Hey everyone! So I have decided to start a new series here in my blog so that I can tackle something music related in the midst of all these monthly Oscar and Emmy predictions. And with that comes the introduction of the MTV VMA Best Female Video series. For 30 random weeks, I’ll be discussing the Best Female Video category of the MTV Video Music Awards, one year a week. I’ve chosen this because this sparks the most conversation among people of the online community. And of course there’s no better way to start this by going down memory lane exactly a decade ago and go with the 2004 nominees. Let’s begin!
Let’s begin with Alicia Keys. There’s no doubt that “If I Ain’t Got You” is one of her best songs in her whole discography, and the video ain’t shabby either. Set in winter New York makes the song’s melodrama more fitting when you juxtaposed Alicia playing the piano side by side with the flashback of Method Man (does he do method acting? Lol) and Alicia’s relationship. It’s a good video that highlights the song’s emotions further.
Then there’s Beyonce in her fourth single off Dangerously in Love,“Naughty Girl”. Living up to the title of her song, Beyonce was flirty and every inch captivating in this homage to the early days of entertainment Studio 54 style. But whether it’s being partnered up with Usher during their dance sequence, dancing with big mirrors behind her, or just taking a bath off a human wine glass, Beyonce nailed this club girl entertainment flawlessly.
For Toxic, Britney Spears receives her fourth nod in this category. Throughout her career, Britney has played up her sexuality a lot of times whether playing as a school girl, dancing in nude colored leggings or frolicking with a yellow python. But Toxic catapulted her more at her prime of sexiness. Giving some Alias vibes in her red wig catching men or pushing a cart as a flirty stewardess in her blue ensemble aren’t even the most memorable parts of this video. It’s Britney’s homage to Kate Bush as she’s sitting wearing nothing but diamonds that did this for well… everyone.
During her Stripped era, Xtina bid goodbye to the girl next door image and played up with her raunchy one instead. That’s why it’s such a breath of fresh air when she showed vulnerability every now and then. Such is the case for her The Voice Within music video. Shot in black and white on set of an empty theater and in just one long take, Xtina, clad in just a night gown and barefoot, went to a gamut of emotions for the whole five minutes of the song starting from a close up to that shot of her lying back in the end. Just when you thought she’d continue to top the extremes, she suddenly decides to tone it down.
And to cap it off, we have then MTV darling Jessica Simpson. There’s something so catchy with this video that I can’t actually pin down. Maybe it’s her doing domestic works like washing dishes or mopping when you know she can’t actually do that as per her reality show Newlyweds which has been premiering that time as well. Or just probably the image of a Barbie girl doing such. Simpson’s flirts to the cameras laughing and smiling and you find yourself sold.
MTV went with Beyonce that year giving her consecutive win in this category. However, I’m going with Britney on this one. I mean come on, Toxic is definitely upper three of Britney’s best and most iconic videos. She certainly deserved this win, and I’m certain the only reason she lost that year was because she was a no-show at the awards ceremony. Britney’s diamond encrusted body in Toxic slays the shit out of this line-up.
Personal pick: Britney Spears, “Toxic” MTV VMA pick: Beyonce, “Naughty Girl”
Full rankings:
01. Britney Spears, “Toxic” 02. Beyonce, “Naughty Girl”
03. Christina Aguilera, “The Voice Within”
04. Jessica Simpson, “With You”
05. Alicia Keys, “If I Ain’t Got You”
Now go on and vote on the poll below to make your choice!
The mainstream pop scene is a very competitive field. In a field one can call as shallow, it’s very important to deliver the music that people will dig in. After all, the next popstar is just waiting to replace the current ones; thus, it is crucial to stand out in this type of competition. Female pop stars, in general, have been more dominant of the past few years, and it is a tougher one out there for them, as they build their own fanbase and rule their spots in this niche. The latter part of 2013 has been a showcase of different efforts from some of the female popstars we have by releasing their albums offering a wide spectrum of music to listen to. Here are six of them:
Pure Heroine
The most recent pop female artist to join the force is 16 year old Kiwi singer-songwriter Ella Yelich-O’Conor, more familiarly knows as Lorde. Combining a distinctive tone and that is devoid of autotune, Lorde provides a nice change of pace in terms of her sound and the music that she wants to offer. In Royals, she took a shot at the lifestyles of the rich and the famous, indicating what she thinks of such a fickle and superficial world. What amazes me most while listening to Pure Heroine is that you hear a young girl, full of ideas and observations, and it reflects on her songs. Whether it’s her vivid description of this world or the song’s narrative, Lorde tells a story in a manner that is direct and blunt, one that perfectly works in the context of her album. If you happen to love Royals, then I’m pretty sure you’d like this album as there are lots of other songs in the same vein. I’d even dare say that there are songs even better than it (which is not a knack to the song, but a testament of how much potential this lady has). I don’t know if age is simply just a number for Lorde, but with this success of hers, I’m interested to see the direction she’d tackle after this. I hope she doesn’t turn into an Avril Lavigne though, who was seen as the anti-pop star when she debuted, but settled to the same world in the end.
After years of trying it, Miley Cyrus has finally transitioned into the pop star she has long been waiting for. And while it has been a long time waiting, it’s definitely worth the wait for her, as I think she is the most prominent pop star and definitely carved her name as pop’s it girl for 2013. It wasn’t a smooth start for Miley, but for this era, the jumpstart was to release a single that will elicit buzz. We Can’t Stop, attached with a weird and over the top video, did maneuver this era into what it is. The biggest break however is of course the MTV VMAs performance. I admit that even I find her schitck there such a try hard, but then like Miley, I guess I should have just waited since it will make sense in the end. She then followed it up with Wrecking Ball licking sledgehammers and rocking back and forth a lifesize wrecking ball in her birthday suit, and it makes her more polarizing than she is already. It only takes one listen of her album Bangerz to identify what Miley channels in her persona. It all starts with the album’s best song Adore You, a slow track ballad that says she offers her whole self to her love, and you’d be quick to realize that beneath all this gimmicks, she opens her most raw self in this effort. And for that, it’s simply hard to deny her. She gave a taste of country with 4×4, and a Pharell track in #GETITRIGHT. Probably my favorite is the transition to Wrecking Ball by using My Darlin’s as an intro to the ballad. If anything, the Britney collab is one of the weaker songs in it, and if I may add, it just did not mesh well with the rest of the songs. Not everyone might get Miley, but it is hard to deny that she is the most important popstar in the field now, and everything she does will always be the talk of the town.
After such a big era like Teenage Dream, it is interesting to know which direction Katy will next pursue. After all, everything she touches is gold especially if we’re talking about the Billboard Hot 100. She then says that this era will show the other side of Katy, a darker era like we’ve never seen before. I guess I should have known better and not believed her at all since Prism is anything but dark. After all, she started this era with Roar, an anthemic pop song, backed up with a Life of Pi meets Dr. Jones music video, that reminds us that we’re gonna hear her roar. And boy she did. Lots of times. With that said, the rest of the album offers the usual Katy fair: safe bubblegum pop songs that has potential to be #1 on charts. But I’ll admit that most of these songs are okay and catchy especially the first six tracks. I guess Spiritual is one of the darker tracks she’s referring, and it worked for me. However, there are also a lot of songs in it that does not ignite any passion nor reaction at all. It’s just there and existing. I won’t take it against Katy that she’s sticking with this type of format since this is what works for her commercially; after all, like what I say this is a very competitive field and taking risks is indeed… risky. If anything, I find her album too long and she could have cut off three to four songs from it especially since hers is the voice that is not distinct or something that makes you appreciate it.
