NEWS: Highs and Lows at the VMA\\\\\\\'s

CULTURE: Highs and Lows at the VMA's

We get it: Sexy's back. But apparently so is Velvet Goldmine-meets-Flock of Seagulls hair, rocked by warbly Best Video winners Panic! at the Disco and their best friends, Viewers' Choice toppers Fall Out Boy.


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The 2006 VMA's began with a tired, half-hearted opening by host Jack Black. But the evening really got started with the pop-and-lock, falsetto stylings of Justin Timberlake and his single SexyBack. This gave way to more sexed-up performances by audience favorite Beyonce and high class belly dancer Shakira. Opting for a more reserved style, Christina Aguilera emoted through a sleek performance of her new ballad Hurt.

But for all the pomp and circumstance, the night did not come off without a glitch. The show was full of poor camera work and clumsy wireless mic handoffs, and the complicated runway stage proved confusing for a number of performers and winners alike. The awkward backstage cutaways pulled back the proverbial curtain to reveal little more than chaos and confusion. Jack Black was utterly useless as host, frolicking with buddy Kyle Gass and stealing lines from Lil' Kim before she had the chance to use them. When a random crasher stole a mic from winners Panic! at the Disco, he used his choice platform to give a shout-out to rapper Remy Ma and announce, "MTV never gave me my own show!" Outside the venue, rapper Mos Def was arrested for disorderly conduct when he attempted to perform on a flatbed truck on Sixth Ave.

The real highlights of the evening - at least for us cool kids - had to be the intro/outro use of Jack White and his Raconteurs and Lou Reed flying the flag for real rock music.


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In a night that featured everything from the nard-punching cast of Jackass (kept in long shot to for decency's sake) to a typically wooden Al Gore reminding us why more people weren’t wooed by his stage presence back in 2000, the series of underdog winners ultimately pulled through to prove that a video no longer needs airtime to win a moon man. For a full list of winners, go here.

Those kids probably don't even know who Lou Reed is...

Depressing...

OK GO did a good job, even though they didnt sing. Jessica Simpson was horrible as usual, and all in all I would say it was the poorest VMA's since '96.

ill take jack black as a "utterly ueseless" host anyday over those in the past.

and i love how Six always manages to crash the stage.
amazing:

I still don't think the raconteurs deserved to play white light white heat with lou reed.

who should have then?

mos def? arrested?
for what? performing for free?
fuck the police, man!

congrats to the A7X and for thanking the fans first good to see metal and rock rise and destroy last years rnb rap invasion.WELL DONE MTV