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]

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:

Beyonce Knowles proved she still lives up to her Bootylicious label as she flaunted her curves in a skimpy bikini yesterday. The pop star, 27, has been spotted soaking up the sun on a luxury yacht called off the coast of Croatia with her husband Jay-Z, 39. While her chart contemporaries have been spending the summer sailing around the traditional showbiz haunts of St Tropez and Portofino, Beyonce has broken out and visit one of Europe’s newest and trendiest hotspots. After flying in from New York this week, Beyonce has wasted no time in getting some exercise by swimming and riding a banana boat in the warm Adriatic Sea. Wearing a red and orange string bikini, the Halo singer gave her swimwear some added ‘bling’ with a gold belly chain linked to her neck. Beyonce and her personal assistant were spotted screaming with delight as they were whizzed through the waves on a banana boat, while Jay-Z watched from the dry safety of the yacht. Later that evening, the pair and their entourage ventured on to dry land for dinner at the French fusion restaurant Gils in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Still wearing her belly-neck chain from earlier in the day, Beyonce showed off her curves once again in a red hot, figure-hugging body con dress and gold heeled sandals. Currently enjoying a holiday before she resumes the second part of her year-long I Am… world tour, Beyonce has been enjoying the good life as she island hops around the Eastern European country. After visiting the towns of Dubrovnik and Cavtat, Beyonce was also spotted swimming near Lokrum Island. Local press report the couple are also planning to visit the scenic islands of Mljet, Hvar and Kornati later this week. Beyonce and Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, have rented the 47.5metre Va Bene (Italian for ‘It’s good’) yacht for $195,000 (£119,000) a week. The lavish six-bedroom boat boasts a cruising speed of 14 knots and contains a jacuzzi, sun deck, Satellite TV and the use of two Jet-skis. Beyonce previously visited Croatia in April when she performed in Zagreb and promised fans she would return to the country for a holiday. She is set to resume the tour in the Ukraine on August 29, before finally wrapping her concerts in Belfast on November 24.

Lucky for Beyoncé, the water helped her mask the new Rick James ‘do that she was rockin’ in NYC last weekend cuz, LAWD, it did not look cute. It really looks like she’s having a blast … Jay looked happy to just sit back, chillin’, watching his lady have fun. It’s nice that B-Jay are taking the time to unwind for a bit before B has to get back to work. I expect the couple will be back in NYC after Beyoncé finishes her tour, Jay-Z is scheduled to perform at the 2009 MTV VMAs on September 13. No rest for the weary.

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin; Source]

In Hollywood, one person’s wardrobe malfunction is another’s fashion statement – just ask Rihanna. The 21-year-old arrived for Independence Day celebrations over the weekend flashing daring silver sequinned nipple petals from beneath her gaping tuxedo jacket. Far from being an embarrassing moment of overexposure, it was a very deliberate move by the bold Umbrella singer who seemed completely at ease in her most provocative outfit yet … Rihanna was in Las Vegas to mark July 4 along with her mentor Jay-Z, who attended the party at Tao nightclub without his wife Beyonce. The rapper is credited with giving the singer her big break by signing her to record label Def Jam and the pair are rumoured to be working on new material for her next album.

Wowie! That’s some outfit. I mean … if you’re okay with the bared boobs, she looks pretty spectacular. I’m not sure that Beyoncé is a fan of this look, especially since Ri Ri wore it while hangin’ out with her husband Jay-Z but … well. Glad to see Rihanna lookin’ so well these days … er, at least she’s lookin’ perky.