Rating: 2.5/5
Favorite tracks: Legendary Lovers, Spiritual, This Is How We Do
Wrapped In Red
Okay this is some sort of cheating since this is not a regular album, but I stan and love this girl much. I think any popstar cannot call herself such if she still doesn’t have a Christmas album yet. I mean Mariah, Christina, and even Britney all have Christmas albums, and even Queen of Pop Madonna is in Christmas mood. So yes, Kelly joins the squad and what I like is she has four original songs written for this plus one Imogen Heap cover. The moment Wrapped In Red begins already gives the festive Christmas spirit. Add the fact that Kelly’s vocals is smooth and lovely to listen to, and you’ll wonder why it took so long for her to release such. The second track, another original, Underneath the Tree gives me some Mariah’s All I Want for Christmas is You homage with the fun upbeat and quick beats. Of course there are also the classics such as Have Yourself a Merry Christmas and Baby It’s Cold Outside which are staples, but she’s lovely to listen to so whatever. Plus points as well for including a Sound of Music song via My Favorite Things! All in all, I can go all day listenign to Kelly sing the phonebook, but this one is a lovely addition to some pre-Christmas feels!
Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite tracks: Wrapped in Red, Underneath the Tree, My Favorite Things
Artpop
Definitely one of the biggest stars in pop era, Lady Gaga releases her fourth album Artpop. While Born This Way didn’t live up to its initial hype as the album of the decade, it still is a sold album overall. This time, however, Gaga upped the theatrics and the sex by coming up with her most sexually suggestive album to date. What I like about Gaga is you know that she’s knows more than fluff when it comes to her music. She knows her art and how much it has an influence her and it shows in this album. But my main issue with Artpop is I don’t see coherence with the vision she has set on it. It’s like she threw everything she has on the wall and just waited to see which will stick. Thus, while we get gems like Sexxx Dreams and Artpop, we also get duds like the one two punch of Fashion and Donatella. A lot of songs in this album suffer from being too overwrought that they ended up sounding messy and overdone. I’m pretty certain that she is better than this, but part of me thinks that she has nothing left on her sleeves if she keeps on overthinking her efforts. It does not sound organic nor original already. And like Prism, it suffers from being too long and a lot of fillers can be cut from it. Still, there are some great stuff in it like G.U.Y (which Zedd produced) which should have been the opening track instead. Do What U Want, sans the Aguilera type of oversinging, is the best song off the album and one of the few which totally hits the intention she had with it. And of course, a Gaga album will always have that one ballad that shows Gaga at her most vulnerable and for this one, Gypsy was it. I know Gaga will never reach the type of acclaim she had during The Fame Monster era, but she better have some sort of alternative because this type f shtick is one that does not make of a long and successful career.
Rating: 2.5/5
Favorite tracks: Do What U Want, Gypsy, G.U.Y
Britney Jean
And lastly, though still unavailable (but already up for iTunes streaming), Britney’s eighth album comes two years after her last effort Femme Fatale. By now, it is pretty obvious that voice is not Britney’s biggest asset, so she has to rely on the production of the songs she used in this album. I think that’s what makes both Blackout and Femme Fatale as her strongest efforts. While you won’t find anything from them that gives this spectacular singing, the sick production saves the day. I think Britney Jean tackled both. On one hand, her vocals were surprisingly present in the Sia penned track entitled Perfume. I think that will end up as one of my most favorite Britney songs ever. For once, you can really hear her singing. Then on the other hand, the sick production was hit or miss here. I understand her getting into the EDM thing if it gives us something like Work Bitch and Alien with the slick beats, but those songs in the album which were wil.i.am produced were really weak. I also LOL’ed at her collaboration with sister Jamie Lynn Spears in “Chillin with You.” One thing I thought while listening to this is that the album balances itself that for every good song in it, there’s a dud that counters it. However, it’s an album that gets better with repeat listening. I’d admit though that after listening, the only phrase you’d remember is her lines in Tik Tik Boom as she says it like DICK DICK DICK DICK DICK DICK BOOM.
Rating: 3/5
Favorite tracks: Work Bitch, Perfume, Alien
There you have it. What are your favorite albums from the group? Did you miss Rihanna’s annual album release? Were you also hooked by Kelly’s Christmas songs? And did you hear it as Dick Dick Boom as well?
Early last week, the lead single off Britney Spears’ soon to be released latest album leaked off the whole online community. The song, which was entitled Work Bitch!, is her first single in two years and a kick start song from her eighth full studio album. This has made Britney fans and pop geeks drool over to see if girl still has it in her as one of pop’s most defining princesses. In celebration of the video premiere of Work Bitch (in two days), we’d stroll back memory lane and rank all of her eight lead singles to see which ones still sound great and which ones can we start to forget. Let’s go work it bitches.
*Clicking the photo will lead you to the YT video of the said song. 🙂
08. Hold It Against Me (2011)
ALBUM: Femme Fatale
Sure, Femme Fatale is one of her better albums by far, but is quite unfortunate that this wasn’t represented by a great opening single. Hold It is as disposable as one gets, it’s forgettable, it’s not distinct, and it doesn’t hold up to a lot of Britney’s old songs. There’s nothing about it that makes you feel it will be remembered in a long time. If anything though, it served its purpose of Brit’s fans getting excited with new material, so it ended up its way on top of the Hot 100. But upon listening to the rest of the album, Hold It is nothing special as compared to the gems of this album. But don’t worry, we won’t hold it against you, Britney.
07. Oops!…I Did It Again (2000)
ALBUM: Oops!…I Did It Again
Wait what did she really do again? Come up with a dancey pop song? Lyrics containing unlimited yeahs? Add ellipsis on the title of her single? Whatever it is, Oops!… is a catchy song that simply did not hold up well. Listening to the song now shows how dated it is, but then again I understand why it’s such a hit during its release time. It has the Titanic reference, she’s wearing a red dominatrix suit, and this catapulted her into pop superstardom. It’s still fun to listen to this every now and then, and it’s a total representation of her pop status in 2000.
06. Me Against the Music (2004)
ALBUM: In the Zone
It was her first song post that VMA kiss, so it’s wise of her team to stick to the Madonna reference as her opening starter for her 2004 album In the Zone. After all, Britney rarely does collaborations and duets with other singers. This did well, though the breathy delivery of the verses is something that refrains people from jamming with it perfectly. The video was so-so as well, though it gave enough material for some MadTV skit. This makes sense as a lead single… until we found out that it was followed by Toxic which is like one of the best Britney songs ever.
05. Womanizer (2009)
ALBUM: Circus
For her comeback single since everything that has happened to her from 2006 onwards, Britney stayed safe by opening this era with a song that is so repetitively done but is totally in her zone. Womanizer did its job as the perfect reminder of how Britney was loved by the people during her heydays: it has a catchy hook, a colorful music video, shows her body is in top form, and gives us those dancing skills we miss from her. For that alone, this is one strategic reminder of the old Britney while also introducing her to the new crowd.
04. Work Bitch (2013)
ALBUM: Yet to be announced
With seven albums now, Britney must think of a way on how to maintain interests with her material given the pop female domination now. And she does it by going the EDM way with her latest single. Work Bitch is very different from her previous singles, as it is her most “dancey” yet. It has that addictive beat that is just so inviting that you’d forgive her for trying to fit words such as governor, France, and treble in it. I was looking for that RuPaul touch though.
