Hello there. I’m Sydney Adamson, a junior art major at Towson and lover of all things popular culture, especially music, fashion, TV, movies, etc.
Through this column titled PopSyd, I’ll be sharing with you my opinions on concerts, red carpet fashions, movies, and other current pop culture happenings. “What’s the first topic?,” you ask? Why it’s the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, of course!
Opening the show was Lady Gaga with “Applause.” Her elaborate performance included several costume and wig changes and an ensemble of dancers to divert the audience’s attention.
While I’ve noticed that many viewers disliked Gaga’s performance, I found it incredibly enthralling. As in her past, Gaga continues to break down artistic boundaries while sending personal messages to the public.
Next on the list of performers was Miley Cyrus and I’m sure by now you’ve all heard about her performance. While I support Cyrus’ right to present herself in whatever way pleases her, I don’t think her provocative ‘dancing’ added any artistry to “We Can’t Stop” or “Blurred Lines.”
Brightening up the show, Jimmy Fallon introduced a very anticipated performer: Justin Timberlake. In Timberlake’s 15 minutes on stage he proved that his dance skills, falsetto and sex appeal are better than ever. The time traveling medley included songs from 2002 to 2013, including “Senorita,” “SexyBack,” and “Mirrors.”
The highlight of Timberlake’s showcase occurred when the rest of former boy band ‘N Sync appeared from beneath the stage.
Rumors circulated about the bands reunion for days but that didn’t stop me from yelling in excitement when they broke into a mash up of “Girlfriend” and “Bye Bye Bye.”
After, Fallon returned to the stage to present Timberlake with a Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award (MTV’s Lifetime Achievement Award).
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis followed with “Same Love” featuring singer and gay-rights activist Mary Lambert, and a guest appearance by Jennifer Hudson. In a night that held many uninteresting performances (I’m lookin’ at you guys, Kanye West, Drake and Katy Perry), the four-some entertained audiences with a relevant and important message to the audience.
That night Macklemore and Ryan Lewis received two Moonmen – the first for Best Hip Hop Video – “Can’t Hold Us,” and Best Video With a Social Message – “Same Love.”
Just before performing “Gorillas,” Bruno accepted his first ever Moonman for Best Male Video – “Locked Out of Heaven,” presented to him by Taylor Swift. Swift herself took home the Best Female Video Moonman – “I Knew You Were Trouble.”
Moonmen were also awarded to Selena Gomez for Best Pop Video – “Come and Get It,” One Direction for Best Song of the Summer – “Best Song Ever,” Austin Mahone for Artist to Watch and Timberlake for Video of the Year – “Mirrors.”
Though Timberlake, Mars and Macklemore provided a few glimmers of entertainment hope at the 2013 VMAs, I’m hoping that the VMAs are better next year. Come on, MTV, you’ve got a year to get it together!