MTV News

T.I., Christina Aguilera, Kid Rock Announce VMA Plans

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 06:08:00 EDT

Kid Rock to perform with Lil Wayne!
By James Montgomery

Russell Brand, Christina Aguilera and T.I. on the Paramount lot Thursday
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD — There are press conferences, and then there are press conferences. The difference between the two is a lot greater than just some lousy italics.

Take, for example, the VMA presser that took place Thursday (September 4) on the Paramount Studios backlot. At first, it seemed to be another media gathering, complete with the usual sights (spazzy reporters, grumpy camera guys, a dude dressed up like a ninja who asked stupid questions in a faux-gruff tone) and sounds (plenty of ear-shattering microphone feedback, people complaining about the heat).

But as soon as things got rolling, it became clear that this was no ordinary press call: This was the 2008 Video Music Awards press conference, and it was an italicized event, for sure.

Right out of the gate, VMA host Russell Brand — looking resplendent in a black vest and super-tight trousers — made sure of that, welcoming the media to what he promised to be a "bloody exciting" event, and got his P.T. Barnum on, touting some of the big things show producers have planned for this Sunday, including a performance by "God's favorite virgins, the Jonas Brothers," which he proclaimed to be so excellent that "it will make the concept of an afterlife seem tame by comparison."

As he continued with the hyperbole, a lengthy black limousine suddenly appeared on the scene, and out of it stepped none other than Christina Aguilera — looking svelte in some majorly high heels — who slinked to the microphone and purred that on show night, she'll be performing her brand-new single, "Keeps Getting Better," which is also the name of a best-of album she's releasing in November.

"You're going to get a first look and a first listen at my new image and my new sound," she said. "The last album, the style and sound was about vintage glam — this one is all about the future."

Aguilera then joked that this would be the first time her son Max, born in January, would be able to watch her perform on TV, to which Brand — still in full-on hype mode — shouted, "The VMAs are going to be so great that Christina Aguilera is willing to risk her newborn baby's sight!"

While Brand was still shouting, a second surprise guest made his presence known. Appearing on a fire escape adjacent to the conference — we were in the "New York City" backlot, BTW — T.I. grabbed the microphone and announced that he was coming down to make a special announcement of his own.

After descending on a rickety metal ladder — at one point, his microphone tumbled out of his back pocket and landed on the street below — the rapper strode up next to Brand and Aguilera, posed for some photos and then broke the news that he, too, would be debuting a new song (from his forthcoming LP, Paper Trail) on the big show, this one a duet with none other than .

"The people can expect action-packed pandemonium from top to bottom," he said, before turning to Brand and adding, "Those are some impressive pants you've got there. Are they denim? I thought they were spray-on aerosol."

Aguilera and T.I. then departed, leaving Brand to make even more VMA announcements, including news that in the first 30 minutes of the show, fans can expect appearances by Britney Spears, Rihanna, Pete Wentz, and performances by the Jonas Brothers (to be introduced by Taylor Swift), Rihanna and Katy Perry, who will apparently be trying her hand at replicating .

Brand also broke the news that Kanye West — yes, the same man who swore off all MTV-related events after last year's VMAs — will be closing this year's show with a super-sized performance of his own.

And then, just when everyone thought the festivities were over, Brand grabbed a megaphone and led the throngs of reporters on an impromptu tour of the Paramount lot, ending at a massive soundstage, where — surprise! — Kid Rock was rehearsing his VMA performance.

So inside the stage we went, to watch Rock rip through "All Summer Long" (while wearing white slippers), and then announce one last — thoroughly huge — bit of news: that he'll be sharing the stage with none other than Lil Wayne.

And with that, it was over. This was certainly an italicized event ... as if the VMAs would do it any other way.

Now that you've helped us pick the nominees for this year's Video Music Awards, head to VMA.MTV.com to vote for your favorite in the Best New Artist category, check out the latest additions to the performer and presenter lineups, see the best (and worst) of VMA fashion and much more. Then tune in this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET for MTV News' "Opening Act" on the red carpet, followed by the big show, live from Hollywood at 9 p.m. ET.