03. Gimme More (2007)
ALBUM: Blackout
Well yeah, I’m quite indifferent that people’s biggest memory of this song is that disastrous but iconic MTV VMA opening performance. With that said, never judge a song by its debut performance. Blackout is still, by far, the best Britney album to date, and Gimme More compliments it. It’s a song that never gets old and doesn’t have an “overrated” stamp in it. Also, it contain’s one of the best opening lines in any song with her three liner of “It’s Britney, Bitch!“
02. I’m A Slave 4 U (2001)
ALBUM: Britney
If Britney remained teasing with her her first two albums, she manages to play with her sexuality in her third album. And to signal that, she released I’m A Slave 4 U at that year’s MTV Video Music Awards with tiger and pythons in tow. This is personally one of my favorite Britney tracks, and the music video provided more oomph to this addictive song. What I like about it is that it’s a song that gets better with each listen and that it just flat out screams sexy and sass.
01. ...Baby One More Time (1999)
ALBUM: …Baby One More Time
Come on, admit it. It’s not even a competition.There’s a reason why Britney was the teen queen and the forefront of pop when she broke out. It’s definitely …Baby One More Time. From the school setting, the “baby baby“, the endless covers, and its impact to almost everyone, there’s no doubt that this unleashed and took the bubblegum pop genre to a whole new level. Needless to say, but not only is this one of the most iconic songs of its generation, but it’s also one of the best pop songs ever.
But before I leave, do participate in the poll below:
There you have it! The music video of Work Bitch premieres in two days, and if you have seen the behind the scene photos, this seems to be another banger from Brit herself!
In this day of autotunes and recorded mash up music, it’s really hard to figure out what good music is. One good indication can be the live performances of the artists. However, sometimes even the best in music can have a bad day or be ruined by technical difficulties during their performances. Now this one is a fun list that was inspired from an online forum. I came up with my own list of the mostly awkward, mostly messy but still entertaining (both in good and bad ways) that makes live performances still the best means to identify talent when you see one.
As always, click the name after the picture to lead you to the YouTube clip of the said performance.
In 2008, Christina Aguilera was out to promote her greatest hist album entitled A Decade of Hits. So technically, it is ideal that she’ll perform some of her most prominent hits together with the lead single. So yeah, she did Keeps Gettin Better. However, as the performance keeps gettin longer, the audience keeps gettin bored. It literally just won’t stop. By the time Dirrty was being performed, the audience was already up on their feet to an applause, only to find out it’s not yet over. By the time the performance was actually over, most of the audience were too lazy to stand up anymore.
Good Morning America has been the primary venue for performers to promote their latest singles and albums. In this one, Mariah Carey performers her lead single off her then latest album Touch My Body. But as soon as the music played, the song kept on skipping to reveal a recorded back track version of the song. It kept on repeating the next few seconds, though you have to commend Mimi for handling it like a pro so she moaned some of her classic “Oooohhh ooohhhh” until the DJ figured out what to do with the situation. But it was quite a bummer that even before the song started, it was already revealed that it was just a back track.
On the eve of her album launch, Lindsay Lohan visited Good Morning America too in order to promote her new album. She sang her song Rumors in front of mothers and their little kids who are still probably holding on to the fact that the girl in front of them is still the same from the twins in The Parent Trap. But once the music started, Lindsay started to dance herself awkwardly like a baby prostitute (Ooh Mean Girls reference. Sorry can’t help it!) The worst part started in the 2:07 mark when she started to miss her lines only to reveal that she was lipsynching all along. The camera kept on panning to the audience where you see the mothers and daughters whose faces were painted with Gotcha! The kid in 2:20 summed our expression all along.
Usually Saturday Night Live is what propels someone’s career to fully blast. Take the case of Adele whose Grammy victories in 2008 were credited to her huge exposure from her SNL performance during the middle of the Grammy voting that year. It seems another new artist was about to have the same fate… until the actual performance kicked in. Lana del Rey sang the song beautifully; however, she was standing like a dead log and her presence is that of watching paint dry. She then awkwardly turns and it gets less enthusiastic that it was just all kinds of awkward until the performance ended. General consensus was that it was not the sole reason why her career did not really went through as promise, but it gave the impression to casual listeners.
When performing Starships over at The Today Show, Nicki Minaj got so comfortably weird when she already missed the first line of the performance. Then she suddenly turned and made those weird faces as if she’s talking to a spirit in front of her. By 2:28, it seemed as if the spirit already possessed her as she shouts at the mic in a commanding voice then she showed you dance steps of what NOT to do in a Zumba class. Ah Nicki. How can one take thou seriously? LELZ.
Cassie is one of those one-hit wonders that tried to establish a career in the midst of the one named R&B female artists that were in demand during that time like Ashanti and Ciara. As much as Me and You was a catchy song, she can’t even catch a break with this performance. If not the DJ, the back up singers are overpowering her vocals here. Much to her chagrin, it was also the perfect metaphor to her career. Everyone upstaged her that her career did not sky rocket at all.
During the 2003 MTV Europe Music Awards, Beyonce made a slight homage to the Queen of Pop Madonna by starting her performance with something similar to Material Girl. The performance will then cross over her Baby Boy performance. Everything is doing fine, and Sean Paul even appeared, but starting at 2:50, the prerecorded track started to skip and as much as Beyonce hoped it will soon be back so she danced for quite some time, even she gave up when the music kept on repeating to “Baby you;re so damn fine.. Oh!“. This led to an early exit by the pair with Sean Paul probably pissed as he tried to insert his rap thrice but to no avail, and he wasn’t able to perform at all except for his “Uhs.”
Firework is probably one of the most inspirational mainstream songs of the past few years. So it is just fitting that when Katy Perry performed it at the 2010 American Music Awards, she even had a children’s choir do it with her. Sad thing though was while Katy was coming down from below, Katy was struggling so hard not to reach the note, but any note AT ALL. You know it’s a bad performance when the kid choir who are supposed to guide you actually upstaged you. So the picture above is the one that depicts a woman of a real struggle.
Back in the 2000s, before she was even seen as a reality star, Jessica Simpson was actually a vocalist, and a good one at that. Among the four female youngsters of their era, Jessica was categorized into the vocalist category together with Christina Aguilera. However, even vocalists have bad days as well. During her performance of the emotional I Wanna Love You Forever, Simpson pulled in all the emotions needed. With that said, her vocals struggled come the bridge part and it was like hearing a goat to be killed. It was so embarrassing that even Jessica knew it and she couldn’t contain her tears (of embarrassment) in the end. She’s lucky to have a supportive audience though that they still gave her a standing O despite that disaster of a performance.
Speaking of Jessica, having messy live performances seem to be a hobby over at the Simpson household. This one is of her younger sister Ashlee. Performing in front of thousands of live viewers, Ashlee treated the fans of the Orange Bowl with her performance of her song Lala. It seems though that what the actual audience was hearing is what the whole of America is hearing as well. The moment she finished her performance, a resounding shouts of Boo was heard all over the place. Poor Ashlee. She was really rockin out to the song thinking she nailed this one.
In the only live performance of this collaboration, vocal powerhouse Rihanna and Britney Spears did a live duet of S&M Remix over at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. The concept is probably yin-yang, battle of the better portrayal of a cheap slut or anything that’s opposite. Rihanna is in white while Britney is in black. They were both tied to chains in two adjacent poles. The funniest part of the performance (aside from Rihanna’s vocals, which was already a given) happened when Britney appeared hissing like a snake and then they started doing a pillow fight. It seems as if a) Britney was not informed, b) Britney was not interested c) Britney thought Rihanna was one of the dancers or d) all of the above. Rihanna was giving her best trying to create a fun pillow fight while Britney was really not into it at all. Spell awkwardddddddd.
