“Applause & Roar with a Side of Nasty” – Red Carpet Manners at the VMA’s 30th Anniversary

Huge expectations for the 30^th anniversary of MTV’s Video Music Award’s did not disappoint. The two hour plus show (if you include the pre-show), started off with awkward applause, ended with a big roar and in between got more than a little nasty. 

Far away from last year’s venue at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, MTV decided to commemorate the anniversary by going back to their roots relocating to their original hometown of New York, but taking up residence in the popular borough of Brooklyn. The still newish Barclays Center housed the majority of the show, with the exception of the grand finale which was held outside with a backdrop of the famous Brooklyn Bridge. 

The hoopla had been building for weeks with speculation surrounding a Justin Timberlake and ‘NSYNC reunion, a Lady Gaga what will she do next? show opener and a Katy Perry will she give us another anthem? closer that created a competition between the two ladies of pop before the show even hit the airwaves.  Other artists scheduled to perform included the dynamic duo of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Robin Thick and Miley Cyrus, as well as rappers Kanyé and Drake.  The highlight of the evening was projected to be Justin Timberlake's acceptance of the special Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

The night had me a bit nostalgic for my youth.  I will always remember exactly where I was when I turned on my MTV in August of 1981.  I can picture the early rotation of video performances by artists like Scandal (featuring Patty Smyth), Pat Benatar, J. Geil’s Band, Phil Collins, The Police, and Kate Bush. It was clearly revolutionary, but it was also fun, meaningful and fairly innocent.  Can’t necessarily say that about today’s music videos!  Had I known this evening’s awards show would be sprinkled with commercials touting Trojan condoms and performers strutting thong underwear and using foam fingers to perform lewd acts, I most certainly would've made a greater attempt to keep my girls (9 & 11) out of the viewing area.  

So what exactly stood out for us at the VMA's 2013?  Who were the biggest winners in the upstanding citizen’s category and who went down the less favorable path of total embarrassment and shame?  Take a look at our red carpet manners hits and misses below.  

Not Necessarily Applause Worthy.  After a rather long hiatus, Lady Gaga returned to the world of music and the audience was waiting with baited breath. Slated to open the show, imaginations were running wild with what elaborate costume she would arrive in.  Would it be another beef ensemble or an updated version of the egg-shaped cocoon? Nope. Instead, she appeared in full white nun regalia complete with tunic, pearls, scapular and a tricked-out version of a head veil. What followed was a spectacle that somehow fell short. Her new song “Applause” didn't exactly encourage us to want to perform the act. After a series of nonsensical wig changes, the lowest point was her stripping down to a thong bikini revealing butt cheeks that were neither tight nor appealing, for no apparent reason other than to try to be different and add an element of daring.  

Good Sportswomanship.  "Besties" Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez could teach a seminar on how to be supportive friends.  It doesn't hurt that they are equally talented, driven young ladies with good looks and multiple hit songs to boot, but they do seem to seriously support one another's achievements and that was evident in their hearty congratulations when they each took to the stage to accept their Moonmen awards.  Even when not supporting one another, they were caught on camera with giant smiles dancing enthusiastically from the audience showing unwavering support for their fellow performers.  Nice job girls and appreciated your choice of wardrobe!  Your elegant full-length gowns stood out amongst the sea of gawdy choices.

Most Shameful Performance.  Where in the world did our little Miley go and where were her parents when this genius decision was made? It was just yesterday that she blossomed as the wholesome “Hannah Montana" on the popular Disney channel and now she's Miss Nasty! Listen Miley, you don’t have to go down the road of indecency to transform your image. Although it may seem that gyrating and twerking with Robin Thicke in front of a live audience is good times, there are smarter ways to gain attention and affection. Your best moments were when you were singing about “The Climb” and other inspirational songs.  You are a talented young lady with so much to offer. Call it a momentary lapse of reason and decide to turn it around.  You will thank yourself in the end.

