Exclusive Report from the MTV Video Music Awards
August 29, 2005
Greenday, Gwen and Greenday's Tre Cool
Green Day cleaned house today at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards (see my photos of the event here). The punk-pop trio won an impressive seven awards at the show, included "Best Video" and "Viewers' Choice." I attended the event and had a chance to speak with Green Day, Diddy, Kelly Clarkson, Brandon and Ronnie of the Killers, Amerie, Paris Hilton, Heatherette and a bunch of other artists about music and gay fans. I'm still in the process of getting my notes and tapes organized to write one coherent story with some hot, exclusive quotes and interview audio for this blog.
This year's show was a well-produced extravaganza that did not leave much room for any spontaneity (besides 50 Cent's feuding with Fat Joe at the end of his set). Diddy did a mediocre job hosting the event. My main criticism is that he put himself too much in the spotlight. This show is a celebration of music videos, not a Diddy lovefest. MTV should consider bringing back a comedian to host the show.
Performances by Kanye West, Coldplay and Kelly Clarkson left a lasting impression. R. Kelly's "In The Closet" was a terrible performance that was not broadcast-worthy.
The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" was taped last Monday at Hotel Victor in South Beach. I would have preferred to see the guys bring it live on the mainstage. The Killers' win for "Best New Artist" is well-deserved and was one of the evening's biggest surprises. The Vegas foursome was overjoyed and a little giddy (or drunk?) when they took questions from the press after their win. Newly-wed Brandon Flowers appeared on the White Carpet with his wife. (The band appeared on the press stage with a very drunk reality star who was swiftly escorted away.)
The news about the shooting of rap mogul Suge Knight
at Kanye West's private bash on Saturday night was ignored by most
artists involved. West refused to speak with the press during the event
to avoid questions.
So later more. For now, I have a Flickr photo album with some exclusive photos of the event. I was trying to cope with a tape recorder and a digital camera so what I managed to get are some snapshots of the event. I was not allowed to make photos in the press room, but when Green Day showed up I made some photos anyway. I was also able to do something special for fellow blogger Trent...
Stay tuned for more.