MTV held its 16th annual Europe Music Awards in Berlin, Germany last night and brought out a host of musicians to appear, perform and/or collect awards. Beyoncé turned out to be the big winner at last night’s MTV EMAs but a whole bunch of other folks made their way to the event to celebrate a night of music achievement. Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals last night:

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 …

READ THE REST OF THIS POST »

As we are all pretty much aware by now, the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards were handed out at Radio City Music Hall here in NYC last night in a ceremony that was mired in controversy but also featured heartfelt tributes to the late Michael Jackson as well as a few spectacular performances and on stage appearances. Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals last night:

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 …

READ THE REST OF THIS POST »

Green Day fans, rejoice! Altho the band’s new album 21st Century Breakdown won’t be released in stores and online until May 15, MTV’s The Leak is streaming the entire album RIGHT NOW for your listening pleasure:

While getting to see the first music video from the album a couple of weeks ago was pretty cool, I think getting to preview the entire album this early before its release is pretty freakin’ cool. Take a listen … and lemme know what you think.

[Source]

Earlier this week we got to see a few new promo images of Green Day which were released in support of their new album 21st Century Breakdown (due in stores on May 15) but today we get to see something a bit more substantial … the new music video for their new single Know Your Enemy. The punk pop pranksters have returned … behold:

I gotta say, I’m kinda likin’ this new song. It deffo has a more rock feel to it but retains that Green Day sound that has made them superstars. I’m happy to hear that lead singer Billy Joe Armstrong still sings like a British guy trying to sound like an American guy. You’ll also note that BJ is still tweaking his vocals to make it sound like he’s singing thru a megaphone in some parts. I guess if it ain’t broke, why fix it? The song is catchy and it’s got a good hook … I suspect it’ll do well on the radio. Now I’m anxious to hear more … but so far, I like it. What do y’all think?

[Source]

Here are a few new promo pics of Green Day which have been released ahead of the arrival of their new album 21st Century Breakdown:

After being out of the spotlight for the past few years, it looks like the boys are back and ready for biznazz again. I know there are hordes of fans out there anxiously awaiting their new album … and to be honest, so am I. I am a huge fan of Green Day’s early albums and remember fondly that I used to play the hell out of Dookie. While I wasn’t a huge fan of American Idiot, I can respect that the guys set out to tell a story with that album and followed it thru to the very end. While I contend that the critical acclaim might not have come so readily if it weren’t for the heavy political stance they took on the album, there is no denying that the band is extremely talented. I’m very curious to hear if the new stuff sounds much different from their earlier material. The guys are old and hopefully wiser these days … I guess we’ll have to wait and see (well, hear) if their maturity is reflected in their new album.

[Source]

Yesterday we learned that Green Day have announced the name of their new album, 21st Century Breakdown, and today they reveal the official artwork for the disc … check it out:

Green Day have revealed the cover art for the new album today (February 10), just a day after they named the record. The stenciled artwork, pictured, was apparently inspired by artist Sixten, with art direction credited to Chris Bilheimer.

No other information about artwork is provided … but you can click HERE to see examples of Sixten’s work at his official website to compare this album art with the apparent source of inspiration. I am not at all familiar with Sixten’s work but there is a simplicity in his pieces that looks very much like something Green Day would be interested in co-opting. It’s been about 5 years since Green Day released their last album, American Idiot. They were able to use dissatisfaction with the GWB administration to win all sorts of awards and accolades (they had a really great year at the Grammy Awards, I seem to recall). I’m curious to hear what their new stuff sounds like. I’m also curious to know if anyone still cares about them. Will their brand of mature power-punk-pop still resonate today? I’m not too sure.

[Source via Source]