Kayne West may not be a fan, but applause and accolades from all other quarters keep rolling in for Taylor Swift. The 19-year-old singer last night became the youngest person and the first solo female act in a decade to win the Country Music Association’s entertainer of the year award. It was a triumphant night for the Love Story star who won all four awards for which she was nominated, including album of the year, female vocalist and best music video. And she couldn’t resist the chance to take a swipe at her most vocal critic as the audience, which included Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, cheered on. As she picked up the award for best female vocalist, she said: ‘I want to thank every single person in this room tonight for not running up on this stage during this speech – thank you.’ On a more emotional note, she added: ‘I’ll never forget this moment because in this moment everything that I have ever wanted has just happened to me.’ West infamously interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV VMA’s in September, declaring: ‘Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time.’ The rapper became the butt of several other jokes at the CMA ceremony held at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Co-hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley performed the country standard Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys,’ but changed the lyrics to ‘Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be Kanye.’ They sang: ‘Let them pick guitars and drive them old trucks, ’cause cowboys have manners, they don’t interrupt.’ Later in the show there was another gag aimed at the rapper when Underwood told Paisley that his video Welcome To The Future was ‘one of my favorite videos of all time.’ As Paisley began to thank his video team, 88-year-old country crooner Little Jimmy Dickens walked out on stage to stop the speech. ‘Excuse me! Excuse me sir – I’ll let you finish later. Now Brad Paisley, I know you had a nice video and all that, but Taylor Swift made the best video of all time,’ Dickens joked. Swift managed to snap Kenny Chesney’s stranglehold on the entertainer of the year category: He won three straight and four of the last five.

HMMM … you know, as douchey as Kanye West is and as deserved as all the ridicule is, I can’t help but feel it’s a bit strange that an entire awards show would decide to gang up on him in this way. Again, don’t get me wrong … Kanye can be an ass and he could use a bit of humbling but there’s just something about all of this backbiting that seems odd. Mebbe it’s just a matter of the Country Music community rallying around Taylor … but methinks awarding her with all those trophies last night is a much better, more refined way to rally around her. For those interested, you can watch the funny old man doing the “Kanye gag” HERE … hopefully this will be the end of that tired old joke. All in all, tho, it sounds like Taylor had herself a really great night … I’ve come to be a fan of hers and I think it’s great that she walked off with Entertainer of the Year last night. She’s riding high these days … I hope she is really enjoying it all.

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

But, as I mentioned above … the Queen B reigned supreme last night. Not only did she look fabulous on the red carpet but she also looked fabulous on the MTV EMAs performance stage … oh and she collected awards for Best Female, Best Song (Halo) and Best Video of the Year or her worldwide smash hit song Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It). After the jump, check out some photos from the EMAs stage and find out who else took home awards last night …

Berlin loves Beyonce. The R&B superstar scooped up three wins Thursday at the 16th annual MTV Europe Music Awards, including trophies for best female, best song for Halo and best video for her No. 1 smash, Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It.) When she won the best video award, she thanked Jay-Z— who just happens to be her husband — for “putting a ring on it.” Jay-Z was also honored, winning MTV Europe’s best urban act — though he said he looked forward to the day when “all those awards come down” that it’s just music, plain and simple, adding “Danke schoen” (thank you in German) before leaving the stage. Other winners included Green Day, the established trio whose punk-influenced tunes have garnered it a fan legion worldwide. The trio won the award for best rock act while U2, which earlier Thursday performed a six-song mini-set in front of the German capital’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, won best live act. U2 frontman Bono paid tribute to Berlin, which marks the 20th anniversary of the collapse of the Berlin Wall on Monday, for its grit and determination. The band recorded its LP Achtung Baby in the city and drew inspiration from reunification to write its oft-played single One. German pop quartet Tokio Hotel, which has toured steadfastly and built up a fan base outside of Germany won best group and played a set that saw its amps and equipment light up in organized pyrotechnics. Lady Gaga took best new act though she was not in person, having had to stay in New York and Eminem took best male, beating out Kanye West, Mika, Robbie Williams and Jay-Z for award. Turkey’s maNga took home the best European act, giving Turkey the award for the second consecutive year — last year the country’s Emre Aydin scored a trophy. Katy Perry, who hosted the show for the second consecutive year, lauded Berlin and Germany, citing its history of division by the wall and sported a bevy of toned-down yet sultry costumes that hearkened back to Berlin’s Weimar-era of hedonism and decadence. The telecast also featured performances by Foo Fighters, Leona Lewis and Shakira. Berlin is the only city to host the awards show twice — in 1994 and this year — a decision MTV said it made to mark the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s collapse.