In their live performance, 12 different female singers of different genres all came up with a wonderful idea to help raise finds for cancer survival. In theory, this is the project that is to die for. Nearly each and every female singer must be a part of this. But then again, watching the live performance of the song makes all the other female singers happy that they’re not a part of this collaboration. First, you have Beyonce’s hair. Second, Miley Cyrus waiting for Beyonce to look for her as she keeps on making all the cute faces starting at 0:25. Third, Rihanna obviously pissed she had to share all her parts with Miley Cyrus yet Miley gets the longer lines. Fourth, Mariah standing like a dead log only to have her microphone turned off when it was her part already. Ugh. This was just weird on so many levels.
There’s probably something about Good Morning America that makes singers go cray cray when they perform here. Now, in 2008, Fergie performed the Heart original Barracudain front of the live studio audience. The Fergie Cray Cray Show started at 1:11 with Fergie touching herself. Then starting at 1:46, Fergie became a little too flirty and clingy to the lead guitarist by hanging on his keychain. Poor guitarist don’t know what to do and left in the middle. But wait, the best is yet to come because come 2:18, she started gyrating her body in front of the young kids in the audience. From then, there’s nothing stopping her and she gave cartwheels and crawled and shouted all in one. Whether she wasn’t laid by Josh Duhamel prior to that, no one can tell. Let’s just say we don’t think Fergie is a morning person.
It was supposed to be the performance that will have everybody raving. Well, it actually did… but for all the wrong reasons. Britney was probably at her lowest moment, and even she was not into it. Everything about it was really cringe worthy, and I felt that even she did not like to be there. She wasn’t dancing, she wasn’t even barely moving at all, and the whole audience from 50 Cent to Rihanna were also uncomfortable while watching. To give her credit though, Blackout was her best album to date.
Well you have to at least give credit to the 14 prior performances above because they had the balls to finish it. But the same can’t be said in this iconic SNL moment when the wrong song was played when Ashlee Simpson was “ready” to sing Pieces of Me. While waiting for the right song to be played, Simpson candidly showed some awkward dance movies which she thought was cool and would erase the readers’ perception regarding the mishap. So sad because not only did it fail to recover her performance, it basically was also the start of the demise of her music career.
What was your favorite from the list? Are they all bordering on embarrassing? I’d shamelessly admit that i was entertained by all of them though.
Just this week, the whole Hollywood was buzzing about the announcement of the remake of the 1962 classic What Ever Happened to Baby Jane. The bad news is that we don’t need a remake of this. After all, both Better Davis and Joan Crawford nailed iconic performances of sisters Jane and Blanch in this acting masterpiece. The good news is that Walter Hill has received personal blessing from the family of the late Robert Aldrich to do the remake. Now the next question begs on who will play the sisters. While there are no reported cast members yet, everyone is coming up with their own pairs with the combination of Glenn Close, Jessica Lange, and Meryl Streep topping the forums.
Now this led me to a very interesting topic that never fails to make noise when it comes to public opinions and online discussions. Time and again, it has been mentioned that there’s always a stereotype when it comes to female and showbusiness. While men weren’t subjected to any rivalries and petty issues, women were always downgraded into catfights and rivalries in terms of awards, recognition, and other achievements. Here are ten examples of female pairings that will always elicit response from the people.
1. BETTE DAVIS and JOAN CRAWFORD
There’s no better way than to start the countdown with the two lead stars of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane. While the movie delivered expectations of the crowd in terms of acting intensity, it was very obvious that the strength of the two leads’ performances was based from the fact that they really dislike each other. And when I say really, they really really do. This came to a point that the situation was out of hand and even director Aldrich can’t do anything about it. During one scene where the character of Bette physically abuses Joan, the shooting came to a halt as Bette’s kicks were too realistic that Joan Crawford needed some head stitches. In return, on scenes that require Bette carrying handicapped Joan, the latter will put big heavy stones inside the pockets of her costume causing Bette back aches after the shoot. Talk about a very intense shooting.
TRIVIA: When the Oscar nominations were announced that year, only Bette Davis was nominated for Best Actress. This made Joan Crawford mad, and she contacted Bette’s co-nominee and eventual winner Anne Bancroft that she’ll receive the trophy in behalf of her if she wins. Now in one of the biggest Oscar legends ever, it was said that after Bancroft was announced the winner, Crawford passed by Davis backstage and mentioned “Excuse me, but I have an Oscar to accept.”
2. MARICEL SORIANO and SHARON CUNETA
Aside from Vilma and Nora, Maricel Soriano and Sharon Cuneta are the two other perennial “stars” of Philippine showbusiness. Maricel was tagged as the Diamond Star while Sharon is also known as the Megastar. Both are the box office queens of the 80s though the primary difference was that Maricel is a Regal Queen while Shawie hails from Viva. In the 90s, both moved on to be more serious actresses headlining in award winning films. The rivalry doesn’t seem to die down especially during times where in both actresses happen to release movies in the same year such as the 2003 Metro Manila Film Festival where Sharon was a part of Crying Ladies and Maricel as a part of Filipinas. During the Gabi ng Parangal that year, Maricel bagged the Best Actress plum while Shawie won the Audience Choice for Best Actress.
TRIVIA: Despite fans rallying and bashing each other in public forums, Shawie and Marya have nothing but good words and praises for each other especially when the Diamond Star guested on Megastar’s Sunday talk show Sharon. As a matter of fact, they have been on the same TV station for decades now when both belonged to ABSCBN up to now where they are both TV5 talents. Another thing they have in common is that both headlined a Mano Po movie; Maricel was at the first Mano Po playing the character of icy sister Vera Go while Shawie headlines the sixth installment playing tycoon Melinda Uy.
3. MARIAH CAREY and WHITNEY HOUSTON
They were touted as some of the greatest voices the music industry ever heard. While Whitney was the first one to emerge into the limelight being at the top of her prime as early as the mid-80s, comparisons started after Mariah debuted in the 90s with Vision of Love. Back then, everyone was saying that Mariah was one of the most refreshing voices ever heard. and that she was here to stay. However, Whitney captured and regained the hearts of many when she belted out her iconic I Will Always Love You and that kept the rivalry alive. While fans are arguing with each other on whether who’s the better one, the rivalry gained waves again when the two collaborated on the Oscar nominated soundtrack When You Believe from The Prince of Egypt. Both Mariah and Whitney shut off the rumors and even performed the single at the Oscars in 1999. Mariah was even one of the first who tweeted her condolences when Whitney left us February of this year calling her “one of the greatest voices on earth.”
TRIVIA: One of the most memorable moments in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards was in 1998 when Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston presented the Best Male Video category. The biggest surprise came because when Mariah appeared from the left side and Whitney from the stairs, they were wearing the same dress. Both were surprised but moreso, prepared for the situation with Mariah removing her train to reveal a skimpy look. This makes a remarkable VMA moment.
4. ANNETTE BENING and HILARY SWANK
Now this one is more of an Oscar rivalry. In 1999, the Best Actress trophy is between two actresses. The first one is an ingénue in a very revealing and challenging role that gave her lots of breakthrough notices. The other one comes from the perceived Best Picture frontrunner that seems to sweep the four major categories. What works for the second contender’s chance is that her husband, a Hollywood legend, is receiving the Thalberg award that same night, and with her possibly winning the trophy, it will be a moment Oscar finds hard to resist. The Globes awarded the first one while the SAGS went for the second one. When the envelope was opened, it was the newbie who triumphed over the other actress paving the way for a Hilary Swank victory. In 2004, a part two of the rivalry happened. This time, they switched conditions when Annette was nominated for a small indie film while Hilary was in the Best Picture frontrunner. Both won the Globes (Swank won for Drama while Bening won for Musical/Comedy), with Swank also getting the SAG. When the Oscar was announced, Hilary won again Round 2 vs. Annette. Probably a case of bad timing or just her luck?