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Kanye West And Christina Aguilera To Take The Stage At 2008 VMAs

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:10:00 EDT

'Hills' gang, Paris Hilton, Shia LaBeouf, Ashlee Simpson and other stars added to presenters list.
By Chris Harris

Kanye West
Photo: Michael Buckner/ Getty Images

The 2008 MTV Video Music Awards are almost here, but big names are still being added to the talent pool of performers and presenters every day. Following Wednesday's big announcement that Britney Spears will be opening the show comes word that Kanye West will close out the VMAs on Sunday, despite last year's oath that he'd never return.

In a press conference Thursday (September 4), comedian and VMA host Russell Brand also revealed that Christina Aguilera will return this year to perform a special rendition of one of her first singles, "Genie in a Bottle," in a nod to the big show's 25th anniversary.

Brand also teased what the first 30 minutes of the show would offer: Rihanna will sing; the winners for Best Female and Best Male Videos and Best New Artist will be named; Pete Wentz, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt will appear together; Taylor Swift will introduce the Jonas Brothers' set; and Katy Perry will tackle Madonna's "Like a Virgin." T.I. and Rihanna will debut "Live Your Life," which appears on his forthcoming album, Paper Trail.

This year's VMAs will unfold at the Paramount Studios lot in Hollywood, and will air live starting at 9 p.m. ET. The show will also feature live performances by Pink, Paramore, Lil Wayne and Kid Rock. DJ AM and Travis Barker will rock the party, mixing live drum beats to scratched records throughout the show. The duo will celebrate the past 25 years of music by collaborating with Katy Perry, Lupe Fiasco and the Ting Tings on new and past hits.

On Thursday, MTV rolled out a long list of additional presenters, who've been confirmed for this weekend's VMAs. They include Jamie Foxx, "Gossip Girl" star Chace Crawford, a very pregnant Ashlee Simpson, John Legend, Kobe Bryant, Leona Lewis, Paris Hilton, Slash, Taylor Swift, Shia LaBeouf and "The Hills" gang — Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. Previously announced VMA presenters include Michael Phelps, Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johansson, Ciara, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Christopher "McLovin" Mintz-Plasse.

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Ciara Appears Nude On Cover Of Vibe -- Check It Out Here!

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 01:21:00 EDT

However, in article, singer talks about holding off on sex in a relationship.
By Jocelyn Vena

Ciara on the October 2008 issue of Vibe

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Jordin Sparks, Chris Brown Turned Up The Heat For VMA-Nominated 'No Air' Video

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 08:03:00 EDT

'The dynamic between everyone on set was great,' says Chris Robinson, who directed the 'American Idol' winner's clip.
By Jocelyn Vena

Jordin Sparks in the "No Air" music video
Photo: Jive

Jordin Sparks has proved that if you crown her an "American Idol," she's going to deliver.

She's nominated for Best Female Video and Best New Artist at the Video Music Awards for the video for "No Air," her collaboration with Chris Brown. Chris Robinson, the video's director, revealed that Sparks' sheer determination made her a pleasure to work with.

"She's focused and a worker," he told MTV News. "She sang her heart out on every take for 18 hours. I told her to 'take it easy, this is going to be a long day,' but I think she only knows how to give everything her all. It's refreshing to see that."

Robinson didn't immediately respond to the request for him to work on the video, but once he listened closely to the track, he knew he wanted to team up with the young singer.
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Vote For Your Favorite Best New Artist Now!

"At the time, I was very busy and it just kind of sat in my inbox for a minute. Then on the weekend, I sat back and listened to the track and was blown away. The feeling the song created was really special. I heard this powerful voice that drew me in. The lyrics, Jordin's delivery, the duet all created a vibe."

Robinson was impressed by Sparks and fellow teen sensation Brown and was surprised by their on-set chemistry. "The dynamic between everyone on set was great. It was really interesting to see these two young people so talented and yet so professional and down to earth.

"When I was 18 or 19, I most definitely did not have it together like these two! When you see Jordin and Chris you see two artists that will hopefully continue to push the envelope artistically," Robinson gushed. "We all ended up putting a piece of ourselves into this project."

