I Want My MTV

Another year, another Video Music Awards ceremony. This is the one awards show I. Do. Not. Miss! Last night lived up to the hype and was one of the best VMAs in recent history. I had mixed feelings about a lack of host this year, but I think it made the show smoother. With the exception of a painful drawn-out segue by Kevin Hart, there was no schtick to pass the time. It was nice.

So let’s dive right into the good stuff. Lady Gaga, always full of surprises, opened the show with a beautiful rendition of “You and I.” Did I mention that she was dressed in drag and maintained the character of Jo Calderone for the WHOLE SHOW?! It was fabulous!

 Another highlight was Beyonce’s performance. Now Beyonce never disappoints, and last night was no different. After a spirited, jazzy rendition of “Love on Top” she opened her jacket and patted her baby bump. She revealed the pregnancy during the pre-show red carpet, but the performance was the BIG reveal. It was an amazing moment and I felt like jumping around and slapping Jay-Z on the back just like Kanye West.

I wasn’t thrilled with Chris Brown’s lip-synching medley, and wish that Lil Wayne’s closing number had also been lip-synched as he sounds horrible. Adele’s haunting “Someone Like You” had no extras frills, just Adele and her beautiful voice.

Britney, the reigning Queen of the VMAs won this year’s Video Vanguard Award. While Lady Gaga, ahem, Jo Calderone stole the spotlight during her acceptance speech, the tribute to Britney was adorable.

On a sadder note, the tribute to Amy Winehouse was poignant and beautiful. Russell Brand, who was there to support his wife’s million nominations, spoke about his friendship with the late Winehouse. Then Bruno Mars covered “Valerie” and did it great justice with his earnest, bouncy crooning. Bruno was the perfect choice as both he and Amy shared a love of old school soul, retro high hair, and…public drug use.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the hardest working performer of the night, Jessie J. Fronting the house band who stayed on stage and played all night, she didn’t let a little broken leg stop her from belting out her best from a white throne. Only Jessie J could make a bedazzled cast look like it was just a normal part of her crazy outfit.

The VMAs are to me what the Superbowl is to most people I know. I put it on my calendar, and count down the days with mounting excitement and give it my full attention every year. If you missed the show, there’s still time. MTV reruns it a million times!