TRIVIA: We got a glimpse of an Annette-Hilary Round 3 in 2010 at the SAGs. That year, Annette Bening was nominated for her turn as the more aggressive lesbian woman in a female relationship in The Kids Are All Right while Hilary was cited for her turn as lawyer Betty Ann Waters in the biopic “Conviction.”This time, neither of them got the trophy as Natalie Portman prevailed for Black Swan.
5. ANGEL LOCSIN and MARIAN RIVERA
Angel Locsin was GMA’s biggest star. She gets the best projects one after the other. She is considered as the station’s most prized possession. However, a misunderstanding on her next project started rumors that Angel is transferring station. The rumors were proven correct and she was seen on the rival station sooner. On the other station, the search for the next big star started and literally hundreds of their talents auditioned to take the throne. The lucky winner was Marian Rivera who is now the most prized talent of GMA 7. At first, it’s as if the station aims to make Angel feel regret by giving Marian a remake of a previous Angel project. Both obviously gained something from the rivalry as Marian’s fame skyrocketed and she was given star treatment in her station while Angel became a box office movie star, Best Actress wins, and an International Emmy nomination to boot.
TRIVIA: There seems to be no issues between the two actresses when it comes to their personal feelings with each other. As a matter of fact, Angel’s next film is with Marian’s boyfriend Dingdong Dantes. As for the widely contested FHM Sexiest Women list, in the seven year span that they both made it to the list (from 2006-2012), Angel ranked higher in four years (2006, 2007, 2010, 2012) while Marian topped Angel on the remaining three years (2008, 2009, 2011).
6. ANGELINA JOLIE and JENNIFER ANISTON
Now this one does not need any explanation at all. Bottom line is while Brad and Jennifer were married, Brad fell for Angeline while shooting Mr. and Mrs. Smith. After then, years and years of nonstop invasion of fabricated stories and rumors that never seems to end invade the lives of the three involved. What’s sad about the issue is that people put the blame between Jennifer and Angelina and leave Brad less worried on who caused the issue.
TRIVIA: Ever since the issue broke out in 2005, it wasn’t until in 2009 where Pitt, Jolie, and Aniston met ways in an event. The Oscars that year nominated both Brad and Angelina as Best Actor and Best Actress for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Changeling respectively. Meanwhile, Aniston was a presenter for Best Animated Feature wherein Angelina’s Kung Fu Panda was nominated. While Aniston was presenting with Jack Black, the cameras panned several times to Brangelina where they were caught laughing to Jennifer’s banters.
7. NORA AUNOR and VILMA SANTOS
Philippine’s greatest and longest rivalry belongs to none other than Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos. They are two of the greatest thespians in the history of Philippine cinema history. Ate Guy is more known with the way her eyes act even without battling a single word. La Aunor’s eyes act from the soul and they reach a mile faster than a bullet. This made Nora the “Superstar” for everyone. Vilma’s advantage, on the other hand, is her line delivery. Once she starts speaking, it leaves a lasting effect on you. Also, Vilma’s singing dancing and hosting talents labeled her as the “Star for all Seasons.” Since then, they were pitted for awards, box office titles, and their fans are some of the most loyal ones that were still present up until now.
TRIVIA: While both of them have received numerous acting trophies one after the other, the greatest acting award rivalry that happened was in 1982 when Nora was up for Himala while Vilma was nommed for Relasyon. Ate Guy won the MMFF Best Actress that year, while Vilma swept the FAP, FAMAS, and Urian leading to the first ever grandslam in the history of Philippine award giving bodies. Decades later, CNN proclaimed Nora’s Himala as the Best Asian Film. The last time that Nora and Vilma were up for awards consideration at the same time was in 2004 when Nora gained traction as the lawyer in Naglalayag while Vilma as the Chinese matriarch in Mano Po 3. Vilma won at the PMPC Star Awards that year, but neither won the Luna and the Urian. This year shapes up to be a comeback as Nora stars in Brillante Mendoza’s Thy Womb while Vilma is in Chito Rono’s The Healing. Funny thing though is that the name of the healer that Vilma consults in The Healing is Elsa which is the name of Nora Aunor’s fake healer character in the iconic Himala.
8. BRITNEY SPEARS and CHRISTINA AGUILERA
In 1999, while the bubblegum pop era is slowly emerging, it was full of boybands that cater to the ladies. There seems to be no one that caters to the young boys. In April of 1999, there emerge Britney Spears. Britney was like the life-size Barbie that young girls idolize and young boys fantasize. She was sexy and a great dancer and her songs are very much addictive. Four months later, another young blonde singer emerged by the name of Christina Aguilera. While she was also as innocent as one can get, her first single Genie in a Bottle speaks volumes on a more liberated pattern. After discovering that both were alumni of the Mickey Mouse club, the rivalry started and it was probably the biggest rivalry of their time. Not only singles and music videos were compared, even rival endorsements get them. When Pepsi got Britney, Coca Cola signed up Christina. The biggest surprise that year happened at the Grammys Awards when both were nominated for Best New Artist. Britney and Macy Gray were the frontruners but when the envelope was opened (right after Britney’s performance which usually signals that she’ll win), it was Christina Aguilera’s name that was announced as the winner. Both Britney and Christina shut off rumors about the rivalry by appearing on stage at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards introducing the late Whitney Houston. Time and again, they have nothing but sweet messages for each other in interviews and reports.
TRIVIA: Thirteen years since their first appearance, both Britney and Christina are walking the same pattern again as they get head to head as judges in reality signing competition. It is Christina’s third season as a coach in the NBC hit The Voice while it is Britney’s first season as a panelist in Fox’s X Factor. This will surely heat up rivalry between the fans of the two.
9. CLAUDINE BARRETTO and JUDY ANN SANTOS
It is said that the offspring of the Nora-Vilma rivalry is that of Claudine and Judai’s. Judy Ann is touted as the next Nora, the maka-masa actress whose eyes speak volumes. Claudine is said to be the next Vilma whose great line deliveries fit any genre with such finesse. It didn’t help that Nora starred with Judy Ann in the 1997 film “Babae” while Claudine starred as Vilma’s eldest daughter in “Anak” in 2000. Both were also ABSCBN’s queens of primetime television and the station’s royalties up until Claudine transferred stations in 2009. This opened new rivalries between the fans of the two as ABSCBN announced Judy Ann as the sole face of the 60 Years of Soap Opera. However, both Claudine and Judai are friends with each other especially since they have moved on now to be serious asset actresses of their generation.
TRIVIA: In the field of awards recognition, there was only one year in local award giving body history where Judai and Claudine faced off against each other for Best Actress. It was in 2004 when Claudine was nominated for her portrayal of the fearless, independent OFW in Olivia Lamasan’s Milan. Judy Ann took notice for her performance as the title role of the wild sultry provocative woman in Joel Lamangan’s Sabel. Claudine beat Judai both at the FAMAS and the Luna awards that year while it was Judai who got the coveted Urian trophy. Since then, they haven’t competed for any film award consideration.