He was "pleasantly surprised" to learn of Sparks' VMA nomination. "We all know that at all kinds of award shows, sometimes the things we think should be nominated aren't and vice versa," he said. "I feel like Jordin really deserves it."

He also described Jordin as a unique voice for her generation — a quality that makes her, in his opinion, a perfect Best New Artist contender. "The Best New Artist should be looked at for the talent they have and the feeling they give the audience they are communicating to. Jordin definitely is speaking to her generation.

"As far as talent," he added, "it's evident she has loads of it."

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VMA Gift Bags Are Reason Enough For Celebs To Show Up This Sunday

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 07:48:00 EDT

Fonzworth Bentley shows off the vacation packages, diamonds and gizmos we're giving our honored guests.
By James Montgomery

The 2008 MTV Video Music Awards gift bag
Photo: John Shearer/ MTV News

HOLLYWOOD — It's taken us 24 years to make this realization, but we're starting believe that perhaps the stars are just using the MTV Video Music Awards for our gift bag.

(Check out photos of the swag bag for yourself.)

These suspicions were only confirmed on Wednesday, when the Official Gift Bag of the 2008 VMAs was unveiled at the Paramount Studios. We were lucky enough to be given a guided tour of all the goods by none other than Fonzworth Bentley, a man who is many things — dapper, debonair, dashing, to name just a few — but also exceedingly honest.

"When guys walk on the red carpet, they're going to talk about getting awards, or performing, or who they're most looking forward to seeing," Bentley laughed. "That's all bull. ... They all want the shwag."

Shocking! And while we do feel a bit hurt by Bentley's admission, we really can't blame him — or any other celebrity who's graced the show over the years. After all, the gift bags are always incredibly sweet, and this year is no exception.

Packed with more than $15,000 worth of glittering jewelry, one-of-a-kind fashions, high-tech gizmos, all-inclusive vacation packages and more cosmetic products than anyone would use in two lifetimes, the 2008 bag boggles the mind and proves once again that it's very good to be famous.

Say, for example, you're looking to take a vacation. Well, you're in luck! Feel free to use either your complimentary membership to the Best of Everything's Wish Fulfillment Services to book a trip (oh, and the membership also comes with a diamond-encrusted cross pendant), or just cash in your free four-night, five-day stay at the Bungalows resort at Cofresi Beach in the Dominican Republic.

If you like diamonds and crystals, well, we've got plenty of them for you too: adorning the Jour & Nuit crystal-strap sandals, Andy Warhol watches and Ugo Cacciatore pendants. There's also clothing and accessories from Fendi, Qi Cashmere — Fonzworth loves cashmere, by the way — Kings of Glory, Queens of Glory, Gypsy 05, Five Four Clothing and Taverniti So Denim.

There are hair-care products aplenty, an anti-aging Baby Quasar personal light therapy doohickey and — so the celeb experience never ends — a personalized, completely customizable red-carpet runway. Among the gizmos galore are an MP3 player from Rhapsody, high-end speakers from Ultrasone and, of course, a copy of "Rock Band 2." And for those guests looking for a less material treat, there's a private astrology reading by cosmic teacher to the stars Gahl Sasson.

And while we watched Bentley comb his way through all this glittering glory, we couldn't help but feel slightly jealous. Then again, it's hard to fault the guy, especially when he's this honest:

"Y'all better get this gift bag," he smiled. "This gift bag is not a game this year!"

Right again, Fonz.

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Sarah Palin Questions Obama's Experience At Republican National Convention

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 01:10:00 EDT

Speeches by Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee also go on the offense.
By Gil Kaufman

Sarah Palin addresses the Republican National Convention on Wednesday
Photo: Paul J. Richards/ Getty Images

ST. PAUL, Minnesota — A week ago, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was barely a blip on the national political map. But with one biting address to the Republican National Convention Wednesday night, Palin rose above the din surrounding her low profile and emerged as one of the new stars of the Republican Party.