It sounds like it was a fun night for the folks in Berlin … much love and congrats goes out to all the winners. Click HERE for a full list of 2009 MTV EMA winners … did your fave performer take home an EMA trophy last night?

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

While there were a lot of pretty people on the red carpet (Alyson Hannigan looked amazing, as did Drew Barrymore) the real focus of the night was on who won what for which TV show. After the jump, check out some photos from the Emmy telecast itself, see some photos of the Emmy winners in the press room and find out who took home those coveted trophies at last night’s Emmy Awards …

After starting with 16 nominations, “Mad Men” won just three Emmy Awards at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday night — but one of them was the big one, best drama series. The AMC show about ad agency executives in early 1960s Manhattan often competed against itself, particularly in the category of episode writing, where it had four of the five possible nominations. “Mad Men” also won best drama last year. “30 Rock” won best comedy at Sunday’s awards. The show won five Emmys overall. “We want to thank our friends at NBC … for keeping us on the air, even though we are so much more expensive than a talk show,” said star Tina Fey in accepting the honor. Glenn Close won best actress in a drama for her performance in “Damages,” but she turned her speech into praise for her colleagues. “I want to salute what I call my ‘category sisters,’ ” she said. “I respect you, and I’m inspired by your talent.” She also paid tribute to the show’s writers. Bryan Cranston of AMC’s “Breaking Bad” won his second straight Emmy as best actor in a drama. “I don’t know what I’m doing up here,” he said. “I feel like Cinderfella. … I stand here a humbled man.” Alec Baldwin won best actor in a comedy series for his performance in “30 Rock.” Toni Collette (”The United States of Tara”) won best actress in a comedy. Collette’s win was a mild surprise, as Tina Fey, of “30 Rock,” was considered a heavy favorite.

The thing that stuck me the most about the show was how much camaraderie was being tossed about … from everyone to everyone else. Heaps of praise was laid upon Neil Patrick Harris’s performance as Emmy host and the winners kept congratulating others … it was really nice to see. Here are a few photos of some of the winners hoisting up their Emmy trophies in the press room last night:

Much congrats goes out to all the winners … even if I don’t watch all of the shows that win, it’s clear that they are much beloved by viewers and Emmy voters and they are really deserving of their accolades. Click HERE for a list of last night’s 2009 Emmy Award winners.

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

Just when you thought television was safe, Dr. Horrible took over. The doctor, a supervillain conceived by Joss Whedon and played by Emmys host Neil Patrick Harris for the Web series “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” interrupted what would doubtless have been a fascinating explanation of how nominations are tabulated. Decrying “corporate entertainment” and even the awards’ “athletic and luminous host,” Horrible laid out a plan to take over television, but was quickly thwarted by nemesis Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion). Sadly, contrary to previous reports, the short wasn’t a musical bit. The Internet series won the confusingly titled Short-Format Live-Action Special Class award at the Emmys’ Creative Arts ceremony, held separately from the televised event.

Yes, folks, Neil Patrick Harris — who hosted the Emmy Awards last night — also stars as Dr. Horrible and managed to make his role as Best.AwardsShow.Host. even funnier. In addition to this little invasion by Dr. Horrible, NPH also performed an amazing song titled Put Down the Remote to inspire viewers at home to stay tuned into the Emmy Awards show broadcast last night:

NPH really expanded on the amazing job he did hosting the Tony Awards earlier this year and really hit it out of the ballpark last night. After the jump, check out video of Dr. Horrible’s invasion of the Emmy Awards and watch NPH’s performance of Put Down the Remote …

For some ungodly reason, I was not able to get a cab when I needed to get to Radio City Music Hall and because press check-in cuts off PERIOD at a specific time, I had to scramble to get to the venue on time. I managed to find the right subway line to get me to Radio City and then was forced to run around the block 4 TIMES to find the right press check-in venue. I was told the wrong thing over and over and at the last minute, an amazing intern named Tyler found me and brought me inside … with 2 minutes to spare. Once I got all checked-in, it was smooth sailing for the rest of the night. After the jump, check out some of my photos from the red carpet and a couple from inside the show …

To be honest, I had better luck on previous MTV red carpets in the celeb department but everyone I got to talk to was very nice. The weather was perfect and I was situated around really fun people … it was a great night.

