Wednesday, September 5, 2001

MTV awards should prove entertaining, spicy
By David Reese
Skiff Staff

Over the past 20 years, MTV has been creating some of the most innovative, provocative and controversial programming on television. MTV’s own annual awards show, known as the Video Music Awards, has been an outlet for the channel and the artists to express themselves through performances, speeches and appearances.

In 1984, MTV launched the awards show as well as an unknown musical star atop a wedding cake. The performance that Madonna gave that evening has become quite memorable, and has led to numerous other appearances by musical stars to flaunt their sexuality. For example, pop princess Britney Spears raised an eyebrow or two by performing what critics have dubbed a “strip tease” at last year’s VMAs. The show has also shocked viewers with unexpected guests like when Michael Jackson and then wife, Lisa Marie Presley kissed on the air after published reports that the marriage was a fraud.

It seems every year the Video Music Awards become even more edgy and controversial, whether it is with political statements or sexual innuendoes. This year should prove just the same with Jamie Foxx serving as the host. He has publicly promised not to make jokes about artists as other hosts have in previous years, but that will remain to be seen.

Some scheduled performances include U2, Alicia Keys, ‘N Sync, Jennifer Lopez, Staind and Britney Spears. Spears will likely spice up the evening when she debuts her new single “I’m a Slave 4U.”

Whether you like the music played on MTV or not, you should tune into the awards show on Thursday at 7 p.m. to get your dose of comedy, politics, sex and most importantly, great performances. Below are a list of the major categories along with my predictions.

Video of the Year

Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, Pink “Lady Marmalade”
Eminem (featuring Dido) “Stan”
Fatboy Slim “Weapon of Choice”
Janet Jackson “All for You”
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott “Get Ur Freak On”
U2 “Beautiful Day”

Should Win: Eminem (featuring Dido) “Stan”
Will Win: Fatboy Slim “Weapon of Choice”

Although none of these nominees excite this reviewer to the core, I will admit they are some of the most innovative videos of the year. I believe “Stan” by Eminem (featuring Dido) is probably the most deserving, but since he won last year in this category, I don’t think he’ll win. In the past 16 years of broadcast, no artist has won the video of the year award more than once. Fatboy Slim is nominated for the most awards this year, and I think many voters will believe this is his consolation prize for losing this category in 1998 for his incredible “Praise You” video.

Viewer’s Choice

Backstreet Boys “The Call”
Destiny’s Child “Independent Woman Part 1”
Eve (featuring Gwen Stefani) “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”
Limp Bizkit “My Way”
Nelly “Ride Wit Me”
‘N Sync “Pop”

Should Win: Eve (featuring Gwen Stefani) “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”
Will Win: Destiny’s Child “Independent Woman Part 1”

In a very diverse category, it is hard to predict which video will prevail. “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” by Eve (featuring Gwen Stefani) should have a decent chance because it crosses the musical boundaries of rap and rock. Both the Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync have previously won this category but I do not believe either of these videos will bring victory to the boy bands. My bet is on Destiny’s Child for “Independent Woman Part 1” since they have an appeal to pop and hip-hop listeners. The only problem I see for the trio is the fact that the video is nearly a year old, which is a century in the video music world.

Best Male Video

Eminem (featuring Dido) “Stan”
Lenny Kravitz “Again”
Moby (featuring Gwen Stefani) “South Side”
Nelly “Ride Wit Me”
Robbie Williams “Rock DJ”

Should Win: Robbie Williams “Rock DJ”
Will Win: Eminem (featuring Dido) “Stan”

Robbie Williams’ “Rock DJ” was probably one of the most grotesque videos of the past year, yet it was also one of the most intriguing. Williams does not have the support here in America that he has in England, so I think he will lose out to Eminem. In previous years Tom Petty, Beck and Will Smith dominated this category with consecutive wins, and I believe Eminem will do the same this year.

Best Female Video

Dido “Thank You”
Eve (featuring Gwen Stefani) “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott “Get Ur Freak On”
Janet Jackson “All for You”
Jennifer Lopez “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”
Madonna “Don’t Tell Me”

Should Win: Madonna “Don’t Tell Me”
Will Win: Janet Jackson “All for You”

In the past 16 years of the Video Music Awards, Madonna and Janet Jackson have won this category a total of five times. Again, I think the decision will be between these MTV darlings. Madonna should win for the sheer fact of the volume of her music video work, but I think Janet Jackson has the upper hand this year.

Best New Artist in a Video

Coldplay “Yellow”
Nikka Costa “Like a Feather”
David Gray “Babylon”
Alicia Keys “Fallin’”
Sum 41 “Fatlip”

Should Win: Alicia Keys “Fallin’”
Will Win: Alicia Keys “Fallin’”

There is no doubt that Alicia Keys will win this award. Due to the success of her album and single, Keys looks like a sure-fire winner. The only competition may come in the form of Sum 41, a punk band who has had a lot of success on MTV the past few months.

Best Group Video

Dave Matthews Band “I Did It”
Destiny’s Child “Survivor”
Incubus “Drive”
‘N Sync “Pop”
U2 “Elevation (Remix)”

Should Win: Destiny’s Child “Survivor”
Will Win: Destiny’s Child “Survivor”

This is a very difficult category to predict because none of them stand out like past winners, which include Blink-182, TLC, Foo Fighters and the Backstreet Boys. I think Incubus does not have enough appeal for all of the MTV voters and U2 did not have a major success with the “Elevation” video. I believe the award will be between Dave Matthews Band “I Did It” and Destiny’s Child “Survivor.” My bet would be on the independent women from Houston due to their recent successes.
Expect an incredible awards show with terrific performances by some of the biggest names and faces on MTV and the music business.

David Reese
skiffletters@tcu.edu