On Tuesday night, President Bush praised presumptive Republican presidential candidate John McCain as a maverick unafraid to go his own way and who makes decisions that don't toe any party line. And on the day three of the convention, the most important out-of-the-box choice the Arizona senator has made in his campaign so far — the selection of his little-known running mate — was in the spotlight.

Given the intense scrutiny the self-described former "hockey mom" has fallen under since her surprise addition to the ticket last Friday, Palin's speech at the Xcel Center felt more like a coronation than a public introduction.

"I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment," said Palin, who appeared a bit humbled and nervous after she was greeted with a two-minute standing ovation, but quickly settled into a confident, often sarcastic rhythm as she repeatedly took aim at Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. "And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion; I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country." The line was a summation of two of the three major talking points that have emerged from the convention this week: that the digs against Palin are part of a smear campaign from the liberal media and that she is a reformer in the vein of McCain.

Rather than focusing on her gender or the controversy surrounding her selection, Palin spent nearly 40 minutes painting a picture of herself as an average American who, like McCain, has bucked the status quo.

"I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town," Palin said, reiterating her status as a hockey mom in the PTA. "When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles, because I knew those voters and knew their families, too. Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities."

The latter criticism, a dig at Obama's years as a community organizer in Chicago, was echoed by the other speakers on a night when Republicans really began to take the offensive against Democrats while trying to solidify the image of their own unconventional ticket that will promote change in Washington.

Palin took many swings at Obama, saying he talks "one way in Scranton and another in San Francisco." She claimed he had never authored any substantive legislation and never used the word "victory" except to refer to his campaign. She also accused him of wanting to grow government and raise taxes, and of being afraid that when Al Qaeda threatens to attack America, "someone won't read them their rights."

With a slight tilt of her head and a knowing, folksy grin, Palin delivered her applause lines flawlessly, drawing lusty shouts of "I love you, Sarah!" and "USA!" At one point, one supporter in the rafters shouted of Obama, "He's never done anything, never run anything, he's useless!"

After nearly a year of claims from Republicans that Senator Obama was not qualified enough to lead the country, McCain backers were quick to jump to Palin's defense when questioned about her lack of national political credentials. Citing her six years of stewardship as mayor of the small Alaskan town of Wasilla and her nearly two years as governor, the McCain campaign's spokespeople have been touting Palin as having more executive experience than both Obama and his VP choice, Senator Joe Biden, combined.

Even before Palin took the stage Wednesday night, one-time Republican presidential candidate and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani defended Palin on CBS' "The Early Show," saying, "I would say Barack Obama has never governed a city, never governed a state, never governed an agency, never run a military unit, never run anything. ... Sarah Palin's been a mayor, she's been a governor. She has a record of reform. She has a record of leadership. She's run a budget. So why all these questions for her? Has anybody ever asked Barack Obama, 'Can you bring up your two kids and be president of the United States?' They're asking, 'Can she be vice president and be a mother?' "

During his speech Wednesday, Giuliani mocked Obama as a "celebrity senator," calling him the "least experienced candidate for the presidency of the United States in the last 100 years." He also drew huge applause when he claimed to agree with Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton about Obama not being fit to answer a phone call at 3 a.m. After ticking off a list of what he said were Obama's flip-flops on issues such as Israeli security and campaign financing, Giuliani — backed by a sunset image of the New York skyline — joked, "If I were Joe Biden, I'd want to get that VP thing in writing."

Palin's speech attempted to appeal to working-class voters, frequently referring to her motherhood and rise to the governorship and stressing her ethics reform. She touted such just-folks gestures as selling the governor's luxury jet on eBay, driving herself to work and getting rid of the office's personal chef. Pointing to McCain's war service during Vietnam, Palin said near the end of her address that "There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you!"

Palin arrived in Minneapolis on Sunday and was reportedly huddled in a hotel room for much of the week working on her speech, with input from the McCain campaign's top strategists, who also briefed her on the senator's policy positions. In addition to telling her story and taking shots at the Obama campaign's stances, Palin promoted her vision for energy independence in the United States.

"Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems — as if we all didn't know that already," she said, as the members of her delegation again sported their orange safety vests and helmets that read "Drill Here." The appeal to search for more oil in the United States also drew a humorous chant of "Drill, baby, drill" during Giuliani's comments.

"Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election," Palin said. "In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change."

One of the issues the media has seized on this week is the fact that Palin has hardly ever left the United States. She traveled to Germany, Iraq and Kuwait last summer, to Canada one other time, and took a personal trip to Mexico. Though reporters — from national and international newspapers and networks to the tabloid press — have been swarming on every aspect of the Palin story, the governor has been almost entirely out of view since accepting McCain's offer to join the ticket. To date, she has done just one interview — with People magazine on the afternoon her selection was announced — but has not spoken to any reporters in nearly a week.

Given the frenzy set off by the announcement that her 17-year-old unwed daughter is five months pregnant, the decision to hold a photo opportunity Wednesday morning on the tarmac of the Minneapolis International Airport with the entire McCain and Palin families — including 18-year-old father-to-be Levi Johnston — appeared to counter the message from the campaign that the Palins' personal lives were not a relevant topic in the campaign. Though Palin did not mention the pregnancy, Johnston was with the family onstage at the end of the speech and was greeted by McCain, who came out for a surprise appearance.

Smiling and waving, McCain whipped the crowd into a frenzy after Wednesday's speeches by asking, "Don't you think we made the right choice for the next vice president?"

During his address, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee said that the reporting of the past few days has been "tackier than a costume change at a Madonna concert," reiterating that McCain doesn't support gay marriage, abortion or raising taxes. Another one-time Republican presidential nominee, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, used the phrase "liberal" more than two dozen times to set Republicans apart from their rivals, exhorting the crowd, "We need change all right — change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington — throw out the big government liberals and elect John McCain."

Don't miss out on the action: MTV News and our Street Team '08 will be on the ground at the Republican National Convention to sort through all the speeches, streamers and ceremony and find the information you need to choose our next president. Head to Choose or Lose for nonstop coverage of the 2008 presidential election.

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Kanye West, Gnarls Barkley, White Stripes Clips Pick Up VMAs In 2008 'Professional Categories'

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:10:00 EDT

Death Cab for Cutie, Erykah Badu also among winners for editing, direction, choreography and more.
By Chris Harris

Kanye West
Photo: Dove Shore/ Getty Images

The 2008 MTV Video Music Awards don't officially get underway until this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET, but there are already several Moonman recipients to announce: the winners in the "Professional Categories," those folks who work behind the scenes on videos for Kanye West, Gnarls Barkley, the White Stripes and others.

Taking the Best Choreography award is choreographer Mikey Rooney for Gnarls Barkley's "Run" video, which beat out Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss" and "Forever" videos, Adele's "Chasing Pavements" and the Pussycat Dolls' "When I Grow Up." "Run" also received the Best Art Direction kudos for Happy and Kells Jesse. Others nominated in that category were MGMT's "Electric Feel," the Pussycat Dolls' "When I Grow Up," Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" and the White Stripes' "Conquest."

Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto won Best Direction for "Honey," edging out Panic at the Disco's "Nine in the Afternoon," Linkin Park's "Shadow of the Day," Rihanna's "Take a Bow" and the Pussycat Dolls' "When I Grow Up." The Moonman for Best Editing goes to Death Cab for Cutie's "I Will Possess Your Heart" editors Aaron Stewart-Ahn and Jeff Buchanan, who triumphed over Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," Weezer's "Pork and Beans," Ne-Yo's "Closer" or Badu's "Honey."

Wyatt Troll was named the winner in the Best Cinematography category for the White Stripes' "Conquest," beating Death Cab's "I Will Possess Your Heart," the Pussycat Dolls' "When I Grow Up," Badu's "Honey" and Perry's "I Kissed a Girl." Finally, SoMe and Jonas & François picked up Best Special Effects for Kanye West's "Good Life" clip, winning over Missy Elliott's "Ching-a-Ling/ Shake Your Pom Pom," Linkin Park's "Bleed It Out," Coldplay's "Violet Hill" and Badu's "Honey."

