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]

Watching “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” will have fans grieving once again, but this time, it won’t only be for the fallen King of Pop, but for what we lost — a brilliant entertainer who gave every inch of his body and soul for what might have been one of the most spectacular comebacks of all time. Jackson never got to complete that comeback, dying days before his London concerts were to begin in July, but “This Is It,” culled from hundreds of hours of rehearsal footage for those shows, does it for him. Even though it’s been well edited, the amazing performances Jackson delivers in this film are not a result of camera magic, but Jackson’s own. When Jackson announced his “This Is It” concerts earlier this year, many wondered whether Jackson had any magic left at all. Besides his tattered reputation, he was rumored to be in frail health and hadn’t performed a major concert in almost a decade. There were well-deserved skepticism about whether Jackson had the vocal and physical agility to stage the kind of concerts that wowed fans in his prime two decades earlier. “This is It” gives both answers an emphatic yes. Even though Jackson’s looks — with his weirdly delicate face and his stick-thin frame — still makes one squirm with discomfort, once he starts to perform, that discomfort gives way to amazement. At 50, Jackson was still an amazingly gifted dancer with moves that leave your mouth agape. Though we only see him do the moonwalk once, and just fleetingly, his stop-on-a-dime spins, deft footwork and body jerks recall the Jackson the world fell in love with 25 years earlier with “Thriller.” And Jackson’s voice still dazzles — even when he’s trying to play it down. “I’m trying to conserve my voice,” Jackson says at one point — then delivers a vocal that is spine-tingling — and these are just run-throughs, not the actual show. Fans never get to see what would have been the “This Is It” concert — full dress rehearsals weren’t due to happen until the show went overseas for final rehearsals. Instead, the movie takes from segments of taped rehearsals, and also weaves in film segments Jackson planned for the concert to give at the very least an idea of how the concert might have looked. A graveyard scene meant to be in 3D was planned for Jackson’s performance of “Thriller,” and a computer-animated dancing army would have accompanied Jackson on screen for a militaristic version “They Don’t Care About Us.” Jackson kept much of the same moves from his classic “They Way You Make Me Feel” video — including the floor humping — as well as the groundbreaking choreography from his “Beat It” clip. But whether it was through new visuals and different musical arrangements, he appeared to be breathing new life into his well-worn catalog, promising fans a show that would have taken Jackson and his fans to new heights. Jackson is gentle but authoritative as he demands perfection from his crew, whether it’s gently taking the audio crew to task for making his earpiece too loud or attempting to elicit a grand performance from his young star guitarist. “This is your time to shine,” he says in that famously soft soprano voice before delivering a high wail and challenging her to do the same on her guitar. The film doesn’t give viewers much insight into Jackson outside of performance mode — we only see him rehearsing or hear him talking about music, or the meaning of his songs. Yet the film does give a glimpses into Jackson’s personality — alternatively playful and shy, firm yet understanding, often saying phrases like “with love” after giving a command. The film also splices together different performances of the same song at times, leaving one to wonder why. Is it for a visual effect? Or did he not complete enough in one take? Thankfully, there appears to be enough full takes so one’s mind does not play into conspiracy theories. There were certainly critics of “This Is It” before its release — those who wondered whether it would be an exploitative flick, a quick attempt to cash in on his newfound popularity, and those who felt the preparations for the concert contributed to his death. But “This Is It” is a beautifully made, loving tribute that gives Michael Jackson what he so desperately wanted — affirmation that he indeed was the greatest entertainer of our time.

Some friends and I got to see the film last night and I’ll post my review of the film a little later on. Last night’s LA premiere was a who’s who of the Hollywood glitterati and members of the Jackson family who can’t seem to shy away from the spotlight. I understand that Paula Abdul referred to the Jacksons as “the Johnsons” and Jermaine Jackson brought a change of clothes so that he could wear two outfits for the premiere. Both of those strange occurrences are not connected, I just thought I’d share. I’m sure many of y’all saw the film last night as well or are planning to see it during it’s limited 2 week theatrical engagement. I’m very curious to hear what others thought … was this the film that the world has been waiting for?

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

It was already shaping up to be a pretty huge night, but now, the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards have gotten even bigger. Or at least grittier and glammier. That’s because Jay-Z and Lady Gaga have been booked to perform at the VMAs, joining an already impressive list that includes Taylor Swift, Green Day, Pink and Muse. Jay — whose gnarly “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)” is up for Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Male Video — will perform a song from his hotly anticipated The Blueprint 3 album, due September 11. The glittery Gaga — who, along with Beyoncé, leads everyone with nine VMA nods — will perform a single from her breakthrough The Fame album. “I’m simply gutted to be both a performer and nominee at the 2009 VMAs,” Gaga said. “In fact, I’m so happy, I could die.” In addition to the performers, there are some big-name presenters to add to the show too. Nelly Furtado, Miranda Cosgrove and “Gossip Girl” star Leighton Meester — who is up for Best Pop Video and Best Direction for Cobra Starship’s “Good Girls Go Bad” — will be on hand to, well, hand out the awards. They join Katy Perry, Ne-Yo and Chace Crawford, who have already been announced as VMA presenters. But who will they be presenting the awards to? Well, that’s up to you. Voting for the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards is under way over at VMA.MTV.com. Verizon Wireless subscribers can also vote by texting VMA to 97979. The VMAs will broadcast live from New York on September 13 at 9 p.m. Russell Brand will once again serve as host for the evening. Trust us: It’s going to be a night you just can’t miss.