10. MARCIA CROSS and TERI HATCHER
In probably one of the biggest stories of 2005, one supposedly short and relaxing Vanity Fair cover shoot turned out to be a very controversial and emotional one. Because of the surprising success since the launch of Desperate Housewives in 2004, the ladies have been the most in-demand actresses during that time. Interviews, pictorials, endorsements have been running left and right for the stars of this ABC comedy Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria, and Nicolette Sheridan. When the Housewives Vanity Fair issue hit the stands, there was a sign in the cover that mentioned “You wouldn’t believe what it took just to get this photo!” This kept Hollywood rumormongers buzzing and finding out small details until it was finally exposed. According to reports, before the start of the shoot, ABC already warned the Vanity Fair staff to not put Teri in the middle of the photo and to not let her be the first one to choose wardrobe. But when the shoot started, Teri wore the red swimsuit (since she already contacted the stylist days in advance which fumed up co-star Eva Longoria complaining to the producers) and was placed in the middle of the photo which sent co-star Marcia Cross all fired up. Cross picked up her bathrobe and refused to shoot unless Teri will change positions. This led to Teri being demoted to the side photo and Nicolette Sheridan replacing her in the middle. Then a video of a crying Teri walking out of the set was seen via Entertainment Tonight. As you may know, the cover was a fold up and both Felicity and Marcia weren’t visible if you look at it in the news stands. When asked about the issue earlier this year in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, creator Marc Cherry didn’t deny that there were really tension during the set but it was exaggerated. Marcia commented that this entire time people thought of her as the show’s bitch but she really wasn’t. As of this time, a staff mentioned that it’s really the end for them as Teri had an issue with the three other Housewives (Felicity, Eva, Marcia) and they haven’t been on any speaking terms since 2010.
TRIVIA: During the 2005 Emmy Awards, it was co-incidentally Teri and Marcia as the perceived frontrunners for the Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. While both Teri and Marcia submitted their attention grabbing episodes, it wasn’t clear who will be proclaimed as the winner. When Conan O’Brien opened the envelope, it was a big surprise when he called the other nominated Housewife a.k.a Felicity Huffman’s name as the winner. Many people speculated that many voters were turned off with the tension between Marcia and Teri which prompted them to vote for the least attention grabbing housewife which happened to be Mrs. William H. Macy.
Are you excited about the remake of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Which teams are you a part of? And who do you think needs to be included here?
This is a pretty late post, but since it’s raining and there seems to be the obligatory VMA review, I’ll dedicate a post to this year’s VMA. A for starters, this is a big improvement from last year’s snoozefest. While there are no hosts assigned for the night, they still managed to went overtime again. I still have this theory that the reason why Best Direction wasn’t given at the red carpet was because it was really supposed to be at the main show and will serve as Adele’s moment (which she deservingly won). However, due to time constraints, they decided to just skip it altogether. Screw you, MTV.
Also, Katy Perry won the much coveted Video of the Year, so for the fifth year in a row, a female artist has won the top award (Cue: Beyonce’s Run the World). Rihanna, Britney Spears, Beyonce, and Lady GaGa has won the same moonman for the last four ceremonies. As a sidebar, Madonna got hers on 1998, Lauryn Hill in 1999, Christina Aguilera in 2001, and Missy Elliott in 2003.
Moving on to the main event, I’ll just share a few thoughts here and there about the performances from last night. They ranged from excellent to good actually. Specifically, here’s my grade sheet for last Sunday’s VMAs.
Lady GaGa : You & I
I decided that I’ll grade this performance based on the start of her performance. I’ll voluntarily skip her opening monologue which, as seen from the audience, looks ridiculous as it can gets. GaGa tries so hard to maintain this creative, innovative persona but what she lacks during the monologue is the music. If that wasn’t GaGa doing that shitty man alter ego, I bet that person will be trashed instantly. But since it’s GaGa, she gets free pass. This isn’t even creative. This is bothering. As for her performance, no doubt that she really has the talent to pull it off. Her vocals is always on point, and she gets to have Queen’s Brian May as a special guest. Now, that is genius. Anyway, bottom line is, she could have done the song without that alter ego thing going on, and it would have been much better.
Grade: B
Jay Z and Kanye West : Otis
This isn’t one of my favorite songs from Watch the Thrones so I would have wanted another song to be performed. But, of course this is the current single. Even I couldn’t resist the star power that these two rap powerhouses exude so while this is in no way outstanding, this is also not disappointing.
Grade: B
Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Nayer : Give Me Everything
I don’t get why they were given a performance slot that night. This song is too old by the time they performed it. However, the song is still undeniably catchy. Everyone is still jamming in the crowd and even the people watching at home. This is a similar performance like what they did on The Voice. I’m bothered by how Ne-Yo is so hitting on that woman performer as if he’s so dying to f*ck her right after they went off stage. LOL.
Grade: C+
Adele : Someone Like You
Oh boy, hands down, the best performance of the night. Ballads are rarely performed during the VMAs especially since it’s one big party after all. If they work, they really do get to stand out (Christina Aguilera, Hurt (2006)), but if they don’t, they’ll be overshadowed (Taylor Swift, Innocent (2010)). Fortunately, Adele rocked her performance. Everyone was just cheering while she’s singing. I personally had goosebumps while watching it. Plus, she got a standing ovation at the end. it goes to show that all you don’t need too many gimmicks to stand out. This goes down as one of the best VMA performances ever.
Grade: A+
Chris Brown : Yeah3x, The Beautiful People
It is really difficult to follow up Adele’s performance. So, the best way to do it is by giving a fully entertaining performance. Chris Brown might be lipsynching throughout the whole performance, but who cares? He’s flying all over the Nokia Theater. That is so awesome. It’s so sad that he got overshadowed with all the woman beater and homophobe accusations against him, because he, indeed, is one hell of a performer. He might not be singing at all, but this is the perfect follow up to Adele’s vocally challenging performance. Oh can I say that I died that Jessie J followed this performanc eby singing “No Scrubs”?
Grade: A-
Britney Spears tribute
First, I’m glad that all the speculations that Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Ke$ha, Katy Perry, and Janet Jackson (of all people, really?!?!?!?) giving a tribute to Britney isn’t true. That would have been a disaster in the vein of her Gimme More performance. I’m glad that MTV is giving her the tribute by people who won’t upstage Britney, but when you reward her with a Video Vanguard, the least they could have done is to include all of her videos, and not just chosen ones. All in all, a decent performance but what I didn’t like was that they used her as a segue to introduce the next performer.
Grade: B-
Beyonce : Love on Top
I’m not the biggest Beyonce fan on earth (god knows how “creative” she is) but this is probably one of my favorite Beyonce numbers ever. She’s just glowing the moment she sang the first line of the song. Also, she made a good choice of singing a song that suits her emotions that moment. I love when she said “I want you to feel the love inside me.” There are parts where she wasn’t singing (she had prepared version) and she’s singing it simultaneously with the recorded version, but I won’t complain. Also, love how the audience was so into the song. Adele was even singing. Love the shot of her in the audience. But more so, the finale shot when she rubbed her tummy, and everyone from Gaga to Tony Bennett, Kanye to Jay Z were just jumping with joy. Very memorable performance!
Grade: A-
Young the Giant : My Body
I know that you’re thinking “Who?” but for a VMA debut performance, this is an awesome performance. I know how big of a deal getting a slot at the main show is for some indie band who doesn’t have a solid fanbase yet. But, heck, I enjoyed the performance, and here’s hoping they’ll get a bigger break after this. How I wish Foster the People were asked to perform as well.
Grade: B
Bruno Mars : Amy Winehouse tribute, Valerie
At first, I was hesitant. Why him? Really, of all people?!?!? Bruno Mars?!?!? But boy, did he really deliver! This is a good performance of Valerie, and for what its worth, he gave justice to the song. I love the “clap your hands for Amy part”. The video of Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse opening this performance made it bittersweet. Seeing Amy’s pop-art photos while Bruno is performing is so very touching. I guess I’m a big Amy fanboy because I was in tears near-the-end. Adele was so sad, and so is Russell Brand. Anyway, really good performance that I’m sure Amy was very proud up there. 🙂
Grade: A
Lil’ Wayne : How To Love, John
For years now, the VMAs always end their show with a rap act (Jay Z in 09, Kanye last year) and while Lil’ Wayne was good in his How to Love part, he suddenly went crazy during the John part. This is an okay performance but everyone’s just oh so excited to go home or rest already. LOL. This is a good promotion for his album (which will debut at number one next) though.
