Long story short, I did end up watching the VMA show with every intention of changing the channel after Janet's performance. But, too my shock, the show was actually... dare I say it... entertaining. From the Kanye West/Taylor Swift melodrama to Pink's amazing aerial act, I actually didn't get the anxious need to channel flip. Without further ado, I'll just hit on my favorite and wtf moments.
My Highlights
Janet Jackson and the Michael Jackson Tribute
Obviously, I would have to start with the Michael Jackson tribute that began with a speech by Madonna. To be honest, I was fully prepared to hate her speech once it started, but I must admit that it turned out to be a touching and thoughtful one. This was followed by a stage show filled with dancers in Michael's most famous costumes and performing his signature moves. It really was a yawn moment. Although they were great dance moves, the emotion and spectacle was lost with so many panning cameras and dancers stretched about the large stage.
I breathed a sigh of relief once Janet Jackson finally burst forth on to the stage. She performed a somewhat synced rendition of the Scream video with her brother who was on a widescreen behind her. It was as emotional and powerful as I suspected it would be. But, I was disappointed that it was so short. In retrospect, it may have been the powerful nature of the performance that convinced her to keep it short and sweet in the fear that she might get too emotional and lose it. Either way, her performance saved the tribute section from totally tanking.
Lady Gaga
Out of all the gossip and buzz about the program, Lady Gaga's appearance caused me the most curiosity. I haven't really followed her career closely since I don't really feel her musical style. Yet, I do find her fashion and personal style intriguing from a performance art point of view. Needless to say, she didn't disappoint with a plethora of weird costume changes throughout the show that the cameramen were nice enough to showcase every time they could. I wasn't sure rather to be impressed by her bold, unique fashion choices or whether to run from the TV creeped out.
As for her performance of her hit song, Paparazzi, I wasn't crazy about the new musical composition. Don't get me wrong, I understand why they slowed it down for theatrical effect to match the high drama stage show, but it still wasn't that pleasing to the ear. Yet, I still give it points for keeping my attention with Lady Gaga's performance intensity and the seriously random blood gush at the end. The girl has diva drama on lock.
Beyonce
To my joy, Beyonce performed her song, Single Ladies. I don't really love this song musically but I adore the video/music combination. For that reason, I think it was quite perfect that she won the Best Video Award for it. It's the epitome of what MTV is about ... the synergy of pop music and visuals to create something spectacular on a visceral level.
During her stage performance of the song, I was up on my feet dancing along the whole time. The beat as well as the dance moves were infectious and had me going from beginning to end. This was no real surprise since she always brings her A game to these events.
Pink
Pink is an artist I have followed since forever. Being a punk at heart, her music has always touched me. However, her performance at the VMA blew my mind. I would have never have expected a poignant aerial acrobatic show to come from her. But, she pulled it off stunningly. No one can claim that her performance was the same old cookie cutter award show trash.
Other Notables: Green Day and Muse
Last but not least, I'd have to mention the two groups that represented for rock. Green Day and Muse proved that the rockers can still impress at an award show with the sheer power of kick a** music. Like Beyonce's performance, I couldn't stay still during their time on stage. Not only were the crowds going crazy with excitement, the bands flowed with electric energy.
WTF Moment
Predictably, Kanye West showed yet again that he is the most classless person in all of celebrity. For those living in a cave, Kanye upstaged Taylor Swift while she was accepting the award for Best Female Video. Granted, I wouldn't have picked that video in a million years to win that award, but it surely wasn't appropriate for Kanye West to jump on stage and grab the mic from a teen girl. Geez, blogs are talior made to rant on such silly award giving travesties. Try blogging first so you don't have to post childish apologies on your blog after the fact, Kanye.
In the end, I felt the MTV Video Music Awards weren't a total waste of a couple of hours. I'm not sure if the improved show was a testament of a better crop of artists this year or better programmers at MTV. However, I just may give the VMA show another chance next year ... maybe.
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