The Hardest Working & Most Well-Liked Man in Music.  I had the privilege of seeing JT along with Jay-Z at the Rose Bowl this summer and he knocked my socks off.  There is nothing this triple-threat talent cannot do!  He is more than deserving of the Vanguard Award he received having been at the top of his game for two decades, both as a member of 'NSYNC as well as a solo artist, delivering hit after hit while managing to maintain a squeaky clean public image.  His record medley in the middle of the show had everyone on their feet dancing from start to finish!  Justin is a role model extraordinaire for every young performer looking to get into the business. The introduction by fellow nice guy, Jimmy Fallon, only proves his likability factor. Listening to his acceptance speech sincerely thanking everyone who supported him over the years from his managers to his video directors, his family and former band mates, shows he is as appreciative and respectful as he is charming.  This guy will be around for a long time.   

Best Social Message.  When I first heard the song “Same Love” I was leaving a funeral for a young boy. I had been crying my eyes out for two hours straight and heard this song upon my exit and it stopped me in my tracks.  Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ song could not be more on point if it tried.  No matter who you are, you cannot help but feel something when you listen to these lyrics.  The words may have been written in support of gay rights, but they resonate for anyone who has experienced social injustice due to sexual preference, race, religion and more.  It is an important step in music that has been embraced by the community at large.  The fact that Macklemore is not an overnight success, but has been working tirelessly on his talent for years, makes his story of achievement even more appealing. 

A Roar of a Performance.  Katy Perry was handed the throne of the final performance of the evening and she lived up to her title.  Taking a cue from Rocky III’s. “Eye of the Tiger,” she roared herself right to the top of the charts and into the hearts of the audience.  Not missing a beat and feeling the adrenaline of the city in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, the message of empowerment and hope for a girl seizing the moment and taking back control of her life was invigorating. When she held up the sign at the end of the song that read, “GAME OVER,” it was clear who was in charge.  Kudos Katy, you've magnificently lifted us up once again! 

In the event you missed the big show, here is a complete list of the winners.

Video of the Year

Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

Best Male Video

Bruno Mars, "Locked Out of Heaven"

Best Female Video

Taylor Swift, "I Knew You Were Trouble"

Best Pop Video

Selena Gomez, "Come and Get It"

Best Rock Video

Thirty Seconds To Mars, "Up in the Air"

Best Hip Hop Video

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best Song of the Summer

One Direction, "Best Song Ever"

Best Art Direction

Janelle Monae feat. Erykah Badu, "Q.U.E.E.N."

Best Collaboration

Pink feat. Nate Ruess, "Just Give Me A Reason"

Artist To Watch

Austin Mahone, "What About Love"

Best Video with a Social Message

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, "Same Love"

Best Choreography

Bruno Mars, "Treasure"

Best Cinematography

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best Direction

Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z, "Suit & Tie"

Best Editing

Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

Best Visual Effects

Capital Cities, "Safe and Sound"

Red-Carpet Manners – “Stripped Down & Sturdy Performances Shine Most at the Grammy’s 2013”

The 55th Grammy Awards started with a circus spectacle by the lovely Taylor Swift and ended with a rowdy tribute by the host and rapper, LL Cool J, with a little help from Beastie Boy Chuck D.  But the most noteworthy acts of the Grammy’s three and a half hour long show were the stripped down, raw and emotional performances that were sprinkled in the middle. 

The band, Fun, whose anthem-like rendition of “Carry On” executed on a simple stage with pouring rain and talented musicians, set the tone for the evening that hard work and perseverance really do pay off.  Bordering on the intense and definitely more restricted than we are accustomed to, Rihanna’s soulful delivery of her new single “Stay” alongside Mikky Ekko, was gut-wrenching, especially if you picture her singing this song to former-turned-current beau, Chris Brown.  

No lip synching allowed here.  The Grammy’s adhere to a strict policy that all artists must perform live.  This may explain why many of the performers selected songs sans movement.  This is a welcome change from the typical fan fair we are used to seeing on stage that is often more distracting than entertaining.   

