Lady Gaga performs at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards

Photo: Getty Images

After the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga was no longer just another face in the pantheon of rising pop stars who occasionally hit the red carpet in a zany getup. She became, undeniably, a star.

In an evening packed with an all-star tribute to Michael Jackson, an elaborate Taylor Swift performance in a New York City subway station and headline-hogging stage-crashing moments, Gaga still stood out. It wasn’t just her blood-smeared rendition of “Paparazzi” that scored fans’ attention; it was her eye-popping, show-topping, OMG-inducing style. In the MTV special “The VMAs: Revealed – Presented by New 5 React Gum,” VMA insiders broke down exactly how her inventive fashion made for one of the most legendary debuts in the show’s history.

Ultimately, five game-changing Gaga looks were broadcast to viewers that evening, but the pop star and her team came ready to rock a bunch of outfits. “She showed up with racks and racks of clothes,” dressing room production assistant Katie Meath said. “We had five P.A.s carry everything up and we went back for another round.”

“I remember one thing. It looked like a black dominatrix outfit but there were spikes. There was a lot going on,” dressing room production assistant Anthony Deleo added.

Dealing with a gaggle of style choices, Gaga didn’t have the time to get tripped up by the backstage mayhem, and show organizers had to figure out a way for the star to hop in and out of her complex outfits with ease.

“The day before the show we had rehearsals. We actually had a stopwatch just timing ourselves. We really didn’t have enough time to take her to her second-floor dressing room,” said Ernesto Elias of MTV Music & Talent. “We created a quick-change room right off the side of the stage.”

Gaga took home the Moonman for Best New Artist but by wriggling in and out of her fashion-forward costumes within minutes and hustling back to her seat in time to make a series of unforgettable cutaways, she also nabbed the honor of staging one of the most memorable VMA debuts ever.

“We’ve seen it all, we’ve done it all,” VMA director Hamish Hamilton said. “There we all were … kind of mesmerized in Gaga-dom.”

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.

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Kanye West and Taylor Swift at the 2009 Video Music Awards

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic

Kanye West took to his Twitter account Saturday morning (September 4) to readdress the 2009 Video Music Awards, when he fatefully interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech.

“I’m sorry, Taylor,” he wrote. “We’re both artists, and the media and managers are trying to get between us. She deserves the apology more than anyone. Thank you [Twitter co-founders] Biz Stone and Evan Williams for creating a platform where we can communicate directly.”

Expounding on the backlash he received, he wrote, “If you Google a–hole my face may very well pop up 2 pages into the search. … There are people who don’t dislike me … they absolutely hate me. People tweeted that they wish I was dead … No listen. They wanted me to die, people. I carry that.”

Kanye went on to say that the media vilified him. He alluded to his claim during a 2005 NBC telethon for Hurricane Katrina that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” as a point for which the media was looking to pay him back. He noted that in the VMA aftermath, the media played the race card and turned it into an angry black man versus innocent white girl issue.

“Even though the NBC telethon was widely praised y’all didn’t think they was just gone let me get away with that did y’all???!!!” he questioned, rhetorically. “The media has successfully diminished the ‘receptive’ audience of… KANYE WEST. …taking a 15 second blip the media have successfully painted the image of the ‘ANGRY BLACK MAN.’ The King Kong theory. With the help of strong will, a lack of empathy, a lil alcohol and extremely distasteful & bad timing … I became George Bush over night.”

Kanye also said that he had a song he’d written for Taylor. Should she not be receptive to that idea, he said he’d perform it for her. “She had nothing to do with my issues with award shows,” he wrote. “She had no idea what hit her. She’s justa lil girl with dreams like the rest of us. Beyoncé didn’t need that. MTV didn’t need that and Taylor and her family friends and fans definitely didn’t want or need that.”

As his tweets continued, in a stream-of-consciousness manner, Kanye compared his life to that of the Wicked Witch of the West in the book and play “Wicked,” which is based on the witches from “The Wizard of Oz.” “The Wicked witch of the west basically is so convicted to tell her’ truth,” he wrote, “when she does it she is outcasted by society and turned WICKED.”

Kanye said that he returned from the ego-driven fiasco with a greater sense of who he needs to be in life. “When I woke up from the crazy nightmare, I looked in the mirror and said GROW UP KANYE,” he wrote. “I’m ready to get out of my own way. The ego is overdone. I take the responsibility for my actions. Yes I was that guy. A 32 year old child. With new found humility … who am I to run on stage? I would never ever again in a million years do that. Sorry to let you down.”

