2010 MTV VMA's RECAP

As a reminder that MTV still plays videos, last night the Video Music Awards took place at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Lady Gaga dominated the show winning eight awards, including Video of the Year, Best Pop Video, and Best Female Video for “Bad Romance.” She also won Best Collaboration with Beyonce for the video “Telephone.” Eminem was awarded the Best Male Video and Best Hip-Hop Video for “Not Afraid.” “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys won Best Cinematography.

For the past five years or so, I told myself I’m not going to watch the VMAs. Yet every year I’m drawn in.

Two of the main reasons people watch the VMAs are the music and the potential drama. Many say that music isn’t like it used to be. I was looking more forward to seeing Lady Gaga’s incredible costumes than to some of the performances. From her spiky headdress to her butcher-inspired gear, she did not disappoint. As far as drama goes - there was none, which was very nice. Kanye West and Taylor Swift didn’t face off on stage with boxing gloves, instead they expressed themselves using their musical prowess. Although she assisted in sending the VMA's rating to levels they have not seen in eight years, Chelsea Handler’s attempt at hosting made me long for Chris Rock’s sharp and hilarious wisecrack.

Last night’s show was the highest rated VMAs since 2002, attracting 11.9 million viewers. I wonder how many of those viewers were just following tradition, plopping in front of MTV on autopilot versus those who were tuning in to see performances by Justin Beiber, Drake, Kanye and Taylor Swift  and the actual awards show and the recipients .

How did you feel about the awards last night?

Christine