I can’t help it, I’m a sucker for the VMAs — always have been, always will. I can’t help but look forward to the show each year. Because the show is gonna be back in NYC this year, well, you know they’re gonna turn the mother out. I’m really hoping and crossing my fingers (and toes) that they’re gonna bring out our dear Britney Spears for a surprise performance. Last year was her year to look beautiful and collect her trophies … this year is her year to sing for her supper (as it were). Whether she performs or not, I’m pretty sure that secret will be hush-hush until the day of the show (or very close to). I can’t wait to find out, hopefully in person :)

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Hayden and Katy were chillin’ at the park before they took to the stage for Disney’s Grad Nite, which is an in-park concert for High School seniors (Hayden hosted, Katy performed). The three ladies look all cute with their matching bows and shizz … it sounds like the Grad Nite was a big hit this year — bands like Metro Station and White Tie Affair also performed for the high school seniors. It’s hard to believe that it’s already graduation time again … but when the Mouse says it’s time to graduate, it’s time to graduate. Congrats class of 2009!!

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American pop artists dominated the MTV Europe Music Awards last night (Oct. 6) at Liverpool Echo Arena, and the performers and winners were also keen to bask in President-elect Barack Obama’s election victory. Britney Spears sent a video acceptance for her two awards: best album for “Blackout” (Jive/Sony BMG) and best act of 2008. Host Katy Perry, whose costumes included an Obama-print dress, won the new act gong. “I want a recount,” she said. “The host can’t win.” Perry also opened the show sitting astride a giant chapstick during a performance of “I Kissed a Girl.” Pink collected the first award of the night, taking most addictive track for “So What” (LaFace/Sony BMG). California rock act 30 Seconds To Mars won the rock out award and the video star award for “A Beautiful Lie” (Virgin). The awards were voted for online by fans across Europe. “This has been a really exciting week for us Americans,” said frontman Jared Leto, who got the crowd to chant “Congrats Barack.” There was also recognition for a Liverpool’s most famous musician, with Bono presenting the ultimate legend award to Sir Paul McCartney. “This is the man who invented my job,” said the U2 singer. Bono was also jeered when he said the Beatles would have been Irish, if the Irish potato famine hadn’t driven their ancestors to Britain. “I’ve got to thank my mates Ringo, George and John,” said McCartney. “Many years ago, four little boys born here in Liverpool — and we went on to do quite well.” McCartney also thanked people in the U.S. for “voting in Mr. Obama.” The Liverpool crowd gave a warm reception to U.K. acts who performed, including Take That, the Ting Tings and Duffy. U.K. urban artist Estelle joined Kanye West for their first major awards show collaboration on “American Boy,” featuring a ticker-tape finale with an image of Obama on the giant screen. Eighties pop act Rick Astley was the unlikely winner of the best act ever, following a viral Internet campaign that raised his profile in the past year. Other performers included the Killers, Kid Rock, Beyonce, Pink and local indie rock act the Wombats, who covered Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.” Perry closed the show with a performance of “Hot N Cold.”

Um, Rick Astley? Seriously? Can I just say … FREAKIN’ AWESOME! I can’t even front, I was a huge Rick Astley fan back in the day. His debut album came out right around the time Kylie Minogue’s debut album was released here in the States and I was in love with them both. Obvs, Kylie ended up with the more stellar career but I’m very happy to see that Rick Astley can still inspire so much lurve from the World to win the Best Act of All Time award :) Congrats, Ricky!!

Because Britney was here in LA performing with Madonna on stage at Dodger Stadium last night, she was not able to be on hand in person to collect her awards in Liverpool last night … she did manage to offer a pre-taped thank you speech that was filmed on the set of her new music video for her song Circus. Here is a screencap of Britney’s acceptance speech:

After the jump, check out video of Britney’s pre-taped acceptance speech as well as Beyoncé’s live performance of If I Was A Boy …

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Restless Style is a magazine/website that was recently introduced and launched in the on-going storyline on Y&R but also exists as a real website that kinda bridges the gap between the fantasy world in Genoa City, WI and the real world at large. Personally, I think it’s a brills concept. Restless Style allows the folks at Y&R to incorporate today’s current buzzworthy folks in the show and allows fans of the show to feel a connection to the storyline. We’re only 2 issues in but so far, I think it’s an amazing idea … it’d be great if other TV shows did the same thing. In fact, Gossip Girl is kinda doing this same thing with the official blog they’ve got going on the show’s website (click HERE to read a post about the Gossip Girl kids being sighted in the Hamptons). This new form of interactivity works well with the new Internet savvy kids. But anyways … back to Katy Perry … on this cover, Katy is doing her best Madonna impersonation with this vintage silk dress from The Way We Wore (clearly, Katy is showing Madge some love since Maddy’s been showing Katy the love in recent interviews). Click HERE to see the full gallery of pics from this photoshoot on the Restless Style website. Sure, the whole concept may feel a bit like a marketing ploy but they’re really only “selling” what fans want … more of the show and celebs that they love.

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