2008 MTV Video Music Awards Still Have Folks Buzzed

Photo Credit: AP

By DeJuan Hoggard

HOLLYWOOD – Seems as if the entire American population is still getting excited over the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards held at Paramount Pictures last Sunday. Hosted by British rocker-turned-host and self-proclaimed sex addict Russell Brand, the 25th awards show has created mixed feelings among fans and celebrities. Twenty-two year old Eric Arnold of Pasadena, who did not watch the show and plans to watch the show on TiVo said, “I heard it wasn’t a very good awards show and couldn’t compare to the previous shows.”
Britney Spears appeared to be the talk of the awards, going home with three: for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Video of the Year. Spears, who highly disappointed fans last year with an awful opening performance, proved herself this year with a hilarious opening skit with actor Jonah Hill.
Performances by Lil Wayne and T-Pain, Kid Rock, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, pThe Jonas Brothers, Pink, Paramore, and Kanye West were definitely highlights of the show. Brian, from Bad Boy Records’ Day 26, said, “Did you see Pink perform? Man, she’s hot.” The group who is on the same label as Danity Kane, which was up for the Best Pop Award but lost to Britney Spears, enjoyed their first Video Music Awards. “I ain’t gonna lie, the show was hot,” said Mike from the group.
Other attendees of the event included, Perez Hilton, Lauren Conrad, Busta Rhymes, Jamie Foxx, Heidi Montag, Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Jordin Sparks, John Legend and many more. Travis Barker and DJ AM were the house band for the night, entertaining the American and studio audience with performances with Katy Perry, Lupe Fiasco, and LL Cool J.
“Show Magazine” model Diznee also attended the awards for her very first time. “I liked the way they went back and forth from between the sound stage and the studio back lot for the performances. It gave a different element for the show – even though if it were me I would’ve had it at a different venue. And Russell Brand, I didn’t like him. He offended a lot of people and I think MTV will hear a lot about that”, she answered as she blew bubble gum bubbles in between sentences.
Kanye West, who vowed he would never again show his face at the Video Music Awards, closed the show with his new song entitled “Love Lockdown.” “I loved the blinking heart on his chest…all of a sudden out of nowhere, here come these drummers who looked like they came from the Beijing Olympics,” commented Diznee.
At the end of the night, Spears walked away with the most awards and showed America that she was back and couldn’t be stopped. The full list of winners are:
Best Female Video: Britney Spears – “Piece of Me”

Best Male Video: Chris Brown – “With You”

Best Dancing in a Video: Pussycat Dolls – “ When I Grow Up”

Best Rock Video: Linkin Park – “Shadow of the Day”

Best Hip Hop Video: Lil Wayne featuring Static Major – “Lollipop”

Best New Artist: Tokio Hotel – “Ready, Set, Go!”

Best Pop Video: Britney Spears – “Piece of Me”

Video of the Year: Britney Spears – “Piece of Me”

Best Art Direction: Gnarls Barkley – “Run”

Best Choreography: Gnarls Barkley – “Run”

Best Cinematography: The White Stripes – “Conquest”

Best Direction: Erykah Badu – “Honey”

Best Editing: Death Cab for Cutie – “I Will Possess Your Heart”

Best Special Effects: Kanye West featuring T-Pain: “Good Life”