Spears wins 3 as VMAs turn 25
Drew Choiniere
Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: Lifestyles
After the numerous discombobulated fiascos at last year's show, MTV decided to make its 25th anniversary Video Music Awards attempted to dial back the concept in favor of a good ole fashioned award show, complete with Britney Spears winning her first three Moonmen (including the coveted video of the year for her clip "Piece of Me").
Hosted by British comedian Russell Brand (co-star of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall") and held at Paramount Picture's back lots, the show tried to integrate the massive staging areas with some of today's most popular performers.
Brand's unorthodox comedy was peppered with quips about the Jonas Brothers' virginity, Sarah Palin's pregnant teenage daughter, and a plea to the American people to vote Barack Obama president.
Despite numerous rumors of her unavailability for the show (and last year's much-maligned and badly lip-synched performance) Spears seemed to have her personal life in order and was the picture of professionalism and beauty in two different sparkling cocktail dresses. She also too home awards for the best pop video, as well as best female video.
Chris Brown won best male video for "With You"; The Pussycat Dolls' clip "When I Grow Up" won best dance video; and Linkin Park won best rock video for "Shadow of the Day."
Lil' Wayne won best hip-hop video for "Lollipop" and also performed a medley of his hits, including "Get Money," with guest appearances by Leona Lewis and T-Pain. He later came out to rap alongside Kid Rock for his performance of "All Summer Long." Upstart German group Tokio Hotel beat out heavy favorites Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Jordin Sparks, to win the best new artist award.
The show was not only about awards though, as many of the performers employed elaborate sets and costumes to add a touch of cinematic drama to their performances.
Rihanna, decked out in an elaborate mohawk and costume to match, was joined by a bevy of dancers straight out of "Dawn of the Dead" to perform her latest hit "Disturbia."
Hosted by British comedian Russell Brand (co-star of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall") and held at Paramount Picture's back lots, the show tried to integrate the massive staging areas with some of today's most popular performers.
Brand's unorthodox comedy was peppered with quips about the Jonas Brothers' virginity, Sarah Palin's pregnant teenage daughter, and a plea to the American people to vote Barack Obama president.
Despite numerous rumors of her unavailability for the show (and last year's much-maligned and badly lip-synched performance) Spears seemed to have her personal life in order and was the picture of professionalism and beauty in two different sparkling cocktail dresses. She also too home awards for the best pop video, as well as best female video.
Chris Brown won best male video for "With You"; The Pussycat Dolls' clip "When I Grow Up" won best dance video; and Linkin Park won best rock video for "Shadow of the Day."
Lil' Wayne won best hip-hop video for "Lollipop" and also performed a medley of his hits, including "Get Money," with guest appearances by Leona Lewis and T-Pain. He later came out to rap alongside Kid Rock for his performance of "All Summer Long." Upstart German group Tokio Hotel beat out heavy favorites Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Jordin Sparks, to win the best new artist award.
The show was not only about awards though, as many of the performers employed elaborate sets and costumes to add a touch of cinematic drama to their performances.
Rihanna, decked out in an elaborate mohawk and costume to match, was joined by a bevy of dancers straight out of "Dawn of the Dead" to perform her latest hit "Disturbia."
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