Eminem predicted to sweep music awards
A Skiff editor predicts who will win the coveted astronaut trophy at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards and sounds off on who should win.
By David Reese
News Editor

This year’s MTV Video Music Awards, like many previous shows, represent a variety of music with nominees including Linkin Park, P.O.D., Pink and ‘N Sync. The scheduled performances include such artists as Eminem, Ashanti, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, Justin Timberlake of ‘N Sync and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The show will air at 7 p.m. Today on MTV (TCU Channel 12). The telecast will be hosted by Saturday Night Live’s Jimmy Fallon. Below are just a few of the categories including my predictions.

Best Video of the Year
Eminem “Without Me”
Linkin Park “In the End”
P.O.D. “Alive”
Nas “One Mic”
‘N Sync “Gone”
White Stripes “Fell In Love with a Girl”

Should win: ‘N Sync “Gone”
Will win: Eminem “Without Me”

The beautiful black and white direction of “Gone” by ‘N Sync is far better than any of the other nominees. Although ‘N Sync is well liked by MTV, many feel they won too many awards last year for “Pop.” I think Eminem’s “Without Me” will most likely steal the show since he is the hottest artist at the moment. But I wouldn’t count any of the nominees out.

Viewer’s Choice
Michelle Branch “Everywhere”
Brandy “What About Us?”
B2K “Uh Huh”
Eminem “Without Me”
Enrique Iglesias “Hero”
P.O.D. “Alive”

Should win: Eminem “Without Me”
Will win: Eminem “Without Me”

I have thought that in the past, MTV has had a much stronger Viewer’s Choice category than this year’s offering. If strictly thinking about who the viewers would vote for, then the award goes to Eminem because he is the most popular of these nominees.

Best Male Video
Craig David “Walking Away”
Eminem “Without Me”
Enrique Iglesias “Hero”
Elton John “This Train Don’t Stop Here Anymore”
Usher “U Got It Bad”

Should win: Enrique Iglesias “Hero”
Will win: Eminem “Without Me”

Enrique Iglesias’ video for “Hero” has all the great elements: gun fights, sex appeal provided by Jennifer Love-Hewitt and suspense. With that in mind, he might have a shot but again, Eminem looks to dominate this year’s awards.

Best Female Video
Ashanti “Foolish”
Michelle Branch “All You Wanted”
Pink “Get the Party Started”
Shakira “Whenever, Wherever”
Britney Spears “I’m a Slave 4U”

Should win: Britney Spears “I’m a Slave 4U”
Will win: Shakira “Whenever, Wherever” or Pink “Get the Party Started”

Britney Spears’ video was incredibly choreographed as well as very sexy and eye-appealing which I think should give her the front runner status. But Shakira and Pink have been the female dominators with numerous nominations. It could be any of them.

Best Group Video
Blink-182 “First Date”
Dave Matthews Band “Everyday”
Linkin Park “In the End”
‘N Sync featuring Nelly “Girlfriend (Remix)”
No Doubt featuring Bounty Killer “Hey Baby”
P.O.D. “Alive”

Should win: No Doubt featuring Bounty Killer “Hey Baby”
Will win: P.O.D. “Alive”

None of these videos are great but I think the award will be between No Doubt, P.O.D. and Linkin Park. I prefer No Doubt because it is a really catchy and quirky song but I think P.O.D.’s “Alive” will need to be awarded something during the evening and this is the best chance the band has.