What do you think about Kanye West’s apology to Taylor Swift? Let us know in the comments below!

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T.I. and Nelly (file)

Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

T.I. isn’t letting his legal situation hold him back from rocking the stage.

Just days after getting busted for alleged drug possession, Tip showed up in an Atlanta nightclub on Friday and ripped the mic. In a video posted online, the King of the South spits a fiery rendition of Urban Legend’s “Motivation” at a venue crowded with fans thrusting their camera phones in the air. Sporting a white tee from his Akoo clothing line and a black baseball cap, the ATL MC bellowed his flow over the screams from the amped-up crowd. St. Louis hip-hop star Nelly hopped up next to the embattled MC as he went into the hit single “U Don’t Know Me.”

The set shows confidence and resolve from a superstar in a precarious position with the law. T.I. and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle were arrested on Wednesday night in Los Angeles after making an illegal U-turn. Police searched the car after allegedly noticing the scent of marijuana wafting from the vehicle and found a number of pills, which were later identified as ecstasy.

T.I.’s club appearance is the rapper’s first post-arrest foray into the spotlight, but his lady has been expressing her thoughts on the Internet. The day after the bust, T.I.’s wife thanked supporters on Twitter for all of their e-love.

“Jus wanted 2say thank u 2every1 dats been leaving encouraging msgs & prayers!” Tiny tweeted on Thursday. “We love u guys:) going 2bed now! So glad 2b n a nice clean bed.”

However, on Friday, Tiny lashed out at a critic online who, responding to reports that the reality star and her hubby were caught with methamphetamines, suggested she should switch up her Twitter nickname.

“U da real dummy cause u believe everything u hear!” Tiny replied to @ totallytaylor25 who re-tweeted Perez Hilton’s missive that the former Xscape singer should change her Twitter handle to @ MajorMethMama. “I don’t even no wat meth look like! How bout let’s c what da test say!”

Did you catch T.I. performing in Atlanta? Let us know in the comments below!

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Lady Gaga and Eminem (file)

Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images

The stars definitely came out for Eminem and Jay-Z.

The hip-hop heavyweights brought big-name guests like Dr. Dre, 50 Cent and Drake onstage during their two-night Home and Home Tour run at Detroit’s Comerica Park. One megastar didn’t hit the stage but did show support during the duo’s final Motor City show: Lady Gaga.

According to The Detroit News, the pop sensation, who was in town for her own Monster Ball Tour date on Saturday (September 4), checked out the show from a raised platform in the middle of the arena. Decked out in a silver miniskirt and sporting sable-colored locks, the native New Yorker grooved to Jigga and Alicia Keys’ smash “Empire State of Mind.” Gaga even threw up the Roc-A-Fella diamond when Hov ripped The Blueprint album cut “U Don’t Know.” Rap-Up.com reports the singer sipped from a plastic cup throughout the show, and took in Jay’s set for about an hour before retreating backstage.

There’s a good chance that Gaga and Em will cross paths during another major show: the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. The hitmakers have corralled the most Moonmen nods, with Gaga landing a record-shattering 13 nominations and Eminem scoring eight. The pop supernova’s “Bad Romance” and the chart-topping MC’s “Not Afraid” will also face off in the coveted Video of the Year category

After pulling off a slew of all-star guest appearances and shutting things down with two triumphant high-energy D-Town shows, Em will hit the stage at the VMAs, which will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on September 12.

Did you see Jay-Z and Eminem in concert? Let us know in the comments below!

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Katy Perry and Russell Brand

Photo: Jeff Vespa/ Getty Images

MTV Video Music Award nominee and California Gurl Katy Perry has summed up the main reason why fans tune in to the madness every year: “The VMAs are always the best show to watch because anything can happen. And you know us musicians, we’re psychos!”

They’re also suckers for love. No one can deny that VMAs usually serves up plethora of onscreen antics but for Perry and comedian Russell Brand, the real can’t-miss moments happened backstage. The duo are engaged and set to get hitched later this year, but it all began when they snagged each other’s attention at the 2008 festivities. In the special “The VMAs: Revealed – Presented by New 5 React Gum,” insiders uncover the beginning of their road to matrimony.