This year's VMAs, hosted by British comic and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" co-star Russell Brand, will feature live performances by Kanye West, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, T.I., Pink, Paramore, the Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, Kid Rock, Katy Perry, Lupe Fiasco, the Ting Tings, DJ AM and Travis Barker, and an appearance from Britney Spears. Presenters scheduled to hand out Moonmen Sunday night include Michael Phelps, Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, Ashlee Simpson, Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Kobe Bryant, Leona Lewis, Paris Hilton, Slash, Taylor Swift, Shia Labeouf, Ciara, Jamie Foxx, Chace Crawford , Christopher Mintz-Plasse and the stars of "High School Musical," "The Hills" and "Twilight."

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It's Official! Britney Spears Will Appear At VMAs This Weekend

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 05:31:00 EDT

'I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated,' singer says.
By Jocelyn Vena and Jem Aswad

Britney Spears in the video for "Piece of Me"
Photo: Jive Records

Will she or won't she? For weeks, that's been the buzz, and some of the most hard-core Britney Spears watchers have weighed in with opinions about what an appearance at this weekend's VMAs might do for the singer's career.

Well, now it's official: Britney will appear at Sunday's VMAs, which take place at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and begin at 9 p.m. ET. Although the pop star will not be performing, she will open the show.

The singer — who has been nominated for many VMAs but has not yet won one — will be on hand to see if this year is her year. She's nominated for three awards: Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Video of the Year for "Piece of Me."

"MTV has long played an important role in my career," Spears said in a statement. "How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs? I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated."

It's unclear exactly what Britney has up her sleeve, but based on the singer's previous VMA appearances (check out some of Britney's past VMA performances right here), it's sure to leave people talking.

"Britney has done everything from perform with a snake, lock lips with Madonna and prove that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas," said Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music/ LOGO/ Films Group. "I can't wait to see what she does to kick off this year's show."

(Check out video of Britney shopping for the VMAs in 1999, John Norris' recollections of visiting the singer in her Louisiana hometown that same year, and MTV News correspondent James Montgomery's predictions for a big Britney VMA win this weekend.)

Earlier this week, MTV News had some longtime Britney observers weigh in on whether the singer should appear at the awards, and nearly all of them agreed that, as in previous years, if she wants to make an impression, the VMAs is the place to do it.

"If you want to make a big splash," Carson Daly said, "what better platform than the VMAs?"

Perez Hilton agreed, saying that all Britney needs to do is show up and smile. "That's what people want," he said. "They want to see her smiling. Even if all she does is smile and wave, I say that's mission accomplished."

For more on Britney's history with the Video Music Awards, watch "Pieces of Me: Britney's Best VMA Moments," premiering Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on MTV.

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T-Pain's Hunt For The Perfect VMA Ride Starts ... At A Funeral Home?

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 02:13:00 EDT

Pain's Tim Kash-assisted search also includes two energy-efficient options.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Tim Kash

T-Pain considers the Smart car for his VMA arrival with Tim Kash
Photo: Shaheem Reid/MTV News

T-Pain and MTV News correspondent Tim Kash are a pairing so odd, they make Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker look like twins. Heck, they make "Twins" stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito look like twins.

Imagine the surprised look on Kash's face when he was given the assignment of interviewing the white-hot R&B melody maven as Pain looked for the perfect vehicle for his big arrival at this Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards. The task only got stranger when Kash was told to meet Pain at Spalding Mortuary.

"I don't know what I'm doing here," Kash said, seconds after pulling up in a Cadillac Escalade. Not long after, Pain showed up wearing one of his 300 top hats — a red one with psychedelic patterns — and a T-shirt decorated with random celebrity faces ranging from Patrick Ewing to Don Mattingly to Rosie Perez. Pain informed Kash they didn't have to travel far to scope out the first of three possible vehicle choices. Out came a hearse from the garage.

"I'm coming to the VMAs. Everybody is doing the same thing," Pain explained. "I need to get my differ-rench-ee-ality on. I got to make sure I come correct. Correct!