The show was really cool to see in person. I was seated in the mezzanine level that came complete with gourmet food and open bars! Yeah, man, that’s the way to watch a show like this. Much, much love goes out to Emily for taking such great care of me. The opening performance was really very cool in person:

I met some fun folks who turned out to be Pink readers — Billy, Hanne and Bill … we all got along so well, the whole experience was just a lot of fun. I kid you not, the auditorium exploded in boos every time Kanye West’s name was mentioned, he was a hated man last night … and rightfully so.

I opted out of the after parties to meet up with David and his friends Marissa, Ben, Shane and Jason at Joe’s Pub for drinks and then late night pizza afterward. It was a great night, the perfect way to get back into the swing of things here in NYC.

But for a few exceptions, most everyone looked amazing on the red carpet. I loved all the shiny bling that some folks were wearing … particularly Kristin Cavallari who wore a simple vintage dress and looked absolutely amazing in it. The show itself was really fun .. the opening tribute performance to MJ was really very cool and except for Kanye West’s douchey behavior, the show was very entertaining. Here are a few pics from the show and some deets about what went down:

Planned and random acts of kindness reigned at the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday night. Among the planned acts: Janet Jackson’s opening tribute to her brother Michael, whose death at age 50 on June 25 rocked the music world. The production began with Madonna recalling her encounter with Michael and reminding the audience that “Michael Jackson was a hero.” And while “he seemed otherworldly,” she added, “he was also a human being.” And then, the performance began. Dancers crept up on stage with original Thriller video airing in the background. The dancers’ moves duplicated the ones being performed on the video. Then a sequence of Michael’s hits played. Bad and Smooth Criminal led to Scream, his duet with Janet, who broke through glass to make her way onstage and sing along with the video. The loud, almost angry performance had the audience on its feet. After the tribute, Madonna said backstage that “it was good to finally get to say my piece.” And then near the end of the show, in a gracious act of kindness, video-of-the-year winner Beyoncé offered young country music star Taylor Swift a second chance to say her piece with an acceptance speech. The moment came after Kanye West took everyone by surprise early in the show when he went onstage to interrupt Swift’s acceptance speech for best female video for You Belong With Me … The teen country star returned for her live performance of You Belong With Me later in the show. Celebrities reacted backstage. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong said, “Well, you know, she’s young, I think she’ll get over it. I think he needs to get it over it also. It was very uncomfortable sitting there.” “I feel bad for Taylor,” said Kristin Cavallari. “I think it was really disrespectful” … Other music-related news items had guests talking at the awards show, too. American Idol’s Kara DioGuardi was asked about her new colleague at the judges’ table, Ellen DeGeneres. “I feel fantastic. I feel ecstatic. I can’t wait for January, when we can all be on the panel.” DioGuardi added that she has been in touch with former judge Paula Abdul. “I’ve spoken to her, and she seems to be doing really well, and that’s what matters.” Abdul is set to play host at the VH1 Divas special on MTV’s sister network on Thursday night (9 ET/PT). Faye Dunaway had two divas she was looking forward to seeing on Sunday at the VMAs. “Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. How could you not love Beyoncé?” Dunaway asked. Ne-Yo echoed Dunaway’s sentiment. When asked who he was rooting for, he replied, “Besides myself?” and then added, “I’m here to see Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Pink, everyone. I’m here just to enjoy the electricity.” And the atmosphere was electric, with returning host Russell Brand doling out his brash brand of humor. Among the stars: Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Eminem, Jermaine Jackson, Katy Perry, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

For me, the live performances were the highlight of the entire night. After the jump, check out a few photos from the press room and watch a couple of my fave performances from the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards …

As usual, Beyoncé put on a killer performance … here is video of her performance of Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) which took home the biggest award of the night — Video of the Year:

Michael Jackson, who was not only one of the most influential forces in MTV’s history but also provided its Video Music Awards with some of its most irreverent moments, got reverential treatment Sunday as Madonna and his sister Janet provided emotional tributes — one through words, one through song. It was a tender, special moment — a rarity for the Video Music Awards. But the mood didn’t last for long, thanks in part to another onstage outburst from Kanye West. Madonna kicked off the show at Radio City Music Hall with a poignant speech about her relationship with Michael Jackson, which began when she was a youngster idolizing the then-child star, then morphed into a friendship when both were at the apex of their careers, and later, grew distant. Madonna lamented the negative publicity that dogged him in his later years. “Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them,” said Madonna, dressed in black. “Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being, but yes, he was a king,” she told the celebrity-studded crowd, which included Michael’s brother Jermaine and father Joe Jackson. “Long live the king.”