[Photo credit: Big! Pictures; Source]

I LOVED seeing the cast of Bravo TV’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta … including alums NeNe Leakes (FTW!), Lisa Wu Hartwell, Sheree Whitfield and new castmember Kandi Burruss. I am really looking forward to the return of the Atlanta Housewives in August :) I also love the photo of Zoe Saldana and Nichelle Nichols (who both portrayed the Star Trek character Uhura) together on the red carpet … beautiful, beautiful ladies. The show itself was very entertaining … in between award presentations and live performances, host Jamie Foxx made sure to remind the audience that this year’s BET Awards was a true celebration of Michael Jackson’s legacy. Here are a few pics from the show itself and a rundown of what went down:

Michael Jackson’s sister Janet thanked the crowd at the BET Awards Sunday night for paying tribute to her late brother. “My entire family wanted to be here, but it was just too painful,” she said, holding back tears. “To you Michael is an icon. To us Michael is family. And he will forever live in all of our hearts.” The star-studded BET Awards was an appreciation of Michael Jackson, who died Thursday at age 50. He was “the greatest star in the world,” Joseph Jackson, father of the late entertainer, said on Sunday night. “I wish the world had recognized him when he were living,” Joseph Jackson told CNN’s Don Lemon outside the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. “Right now he’s bigger than ever. But I wish he was here to see all this, to hear all this.” When asked about circumstances surrounding his son’s death, he said, “I have a lot of concerns but I can’t get into that. … I don’t like what happened.” The awards opened with a fleet-footed New Edition, with Bobby Brown, performing an energized version of the Jackson 5 hit “The Love You Save,” to raucous praise. Host Jamie Foxx wore a red, leather “Beat It” jacket for his opening monologue and did his best to imitate Jackson’s backward glide across the floor. In addition to Foxx, presenter Jeremy Piven mixed praise for Jackson with comic relief. “If it wasn’t for Michael Jackson, people like Justin Timberlake would be selling curly fries in the valley,” the actor said. “I mean that with love.” This year’s performers included, Beyonce, Keyshia Cole and R&B artist Neyo who performed a hard-hitting tribute to the 1990s with appearances by acts Keith Sweat, Guy and Bell Biv Devoe. The presenters included the past and present Uhura of “Star Trek”: Zoe Saldana, who starred in the film, and Nichelle Nichols of the TV show. The show also honored the soulful Ohio trio, The O’Jays, who were presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. Tevin Campbell performed a rendition of The O’Jays classic “Forever Mine.” Johnny Gill, Tyrese and Trey Songz performed a rumbling, soulful medley of The O’Jays hits that had some in the audience wondering if Songz was older than his years. Among the award winners, Atlanta, Georgia-based singer Keri Hilson, who was nominated in four categories, received best new artist and Beyonce won best female artist. Debra L. Lee, chairman and chief executive officer of Black Entertainment Television, said Jackson’s death both saddened and energized the awards organizers. “When we heard the news of Michael Jackon’s passing we knew immediately we’d have to change the nature of this show,” she said. “We put the show together in a matter of three or four days. It’s truly been a labor of love for us,” Lee said.

I was able to watch the show myself and it really was a very celebratory event. Except for a few touching moments, it really looked like everyone was having a great time. To be honest, I think that is the best way to honor someone’s passing. It was said many times during the BET Awards show last night — Michael Jackson was directly responsible for last night’s awards show. His trailblazing legacy as an African American performer paved the way for all of the African American artists who are enjoying successful careers today. I think it was right that his contributions were honored … and celebrated. Congrats to all of this year’s winners of BET Awards.

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin, Wireimage; Source]

Beyonce has finally sorted out her split personality. Feeding both the flashy hip-hop side and the sensitive balladeer is something she has struggled with since stepping out of Destiny’s Child and out on her own. It came to a head on last year’s “I Am . . . Sasha Fierce” double album, but it wasn’t until her Madison Square Garden show Sunday night, the first on the American leg of her world tour, that she consistently integrated them both successfully. (She plays the Garden again Monday night.) See, Sasha Fierce has the booty roll in “Crazy in Love,” which featured hubby Jay-Z who got a response so loud his verses were lost in the roar. She has the “Freakum Dress” and the trapeze act during “Baby Boy” on her side. Can balladeer Beyonce compete with just her big ol’ voice? Well, she spices things up during the ballads now – assembling a wedding gown onstage for “Ave Maria” and throwing Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” into “If I Were a Boy.” It’s no big surprise – after all, “Irreplaceable,” which infuses a Beyonce ballad with Sasha Fierce-ness, is her biggest success. Another combination was equally impressive – as she proved that hot choreography and strong vocals don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Beyonce is an amazing, unique dance-pop and hip-hop artist, arguably the best around, as “Diva” and “Radio” showed. She’s only a good balladeer, though she continues to improve, as her powerful take on “At Last” proved. Not only is she irreplaceable, but now Beyonce may be unstoppable, too.