Many reports have pegged the start of the couple’s relationship to their first encounter on the set of the comedy “Get Him to the Greek.” But, more specifically, they met when “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” filmmaker Nick Stoller set up a shoot at the VMAs to score celeb cameos for his Aldous Snow spin-off.

“They wanted hot young female artists to be part of the movie,” explained VMA producer Jane Mun. “So, Christina Aguilera was performing, they got her, Pink and Katy Perry.” Perry and Brand filmed a lip-lock for the movie and while the scene stayed on the cutting-room floor, the chemistry between the two began to heat up.

“Katy Perry, Oh my god! I was so inspired by Katy Perry’s song’s message ['I Kissed a Girl'] that I’m currently going through nine Chapsticks a day and my penis has never felt more moisturized,” Brand quipped after the singer performed in 2008. Perry definitely got the joke and laughed, “I love him!”

The only problem was that Perry was still entwined with Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy. But when Perry returned to the 2009 VMAs as a single lady, it was on. When it came to orchestrating a grand entrance for returning master of ceremonies Brand, VMA folks thought the pop star could play a key role.

“She’s had a huge year,” said show executive producer Dave Sirulnick. “So [we thought] let’s ask Katy if she would sing [Queen's] ‘We Will Rock You.’ ”

The pop diva apparently rocked more than just the stage, because after flirting their way through rehearsals, producers saw the British funnyman promising to call Perry later on.

They struck up a romance, got engaged by New Year’s Eve and when Perry heard the news of her 2010 nominations, she tweeted some sage advice: “I luv the VMA’s, u never know what u’ll get from em! I got a hubby.”

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.

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Jay-Z performs at Comerica Park on in Detroit, Michigan Thursday

Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

There’s no question that Jay-Z and Eminem’s Home and Home Tour stops in Detroit were two of the biggest events the city’s hip-hop community has ever seen.

On the final night, Em and Hov fans recounted an unforgettable show to MTV News, in which rap titans like Dr. Dre and 50 Cent joined Shady and Jigga on the Comerica Park stage.

Although she “loves Eminem,” one D-Town fan gave Hov’s set the biggest props. “It had to be Jigga. Coming from underneath, giving a shout-out to [Michael Jackson], it was Jigga,” she said.

Another concertgoer said witnessing the hip-hop heavyweights rip up the stage with one of their classic collabos was her favorite moment of the night. “Probably when Eminem and Jay-Z got on the stage together [for 'Renegade'],” Lindsay said, describing the show highlight. “That was pretty tight.” Fellow audience member Bridget echoed the same sentiment, bellowing, “Renegade!”

Some fans loved when Em made a move that few hip-hop stars have the clout to pull off, and brought out his mentor, Aftermath kingpin and rap pioneer Dr. Dre.

“My favorite part was when Dr. Dre came out,” said Jen, who was accompanied by a fellow Doc-loving pal. “We’ve been … big [fans] for forever.”

As Jay-Z and Em signed off from the Motor City, many fans were amped they were able to witness the historic show firsthand.

“I’m glad I was a part of it,” said Dianca. “It was a great concert, it was awesome. I love Jay-Z.”

Clutching an Eminem tee and bubbling with post-show energy, Christina was grateful for the opportunity to see the superstar MCs work magic in the D. “It was amazing. I’m glad I didn’t miss it,” she enthused. “I’m glad I got to be there. I really feel sorry for everyone who did miss it but it was awesome.”

Juanita trekked from Jacksonville, Florida but conceded that the Motown show was a singular event.

“I loved everything ’cause I love Jay-Z. I loved the [extra guests] they brought out, I love Dr. Dre. I love everybody, Eminem, everybody!” she said. “Go Detroit, yeah! Only in the D!”

Did you see Jay-Z and Eminem in concert? Let us know in the comments below!

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Jessica Alba in “Machete”

Photo: 20th Century Fox

The Box-Office Top Five

#1 “Machete” ($3.9 million)

#2 “The American” ($3.8 million)

#3 “Takers” ($3 million)

#4 “The Last Exorcism” ($2.3 million)
#5 “Going the Distance” ($2.2 million)

“Machete” was a cut above the competition in a close Friday box-office race crowded with new releases. According toreports, the sexed-up, action-packed Robert Rodriguez-directed film took first place with $3.9 million on Friday.

However, the star-heavy caper, which boasts performances from Jessica Alba and Danny Trejo, and a buzzed-about screen turn from Lindsay Lohan, just barely slipped past The American.” The George Clooney thriller, which revolves around an assassin who lands in Italy for a final job, kicked off the weekend with $3.8 million. Friday’s haul bumps the film’s cumulative take to $7 million since the movie landed in theaters on Wednesday.