Grade: B-
That’s it. The VMAs, while it wasn’t able to reach its peak years anymore, still provided one hell of an entertaining show this year. Til next year folks! =)
Happy weekend everyone! I’ve been pretty busy the past few days that I don’t even have the time to update my blog. Last Thursday, the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards nominations were revealed, and it caused a big ruckus in the internet world. While the nominations were announced by 9AM Manila time, lots of potential nominees’ fans are waiting as early as 2AM. They were already cheering and expecting that their favorites will sweep the nominations once again.
So when the nominations were finally announced, here are the contenders for the much coveted Video of the Year award:
Adele — “Rolling in the Deep”
Beastie Boys — “Make Some Noise”
Bruno Mars — “Grenade”
Katy Perry — “Firework”
Tyler, the Creator — “Yonkers”
So when the expected nominees were left out, fans went rabid mad. Gaga received three noms (Female, Art Direction, and Choreography) while Britney had two (Pop, Choreography). Fans of both artists released their frustrations in two different ways: Britney’s fans edited Wikipedia article of the MTV VMA 2011, and replaced a lot of nominees with Britney’s name. Gaga’s fans attacked Adele (especially her weight) on the other hand. This prompted MTV to release the following statement:
Listen Little Monsters, we know you’re less than thrilled that Lady Gaga didn’t score as many nominations for the 211 MTV Video Music Awards as you may have wanted or expected, but do you think she’d be pleased that you are attacking the appearance of a singer who did score some nods?
It’s less paws up than claws out. It’s also a pretty poor reflection of the message Mother Monster preaches.
After Adele, whose 21 is top-selling album of the year by far, scored an impressive seven VMA nominations, including Video of the Year, Best Female Video and Best Pop Video, and Gaga scored only one major nomination – Best Female Video for “Born This Way” – the pop star’s fans started getting personal on Twitter.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and we totally get not being happy when your favorite artist doesn’t get the love you think they deserve, but Adele’s weight has nothing to do with anything, and insulting it isn’t going to change Lady Gaga’s number of nominations and represents the kind of bullying that Gaga rallies against.
We think Lady Gaga is probably mortified right now – not because she didn’t sweep the VMA nominations, but because of her fans’ reactions. They’re not engaging in any kind of civil debate, they are reaching for the easy insult. It’s the very thing Lady Gaga rails against. She stands in front of stadiums around the world singing, “I’m beautiful in my way, cause God makes no mistakes, I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way,” and preaches a message of unconditional acceptance.
Except if you are overweight, it seems, then all bets are off.
Grow up, you’re starting to act like real Monsters!
Good job to MTV. For once, you really addressed the issue. This has been bothering non-fans for a long time now. Anyway, here are my reactions for this year:
GOOD
Katy Perry showered with nominations. her videos this Teenage Dream era are really impressive. She deserves to sweep, IMO.
They strayed away from the Eminems, and the Birtneys and the Gagas, who have good videos but nothing worthy to sweep nominations.
Adele getting showered with nominations. yeah she was sitting at the whole course of the video but it wasn’t a lazy video per se.
Best Choreography in a Video is a good category
I’ll repeat it: Britney and Gaga deserve to get nominations only in the categories where they received one.
BAD
Grenade as VOTY? Really, MTV!?!?!
Where the hell is Kanye West’s Runaway video. That should be the video to lead the nominations this year.
Rihanna deserved some love for her individual work. She should have been nominated in Female and Pop.
Where is Best Dance and Best Breakthrough Video? Same goes for Best R&B.
Not much love to Cee-Lo, and Eminem, and J.Lo.
STOP WITH THE FAN VOTING PLEASE.
Here’s the rest of the nominations:
Best Male Video
Justin Bieber — “U Smile”
Eminem (featuring Rihanna) — “Love the Way You Lie”
Cee-Lo Green — “Fuck You!”
Bruno Mars — “Grenade”
Kanye West (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi) — “All of the Lights”
Best Female Video
Adele — “Rolling in the Deep”
Beyoncé — “Run the World (Girls)”
Lady Gaga — “Born This Way”
Nicki Minaj — “Super Bass”
Katy Perry — “Firework”
Best New Artist
Big Sean (featuring Chris Brown) — “My Last”
Foster the People — “Pumped Up Kicks”
Kreayshawn — “Gucci Gucci”
Tyler, the Creator — “Yonkers”
Wiz Khalifa — “Black and Yellow”
Best Pop Video
Adele — “Rolling in the Deep”
Bruno Mars — “Grenade”
Katy Perry — “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”
Pitbull (featuring Ne-Yo, Nayer and Afrojack) — “Give Me Everything”
Britney Spears — “Till the World Ends”
Best Rock Video
The Black Keys — “Howlin’ for You”
Cage the Elephant — “Shake Me Down”
Foo Fighters — “Walk”
Foster the People — “Pumped Up Kicks”
Mumford & Sons — “The Cave”
Best Hip-Hop Video
Chris Brown (featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes) — “Look at Me Now”
Lupe Fiasco — “The Show Goes On”
Lil Wayne (featuring Cory Gunz) — “6 Foot 7 Foot”
Nicki Minaj — “Super Bass”
Kanye West (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi) — “All of the Lights”
Best Collaboration
Chris Brown (featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes) — “Look at Me Now”
Nicki Minaj (featuring Drake) — “Moment 4 Life”
Katy Perry (featuring Kanye West) — “E.T.”
Pitbull (featuring Ne-Yo, Nayer and Afrojack) — “Give Me Everything”
Kanye West (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi) — “All of the Lights”
Best Direction in a Video
30 Seconds to Mars — “Hurricane” (Director: Bartholomew Cubbins)
Adele — “Rolling in the Deep” (Director: Sam Brown)
Beastie Boys — “Make Some Noise” (Director: Adam Yauch)
Eminem (featuring Rihanna) — “Love the Way You Lie” (Director: Joseph Kahn)
Katy Perry (featuring Kanye West) — “E.T.” (Director: Floria Sigismondi)
Best Choreography in a Video
Beyoncé — “Run the World (Girls)” (Choreographer: Frank Gatson)
Lady Gaga — “Judas” (Chroeographer: Laurieann Gibson)
LMFAO (featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock) — “Party Rock Anthem” (Choreographer: Hokuto Konishi)
Bruno Mars — “The Lazy Song” (Choreographers: Bruno Mars and Poreotics)
Britney Spears — “Till the World Ends” (Choreographer: Brian Friedman)
Best Special Effects in a Video
Chromeo — “Don’t Turn the Lights On” (Special Effects: The Mill)
Linkin Park — “Waiting for the End” (Special Effects: Ghost Town Media)
Manchester Orchestra — “Simple Math” (Special Effects: Daniels)
Katy Perry (featuring Kanye West) — “E.T.” (Special Effects: Jeff Dotson for Dot & Effects)
Kanye West (featuring Dwele) — “Power” (Special Effects: Nice Shoes and ArtJail)
Best Art Direction in a Video
Adele — “Rolling in the Deep” (Art Director: Nathan Parker)
Death Cab for Cutie — “You Are a Tourist” (Art Directors: Nick Gould, Tim Nackashi and Anthony Maitz)
Lady Gaga — “Judas” (Art Director: Amy Danger)
Katy Perry (featuring Kanye West) — “E.T.” (Art Director: Jason Fijal)
Kanye West (featuring Dwele) — “Power” (Art Director: Babak Radboy)
Best Editing in a Video
30 Seconds to Mars — “Hurricane” (Editors: Jared Leto, Frank Snider, Michael Bryson, Stefanie Visser and Daniel Carberry)
Adele — “Rolling in the Deep” (Editor: Art Jones at Work)
Manchester Orchestra — “Simple Math” (Editor: Daniels)
Katy Perry (featuring Kanye West) — “E.T.” (Editor: Jarrett Fijal)
Kanye West (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi) — “All of the Lights” (Editor: Hadaya Turner)
Best Cinematography in a Video
30 Seconds to Mars — “Hurricane” (Directors of Photography: Benoît Debie, Jared Leto, Rob Witt and Daniel Carberry)
Adele — “Rolling in the Deep” (Director of Photography: Tom Townend)
Beyoncé — “Run the World (Girls)” (Director of Photography: Jeffrey Kimball)
Eminem (featuring Rihanna) — “Love the Way You Lie” (Director of Photography: Christopher Probst)
Katy Perry — “Teenage Dream” (Director of Photography: Paul Laufer)
How about you? What are your reactions? Happy weekend, everyone! 🙂
So yeah, it’s pretty obvious that I am jobless right now since I have the time to do that mini collage that you’re seeing right now. Anyway, what do those videos have in common? Well, they are the videos included in FUSE’s 100 Sexiest Videos Of All Time.
