MTV Video Music Awards inspire annual controversy

What is expected of the annual MTV Video Music Awards? A moderately funny host? Why yes, Russell Brand will do. A few entertaining musical performances? Thanks Lady Gaga for the disturbing rendition of Paparazzi. Some anticipated and obvious winners? Beyoncé, have another Moonman for your shelf. Ah… but alas, it’s not the VMAs without a touch of the obligatory controversy. Last night’s VMAs didn’t disappoint in that category either thanks to Kanye West and his notoriously self-serving actions. As Taylor Swift, winner of the Best Female Video Award, began giving her acceptance speech, Kanye West hopped up to proclaim, "Yo, Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I'll let you finish, but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!" If Mr. West could have contained himself awhile longer, a simple applaud would have sufficed as Beyoncé won the coveted Best Video of the Year.

In honor of press-inducing acts of VMAs past, here is a recap of the last few years:

2008:
British actor/comedian Russell Brand hosted the VMAs for the first time, and within minutes, it became painfully obvious that his jokes were falling flat, unlike his high, bouffant-esque hair. Brand poked fun at the Jonas Brothers’ purity rings and vow of chastity. Then, he did a little presidential bashing of then President Bush followed with a plug for now President Obama. Yet, somehow MTV asked him back – almost like they welcome the drama! Could it be?

2007:
The long awaited comeback performance of one Miss Britney Spears and… Did she miss the memo that said look alert, in shape, and at least pretend to sing along to your song? Instead, Britney opted for a comatose appearance as she trudged along stage simulating lackluster moves and forgetting to sing along with her track.

As if that wouldn’t provide enough media coverage for the following week, Kid Rock and Tommy Lee decided to engage in a fistfight after Pamela Anderson’s award presentation. Really guys – if you wanted to land a few good ones, secured, televised events are probably not the best venue.

2006:
Lil’ Kim, the self-proclaimed Queen Bee, left prison in time to present the Best Male Video award in an orange jumpsuit adorned with police officer escorts. Always the epitome of class.

Later in the evening, Panic! At the Disco won the Video of the Year award and a man named “Sixx” took the opportunity to jump onstage and accuse MTV of denying him a rightfully deserved TV show. See Taylor, you aren’t the only one to have your acceptance speech ruined!

2005:
P. Diddy hosted the evening and in his opening monologue he warned that anything could happen. Shortly thereafter, he gave an audience member his $10,000 Jacob the Jeweler-designed watch. Hardly a Britney/ Madonna kiss kind of moment, but maybe the lucky audience member put a nice down payment on a Civic.

R. Kelly decided to be stranger than usual during his performance, as he played every single one of the characters in his R&B opera, “Trapped in the Closet”. At least none of the characters peed on anyone – way to keep it in your pants, R!

I’d like to thank MTV for all the moments that create a barrage of media attention and endless articles reliving the events… We wait anxiously for next year’s VMA debacle.
 

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