OOOOOOOH man … the show sounds so good! As I’ve mentioned before, I have yet to see Beyoncé live in concert so I am very excited for all the fierceness in store. David and I will be seeing the show from the Diva Stage so I’m hoping our vantage point will get us close enough to the fierocity so that we may imbue some of it into our beings. Beyoncé has brought her show the US … I hope all y’all are ready.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Everyone was lookin’ their swanky best … Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood looked lovely (tho, I preferred the dress that J. Hud changed into for her onstage performance) and Jesse McCartney looked crazed as he latched on to Paris Hilton’s teet for their odd photo op. Dunno what the kid was trying to accomplish but I hope he bathed afterward.

It turned out that Alison Krauss and Robert Plant were the big winners of the evening … along with Adele who took home the award for Best New Artist (edging out Duffy and the Jonas Brothers — thank God!). After the jump, check out some photos from the Grammy Press room of some of the winners with their trophies and find out who won what at last night’s affair …

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the big winners at the 51st annual Grammy Awards Sunday night. They won album of the year for Raising Sand; record of the year for their performance of the song “Please Read the Letter”; and three other honors. The duo upset rapper Lil Wayne and British rock band Coldplay; those artists had the best-selling albums of 2008. Lil Wayne took home three Grammys, including best rap album, and Coldplay also won three awards, including song of the year. The pairing of former Led Zeppelin singer Plant with bluegrass fiddler and singer Krauss turned out to be a surprise hit with critics and fans last year. The demure Krauss only spoke once during the Grammy telecast, when she and Plant accepted the album of the year award. “It’s been a wonderful time, and especially [with] Robert, there’s never a dull moment,” Krauss said. “I’d like to say I’m bewildered,” Plant added. “In the old days, we would have called this selling out. But I think it’s a good way to spend a Sunday.” It was an emotional Sunday for singer Jennifer Hudson. Less than four months ago, her mother, brother and nephew were murdered. The former American Idol contestant and Oscar winner fought back tears as she picked up her first Grammy — for best R&B album. “I first would like to thank God, who has brought me through. I would like to thank my family in heaven and those who are here today.” It was Hudson’s second public performance since the tragedy. She sang a week earlier at the Super Bowl. Unheard Controversy The Grammy ceremony was, for the most part, relentlessly upbeat. Members of Coldplay bounded onstage wearing blue, purple, green and red jackets to accept the song of the year award. But the song, “Viva La Vida,” is the subject of a copyright infringement lawsuit: In December, guitarist Joe Satriani filed suit in federal court alleging the band ripped off his 2004 instrumental, “If I Could Fly.” The suit generated a lot of coverage in the press and online, but Satriani may have a tough time proving his case. Some online music lovers have pointed out similarities between his tune and a 2002 release by the Argentine group Enanitos Verdes. Like the charges of musical plagiarism, the biggest news of the night went unmentioned during the telecast. Just as the ceremony was getting under way, the popular 19-year-old R&B singer Chris Brown was turning himself in to Los Angeles police for allegedly assaulting a woman early Sunday morning. Brown was scheduled to perform, as was his girlfriend, Rihanna, and both were nominated for Grammys. Neither won and both canceled — at the last minute. That led to a lot of speculation that Rihanna was the woman Brown assaulted. Los Angeles police declined to name the woman. Meanwhile Grammy organizers scrambled madly to fill their slots. The head of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Neil Portnow, said the Grammys have never faced a situation like this. “Everybody has certain problems at times in their lives, things that you wish maybe didn’t happen, maybe you’re not proud of,” Portnow said. “I’m not a judgmental kind of an individual. I’m sorry they weren’t there for their moments on the stage. I think that’s the thing that is most unfortunate to me at the moment.” Los Angeles police say Brown was booked on suspicion of making a felony criminal threat and released after posting $50,000 bail.