In comparison to other music awards shows, the Grammy’s are known for their elegance and sophistication continuously trying to pay homage to the old guard while nurturing the ingénue.  This is evident in their musical pairings which this year did not disappoint.  Couplings from Elton John and Ed Sheeran, Sting and Bruno Mars, Black Keys and a New Orleans band of jazz musicians and Mavis Staples with the lead singer from the Alabama Shakes, will go down in history as classic Grammy moments.  

What else did we notice?  Of course, we have a few red carpet manners passes and violations to hand out.  Here they are in no particular order. 

Wardrobe Misdemeanors.   CBS, the network hosting the Grammy’s, issued an explicit advisory in advance stating, "Please be sure that buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered. Thong type costumes are problematic. Please avoid exposing bare flesh under curves of the buttocks and buttock crack."  While they made their best efforts, ladies who couldn’t help themselves included Katy Perry who looked like her breasts were permanently glued into her dress and Rihanna, who dressed elegantly for her ballad, but then changed into a bosom-peaking top for her tribute to Bob Marley. Presenters J.Lo and Kelly Rowland also decided to ignore the guidelines by bearing too much leg and revealing more than a comfortable amount of skin.

Sophisticated Gents.   There were a number of men, however, that were looking rather elegant for the affair.  Black suits and separates in a variety of styles with tasteful gold accessories or gold bling depending, seemed to be the uniform of choice.  Our favorite crooner Justin Timberlake and the always dapper Jay-Z held the standard.  I would expect nothing less from the duo who lent their talents to a song entitled, “Suit & Tie.”  R&B artist Miguel and rapper Wiz Khalifa inspired their own street takes while Bruno Mars, Sting and Adam Levine garnered dressed down versions.

Cheerful Cheerleaders.  Once her opening number was completed, the perpetually cheerful Taylor Swift was seen flailing about, clapping and singing her way throughout the Grammy’s.  It’s no surprise that music worshiper, Ellen DeGeneres, would be singing and dancing in the aisles as well, displaying her love and support for her favorite artists. Kelly Clarkson must also be included.  She is fiercely talented and so comfortable in her own skin that she inspires everyone she meets.

Questionable Acceptance Speeches.  Frank Ocean was the newcomer underdog and he may have not been expecting to win, but his handlers might have suggested preparing a speech just in case.  Instead, we were treated to some muttering about picturing the audience naked followed by a quick thanks.  Adele’s speech for Best Pop Solo was also a bit too casual for our taste.  Yes, she won oodles of Grammy’s last year, but a little more gratitude and graciousness this year would have also been nice.  Lead singer, Nate Ruess. of Fun opened up his acceptance speech for Best New Artist with the unforgettable lines, “I gotta pee so bad.” Thanks for sharing.

Ladies Who Chew Gum.  The camera happened to pan on Adele once again chomping on a wad of gum in her mouth while watching in the audience.  She may need a gentle reminder that the camera has eyes whether you are on stage or off.  I was surprised, however, when we also caught blues maven, Bonnie Raitt, in the action.  I suppose we should just let it go and be happy knowing these ladies like to keep their breath in check.

Good Time Guys.  I want Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars at my next party!  These guys don’t have to brood, they just smile and the world is their oyster.  They know how to own the stage and have an awesome good time!   They are charming and convincing.  JT was out of the picture for a while, but has come back in full force complete with his own orchestra.  I loved the throw back to the days of the big band and lead vocals.  I can’t wait to hear the new album in its entirety.  Bruno Mars is no slouch either.  He owned the stage with his latest hit “Locked Out of Heaven” blending perfectly in sync with Sting and then invited Rihanna and Ziggy Marley to participate in a vibrant tribute to the legend Bob Marley.

Most Humble.   Accepting an award for Record of the Year from an icon like Prince is a dream come true and that’s exactly how Belgian-Australian singer Gotye and New Zealand singer Kimbra felt when they accepted the award for their breakout hit, “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Their humble wishes sending a warm thanks to all musicians and ending with a resounding “Cheers!” left everyone feeling appreciative just to be in attendance and that is exactly how it should be.