The videos in the picture are arranged by rankings, and I’ll provide you the list of the top ten:
10 Rihanna – “S&M” (2011)
09 Lady GaGa – “LoveGame” (2009)
08 Fergie feat. Will.I.Am – “Fergalicious” (2006)
07 LL Cool J – “Doin’ It” (1997)
06 Beyonce feat. Sean Paul – “Baby Boy” (2003)
05 Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, & P!nk with Missy Elliott – “Lady Marmalade” (2001)
04 Britney Spears – “Toxic” (2004)
03 Chris Isaak – “Wicked Game” (1991)
02 D’Angelo – “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” (1999)
01 Madonna – “Justify My Love” (1990)
Here are some of my thoughts:
1. While I’m happy that the list is very much updated (Rihanna’s S&M and Katy’s ET are already in the list), there are only 14 songs post 2000 that were included in a list of videos that has eligibility span of ALL TIME. Very ironic.
2. Some artists got in for almost all of their videos. coughBeyoncecough. I seriously doubt that while Ego is a song that talks about how big someone’s (re: Jay Z) penis is, it’s video is far from anything sexy. Actually just the thought of Beyonce singing about Jay Z’s manhood is provoking enough for it to be excluded on the list.
3. There are lots of hip hop videos here, and I’d argue that most of them are interchangeable. I can’t even tell them apart. All those hot women dancing in a big pool or partying up are not unique enough for me to identify which is which.
4. No Justin for What Goes Around Comes Around, or Cry Me a River, any Kylie Minogue video, Shakira for La Tortura, Fergie’s Big Girls Don’t Cry, Amerie for One Thing, Maroon 5 videos aside from This Love?
5. If I personally choose the top ten, I’ll probably have: Express Yourself, Untitled, Dirrty, Toxic, Teenage Dream, This Love, Criminal, These Boots Are Made for Walking, Crazy, and Wicked Game.
So without looking the list, can you name the videos in the picture? And more so, what are your own pics for the sexiest videos of all time? 🙂
When God showered the world with great singing talent, I was obviously busy sleeping, or probably eating. Bottom line is, I’m a bad singer. I can’t carry a tune. I sing with my throat and not with my lungs.
Nevertheless, I can call myself a pretty good dancer. I’m not the best dancer in the world but I basically know how to dance gracefully. Way back in elementary and high school, I always get invited to dance for different school activities. Once, I was even front and center during our cheering competition. But as years pass by, I gained weight, and lost opportunities to hone my dancing skills more. I still know how to dance but has reached my peak, I guess. I still dance every now and then but when I’m alone or partying.
Anyway, enough about me. Now what does my introduction have anything to do with my main post? Well it’s because I’ll be listing 15 music videos with great choreographies. I limited one music video per artist so as much as I’d love to bombard it with Michaels, and Janet’s, and Madonna’s, I decided to spread the wealth. 🙂
15. MY LOVE IS LIKE WHOA (Mya)
Mya has never been known as a solo artist, but this 2003 single showed her versatility as a dancer, in this eye candy video with lots of costume changes, poll dancing, and tap dancing to boot.
14. I’M A SLAVE 4 U (Britney Spears)
This video does not contain Britney hugging a yellow python on her shoulders, but the choreography is insanely hot and sensual. Definitely Britney at her prime.
13. VOGUE (Madonna)
It has been a tough choice whether I’ll go with this or her cowboy-inspired “Don’t Tell Me” but this one trupms the latter by a hair. This video is iconic for many reasons, and it’s choreography is one of them.
12. CHASING PAVEMENTS (Adele)
Who knew that a heartbreaking ballad like this one can incorporate a good amount of choreography in its music video. Floor routines have never been as bittersweet as this one.
11. SO PURE (Alanis Morissette)
Probably her most choreographed music video, it only took Alanis two minutes and 49 seconds to show us how a versatile dancer she is.
10. AROUND THE WORLD (Daft Punk)
Others might see it as repetitive and robotic, but hey it’s Daft Punk we’re talking about! Imagine doing four different dances and incorporating it in one video? Choreography genius! 🙂
9. THRILLER (Michael Jackson)
Another music video artist, the late, great Michael Jackson proved that even a video 27 years ago can still kick ass with its choreography especially with this thirteen-minute version.
8. I’M GLAD (Jennifer Lopez)
J.Lo wet and wild doing her own Jennifer Beals-Flashdance tribute. Geri Halliwell, take some notes.
7. MY LOVE (Justin Timberlake featuring T.I)
JT, at one point in his career, was called as the next Michael Jackson. And I’m pretty sure it’s about his great dancing skills and smooth choreography as shown here. Let’s just hope this does not involve young boys and babies in windows.
6. IT’S OH SO QUIET (Bjork)
Reminiscent of different movie musicals where in the protagonist was walking down the street and everyone just generously wasted their time joining her in a big street number, Bjork definitely nailed this one.
5. SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT) (Beyonce)
Kanye West stormed a naive Taylor Swift and announced this as the best video of all time. Pretty much exaggerated but anything that highlights Beyonce’s great dancing skills and not being disturbed by her lechon hips is a plus in my book.
4. RHYTHM NATION (Janet Jackson)
Before J.Lo, and Britney, there was Janet. And this military inspired music video shows Janet at her best. This is definitely one of the best dance videos ever.
3. DO IT AGAIN (Shakira)
Even though we’re already aware that her hips don’t lie, Shakira definitely did it again in this video that gives a new meaning to the concept of bed scene.
2. HERE IT GOES AGAIN (OK Go)
Probably the most creative use of a treadmill in a music video ever, OK Go’s choreography is catchy and playful. I bet lots of people tried to attempt this after this came out.
1. WEAPON OF CHOICE (Fatboy Slim)
It does not take a great dancer to have an awesome and memorable choreography. You can have Christopher Walken strolling an empty hotel at night, and boom = BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A MUSIC VIDEO. Try to watch the video in reverse and you’ll realize that it’s even cooler than the original video. 🙂
There you have it folks, get your dancing shows now and start to groove. Haha. Good night! 🙂
Hey everyone! So I have decided to start a new series here in my blog so that I can tackle something music related in the midst of all these monthly Oscar and Emmy predictions. And with that comes the introduction of the MTV VMA Best Female Video series. For 30 random weeks, I’ll be discussing the Best Female Video category of the MTV Video Music Awards, one year a week. I’ve chosen this because this sparks the most conversation among people of the online community. And of course there’s no better way to start this by going down memory lane exactly a decade ago and go with the 2004 nominees. Let’s begin!
TIT FOR TAT 