S. Samuel
The annual Video Music Awards ceremoney exploded Sunday (August 28) night from Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre courtesy of big wins from Nicki Minaj and Beyonce plus a show-ending Lil Wayne spectacle.
While rocker Katy Perry ultimately won “Video of the Year,” hip-hop and R&B’s presence was felt in other categories.
BEST NEW ARTIST: Tyler, the Creator “Yonkers,” BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO: Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass,” BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: Beyonce, “Run the World (Girls),” BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, “E.T.” (“Video Music Awards 2011”)
The show was also highlighted by performances from singer Justin Bieber and Beyonce, who confirmed pregnancy reports.
Queen B made a splash of her own on the show, by performing her love song “Love On Top,” off her Billboard 200 No. 1 album, “4.” In a nod to her fresh pregnancy news, she declared, “I want you to feel the love growing inside of me.” A spectacled Justin Bieber gave big ups to Jesus (and none to his girlfriend Selena Gomez) upon winning Best Male Video for “U Smile,” topping heavyweights Cee Lo Green, Eminem, Bruno Mars and Kanye West. (Billboard)
Toward the end of the ceremony, a tribute to late singer Amy Winehouse was made.
During Sunday night’s VMAs, MTV took time out to honor Amy Winehouse, opening the stage to admirers young and old. While the segment closed with a performance by pop star Bruno Mars, it was Tony Bennett who gave arguably the most moving tribute. “Of all the artists Ive met in the last 20 years, she was a true jazz artist in the tradition of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday,” said Bennett, who recorded a song with Winehouse for his forthcoming ‘Duets II’ album. “You can’t just be a jazz singer, either,” Bennett added. “Either you’ve got it, or you haven’t got it, and Amy had the whole gift.” (Spinner)
The VMAs ended on an energetic note courtesy of Young Money‘s Lil Wayne.
Lil Wayne closed the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards by rocking out. The rapper, who is releasing his new album Tha Carter IV at midnight, gave a sensitive rendition of “How to Love” before stripping off his shirt and cranking up the energy with “John.” He slapped skin with DJ Khaled and Rick Ross before strapping on an electric guitar and smashing it in defiance. (Rap-Up)