UGH, it is *impossible* to talk about last night’s Grammys without the Chris Brown story getting a mention. In any event, I was pretty pleased with many of the winners … tho, I didn’t see that Plant/Krauss thing coming. I thought for sure that Coldplay would clean up … I’m kinda glad that they didn’t. I don’t really love them but I do enjoy that Viva La Vida song … but, I was not a fan of the way Coldplay ripped off the Wiggles with their very colorful outfits:

I’m just sayin’. And, it MUST be said that Katy Perry put on the WORST PERFORMANCE of the night:

I’m so over all of her hype, I’m glad that she didn’t win anything … she sounded horrible live in person and I’m ready for her bandwagon to jump the track and go away. Adele and Estelle, on the other hand, are amazing performers and I was THRILLED with their wins. Those ladies can sing and I’m happy they were rewarded for their talents.

David and I had such a great time and it was all due to the kind generosity of our friends at ABSOLUT Vodka … and as a result, I’d like to mention that ABSOLUT debuted a new commercial in relation to their In An ABSOLUT World campaign during last night’s Grammy Awards telecast — the first time the company has aired a commercial in primetime. In case you missed seeing it last night, here it is again:

Singer Beyonce puts her best foot forward as she struggles to keep her balance on the yacht-side inflated water trampoline attached to her luxury yacht in the Caribbean. Showing off the fine figure, that along with her huge voice, has made her a worldwide star, the bikini-clad beauty bounced around as her rap mogul husband Jay-Z looked on. The hardest-working female in the music business allowed herself a break from world domination to enjoy a luxurious break on the isle of St Barts with her husband of eight months. Beyonce and Jay-Z are holidaying in St. Barts in the Caribbean and were seen aboard luxurious 50 foot yacht ‘Galaxy’, which they are renting at a reported cost of $200,000 a week. Despite recently admitting she didn’t know “how to chill out”, the singer appeared to be making a good stab at it as she soaked up the sun, and romped through the waves on a jetski … Although the two chose the marry quietly in April this year, she revealed she is not keen to have children anytime soon, especially after witnessing her sister Solange, 24, give birth in 2004. She said: “I’m terrified of delivering a child because I saw my nephew born. That traumatized me,” she said of sister Solange’s 2004 birth. “I’m only 27, I’ve got time.”

I dunno … all this relaxin’ in the Caribbean could lead to a little baby B sooner rather than later. Beyoncé had herself a really bizzy year, it’s nice to see that she and Jay decided to spend some not working … at least for a little while. It’s great seeing B-Jay lookin’ so happy together … St. Bart’s looks like fun!

[Photo credit: Splash News, Big! Pictures; Source]

The R&B singer has christened herself “Sasha Fierce” for her new double album, “I Am … Sasha Fierce,” due in stores on Nov. 18, and has released a lengthy justification for the comical moniker. “I have someone else that takes over when it’s time for me to work and when I’m on stage, this alter ego that I’ve created that kind of protects me and who I really am,” the former Destiny’s Child frontwoman said in a statement. “Sasha Fierce is the fun, more sensual, more aggressive, more outspoken side and more glamorous side that comes out when I’m working and when I’m on the stage.” Additionally, she has set up a cryptic MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/sashafierce) that gives a “lucky person” the opportunity to receive a personal message and a gift bag valued at $500.

So … lemme get this straight. Beyoncé created an alter-ego to draw attention away to “protect herself” and is now telling anyone who will listen (and offering a cash prize to anyone interested in giving a damn) that the alter-ego is actually her. Clearly, Beyoncé would make an horrrrrrible superhero cuz she just can’t keep a secret. As you may recall, Beyoncé released 2 music videos recently … and one of them features Ms. Sasha Fierce. Methinks Mrs. Jay-Z has got way too much time on her hands.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Call it a crazy hunch but I think that Beyoncé might be supporting Obama in the upcoming presidential campaign. Yes?

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]