"I gotta find something that's really gonna have me looking correct," he continued. "Everybody is pulling up in the same kinda car. I figure, why not come to my spot?"

"A hearse?" Kash asked.

"Possibly," Pain answered. "It's so sweet, though! It's huwwwwd. [Hip-hop editor's note: That means really hard. Hard to the 10th power.] I'mma keep the coffin in the back. I'm pimpin' in this. I'mma see if I could put the flags on it. I might drive. Everybody is getting dropped off. I'mma get out on the driver's side."

Pain actually owns a pimped-out hearse that he says has speakers in a coffin in the back.

The hit master's next choice seemed to be his favorite: a cherry-red Smart car. It's fuel-efficient and has flava. T-Pain was informed that the car has colored plates that can be swapped at any time to match his many flamboyant outfits.

"That would be awesome," he laughed before climbing in. His large Mad Hatter-like headwear stuck out of the sunroof.

"Ppppppppp-piiiiiimpin'! My Smart car!" Pain yelled proudly. He urged a member of his entourage, who was easily over 6-foot-5, to ride around the block in the small two-seater.

"Are you serious?" his friend replied. "I'll look like Dino from 'The Flintstones'!"

"It's safe. I'm saving humanities with this," Pain later explained of why the Smart car made his short list. "It's green. It's really red, but it's green and red at the same time. I'm saving the whales. We're saving the Earth. The pandas, the monkeys."

Last but not least, Pain threw a low-rider bike into the mix. It was golden, just like his grills, with an extra tire and rad chains.

"Everybody's cool until I pull up on anything," Teddy cautioned, implying that his swagger would overshadow Sunday's proceedings.

"This is all elbow grease, or knee grease," he added, doing circles on the bike. "I ain't got to spend money on gas or nothing. I just keep it pushin'."

He had his own way to attract the ladies while riding.

"You just do this," he said, honking one of the bike's rubber horns. "You do both of them for surround sound."

Keepin' it pushin' and keepin' it pimpin', T-Pain is ready to show the world how playa he can make the scene. But you'll have to tune in on Sunday to see what he finally chose. Let's just say he'll be riding high.

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Bristol Palin Embraced By McCains At RNC; Boyfriend Levi Johnston Sports Engagement Tattoo

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 03:00:00 EDT

Rep for Jamie Lynn Spears denies reports that actress sent Bristol a pregnancy gift.
By Jocelyn Vena

Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday
Photo: Win McNamee/ Getty Images

As Bristol Palin's mother, vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, spoke at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night, the pregnant teen, 17, and her boyfriend, 18-year-old Levi Johnston, watched from the audience as her mom wowed that crowd.

The parents-to-be sat with Bristol's siblings in the VIP box; they had earlier sat with presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain's wife, Cindy. Johnston held Bristol's hand while chatting with her 7-year-old sister Piper. Though Sarah Palin did not mention the pregnancy, Johnston was with the family onstage at the end of the speech and was greeted by Senator McCain.

While the campaign has asserted that Bristol's pregnancy is not relevant to the presidential race, McCain did greet Bristol and Johnston when they arrived at the airport on Wednesday morning, embracing both in a photo opportunity on the tarmac at the Minneapolis International Airport.

Asked what their conversation might have been like, McCain's daughter Meghan, 23, told People. "I'm sure he told them he supports them. Our whole family supports them. I just feel for her, because even just two weeks ago, she was completely anonymous. She's a very sweet girl and [Johnston] is very nice. My heart goes out to them."

Johnston apparently has a tattoo that says "Bristol" on his ring finger, according to UsMagazine.com, and Palin was seen wearing what appeared to be an engagement ring. Earlier this week, when Governor Palin announced her daughter's pregnancy, she said in the statement that the couple planned to wed.

Meanwhile, a representative for 17-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears, whose surprise pregnancy was announced last December, has denied reports that her mother ordered a baby gift for Bristol and sent it to her on Jamie Lynn's behalf, according to E! News. Curt Handling said in a statement, "I just got off the phone with Lynne. I can tell you that she hasn't sent her any gifts, but that she does support Sarah and, of course, can empathize with their situation."

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