Once Madonna stopped talking about her, she really let her personal feelings about Michael Jackson come to the forefront of her speech and honestly honored his memory. After the jump, watch video of Madonna delivering her address (along with a full transcript of her speech) and watch video of Janet Jackson and her troupe of dancers paying homage to MJ in their own way — in song and dance …

Yes, yes Michael Jackson was a human being, but dammit, he was a king. Long live the king.”

I’m not sure how it came across on TV but in the auditorium, Madonna’s speech seemed to go on forever … again, once the focus was off her and on MJ, the tribute felt touching and appropriate.

After Madonna was finished, a whole bunch of dancers took to the stage to perform with a medley of Michael Jackson music videos including Thriller, Bad and Smooth Criminal … with the finale being Janet Jackson dancing virtually with MJ along with their music video Scream … behold:

The MTV video music awards held on Sunday paid tribute to the late Michael Jackson, but was overshadowed by an outburst by rapper Kanye West, who interrupted an acceptance speech by U.S. singer Taylor Swift. West, who is known for his outspoken ways, jumped up on stage while the 19-year-old Swift was making an acceptance speech for best female video for her hit song “You Belong With Me,” beating out singers including Beyonce Knowles and Lady Gaga. “I am really happy for you,” West said. “But Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time.” MTV said West, who was spotted earlier on the red carpet drinking alcohol, was ejected from an awards show already known for its circus-like atmosphere. West received loud boos from the crowd when his name was mentioned later in the show.

Kanye was seen carrying a big bottle of booze and was asked by MTV to leave the premises shortly after his rant:

Apparently, Kanye decided to go home and blog an “apology” to Taylor Swift for his outburst … but it doesn’t take a careful reading to understand that it’s not an apology at all:

This “apology” has since been removed from his official website. After the jump, check out video of this outrageous insult to Taylor Swift and see how Beyoncé managed to right the wrong a wee bit at the end of the show …

The big winner at Saturday’s Creative Arts Emmys? Sarah Palin. Tina Fey. The bespectacled funnylady’s spot-on Saturday Night Live spoofin’ of a certain veep wannabe earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress, Comedy. You betcha. “This would not be possible without Mrs. Palin…[who is] an inspiration to working mothers everywhere,” Fey sad as she picked up the prize. She also gave a shout-out to “my parents, who are lifelong Republican, for their patience.” “They thought the first four sketches were very funny and the last two, enough already,” said Fey, who can collect more hardware at next weekend’s Primetime Emmys. Meanwhile, all that booty-shaking with Beyoncé and mother-loving with Susan Sarandon paid off for Justin Timberlake. The former ‘N Syncer claimed the Guest Actor, Comedy statuette for his own SNL stint. Timberlake became the first host in the history of the late-night stalwart to claim that honor. This is Timberlake’s second SNL-spawned Emmy. He previously scored the music category for his infamous “D-ck in a Box” showcase with Andy Samberg. But they weren’t all the big-name winners at L.A.’s Nokia Theatre. Michael J. Fox (Guest Actor, Drama), Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn (Guest Actress, Drama) and SNL alums Jimmy Fallon (Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media) and Chris Rock (Writing, Variety, Music or Comedy Special) were among those honored. Long-snubbed Buffy mastermind Joss Whedon finally collected some Emmy hardware for his hugely popular online project Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. The wingding was presided over by Kathy Griffin, who saw the two-year Emmy-winning reign of Kathy Griffin: Life on the D List come crashing to a halt, with A&E’s Intervention named Outstanding Reality Program. The awards ceremony honored 81 technical and other achievements for the 2008-09 season. HBO led the way with 16 Emmys, followed by NBC (11) and ABC and Fox (eight apiece). PBS’ Little Dorrit topped all programs with four awards.

Um, I didn’t even know you could win an Emmy Award if your program was not broadcast on television … how awesome is Dr. Horrible’s win??? Congrats also goes out to Tina Fey because, in all honesty, I am of the mind that her spot-on impersonation of Sarah Palin did a lot to help the greater good and helped expose Palin’s insipidness more widely to the masses … so on behalf of the American people, we love you and congrats Tina!! I don’t believe that Mary Lynn Rajskub won an award last night but I wanted to include a photo of her and new hubby Matthew Rolph because they look so damn cute together :) Click HERE to see who else took home Creative Emmy Awards last night … and, again, congrats to all the winners!

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]