicia Keys, added different enjoyable elements to the night. They presented awards like “Video of the Year,” won by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z for “Umbrella,” “Best Group” won by Fall Out Boy and “Best New Artist,” won by Gym Class Heroes.
If there were an award for most outrageous presenter, Kid Rock would have won it hands down. It wasn’t what he did onstage that got him into trouble, but the events following. During the show, at which Kid Rock, Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson were all present, Kid Rock punched Tommy Lee, according to MTV.com. The two were both escorted out of the hotel, bringing some unexpected drama to the VMAs.
I’ve told you the good, the bad and the ugly — ok, scratch the ugly part — but, to see it for yourself (I don’t know, maybe for a few laughs?), the VMAs will air on MTV tonight at 6 p.m., tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11 p.m.
And, hey, there’s always next year.
09-13-2007