An eclectic mix of celebrities including Britney Spears, Mick Jagger, Puff Daddy and Mark Wahlberg descended on New York’s famed Metropolitan Opera House on Thursday night for the annual MTV Video Music Awards. And while Christina Aguilera and her collaborators took home top honours for their sultry take on the Seventies classic Lady Marmalade, the theme for Moulin Rouge, it seems the name on everyone’s lips was Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim.
The popular DJ’s song Weapon Of Choice nabbed six awards – the biggest winner of the night – including both Breakthrough Video and Best Choreography. Auteur Spike Jonze, the man behind the film Being John Malkovich, directed the video which features a surreal dance routine from Oscar winner Christopher Walken.
“It came together amazingly,” says Spike of Christopher’s efforts. “He’s the best dancer. He was born a dancer. He has the rhythm.”
“I think Fatboy Slim was robbed!” joked Justin Timberlake of ’N Sync, accepting the coveted “Moonman” statue for Best Dance Video. The mega-selling group picked up four gongs on Thursday for their catchy Pop, including Best Group Video, Best Pop Video and the Viewer’s Choice award.
Newcomer Alicia Keys, whose debut album Songs In A Minor has become a staple on the Billboard chart, was named Best New Artist. “I’m trying to be cool,” said the classically trained pianist turned pop star. “I don’t even know how to stand at the podium…Thank you to everybody for their support.”
While the night featured its fair share of high wattage couplings – namely Britney Spears and Mick Jagger – the most stunning collaboration was surely Michael Jackson’s surprise appearance alongside reigning boy band ’N Sync. The King of Pop emerged from behind a silhouette of himself to show off his signature moves during the group’s performance. Dressed in a white V-neck T-shirt and a black shirt and pants, the gloved one drove fans wild – despite the fact that he didn’t sing – and received a standing ovation.
But despite Michael’s return to the stage, it was pop star Britney Spears who once again stole the show. The teen queen followed up last year’s still-talked-about performance, in which she writhed on stage in little more than a body-stocking, with a controversial performance of her upcoming single I’m A Slave 4 U. The Ooops… I Did It Again singer crooned “All you people look at me like a little girl” with a python around her neck and a caged tiger growling in the background.
The evening also contained more sombre moments. Janet Jackson and Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot took part in a moving tribute to the late rising star Aaliyah who died in a tragic plane crash on August 25 along with eight others. “In this time of love, I draw upon her example of faith that we will be together again,” shared Janet.
“I think what we’ve got to learn out of this is to appreciate each other while we’re here on earth,” said Missy. “I love you Aaliyah, and you’re forever missed.”
Aaliyah’s brother Rashad Haughton was present and made the family’s first public statement since the Try Again singer’s death. “On behalf of my family I want to thank her friends and adoring fans,” he said, adding: “We must keep in our hearts those we lost with her.”
Other winners included Robbie Williams’s Rock DJ video which was singled out for Special Effects and Destiny’s Child, whose Survivor piece was named Best R&B video. U2, who performed both Elevation and Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of, received the Video Vanguard trophy.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