Rounding out an action-heavy top three, “Takers” pulled in $3 million during its second Friday in theaters. Although the film opened at #1 last weekend, it appears news of the film’s star T.I.’s arrest hasn’t completely doused the fire of the heist flick. The film also boasts appearances from Idris Elba and singer Chris Brown, who has recently triumphed on the music charts with his single “Deuces.” The movie has made an estimated $29.5 million since landing in theaters.

The horror movie “The Last Exorcism,” which nabbed the second-place slot in a photo-finish box-office race against “Takers” last week, slipped to the #4 spot. The creep-fest raked in $2.3 million during its second Friday on screens, which nudged its total gross to $27 million.

The rom-com “Going the Distance,” starring Drew Barrymore and real-life on-and-off beau Justin Long, debuted in fifth place. The movie, which follows a young couple working to sustain the spark in their long-distance relationship, scored $2.2 million in ticket sales.

Check out everything we’ve got on “Machete” and “The American.”

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Eminem performs in Detroit on Thursday

Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

DETROIT — By the time Eminem got to “Cinderella Man,” near the bottom of his set list on Friday night, the air was filled with so much audible adoration for Slim Shady, Sam Kinison himself could have rose from the grave and screamed in your ear and you wouldn’t hear it. The crowd at Comerica Park was so loud, many people had to text message the person sitting right next to them.

Once again, Eminem was treated like a pharaoh. He was the closer on a two-night stand of concerts headlined by him and Jay-Z.

The stadium seemed a tad bit fuller and two notches louder than Thursday — that’s not to say the love on Thursday from the audience wasn’t overwhelmingly prevalent. Slim Shady is the undisputed reigning king of the Motor City.

Once again, he turned in a very energetic, enthusiastic, inspired performance. This is a man in love with life, it looks like.

With the Alchemist DJing, a band playing and Mr. Porter from D12 as his hypeman, Em’s Friday set was close to Thursday’s. Of the many guest stars who took the stage on the first night, only Drake, who had a show in San Francisco, was absent.

Marshall Mathers rolled out instant classics, such as his opener, “Won’t Back Down,” and the song that made his career explode, “My Name Is.”

On the part of the song where Em raps “Dr. Dre says…” Dre Dre himself rose from under the stage.

Cue pandemonium. Seeing a performance by Dre — who is rarely even seen anywhere, let alone on a stage — is surreal as it gets. During “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” on which Eminem rapped Snoop Dogg’s parts, 50 Cent strolled out onstage with a smile. Curiously, Em and Dre did not perform “Forgot About Dre.”

“I love y’all, Detroit,” Dre said. “I appreciate the love again.”

Em, chimed in, “Detroit, do I love y’all or what?” He then commanded they show Dre how much they loved him.

“Deeeeeetox” chants, rang out. “I’m going to the studio,” the Doc answered with a smile.

“Even in the rehearsals, after we did it, [Dre] was like, ‘Yo, this is crazy.’ I don’t think he’s been on a big stage since the Up in Smoke tour,” Alchemist told MTV News earlier in the day.

Em ended the night with “Not Afraid” and his encore “Lose Yourself.”

Once again, B.o.B opened the show, followed by Jay-Z. All three MCs will perform in New York on September 13 and 14.

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Kanye West

Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage

Kanye West has had a busy morning.

Just before doling out a series of Twitter missives apologizing to Taylor Swift for his VMA rant, the Chicago MC dropped a new song, “Devil in a New Dress,” on his KanyeUniversecity blog on Saturday (September 4). The track is the second song in his “G.O.O.D. Friday” series, in which the superstar promised to release a spankin’ new song to kick off the weekend every Friday until Christmas.

“Dress” continues ‘Ye’s return to the soulful old-school sounds he championed in his early work and has revisited in the string-laden Beyoncé and Charlie Wilson collabo “See Me Now.” West works an easy flow over the midtempo joint replete with feathery falsetto backing vocals an overall buttery ’70s feel. Despite the laidback groove, West shows his vulnerable side, as he laments being loved and left. “How she gon’ wake up/And not love me no more/I thought I was the a–hole/I guess it’s rubbin’ off,” ‘Ye rhymes.

The plaintive, lovelorn song is the complete opposite of the aggressive posse cut, “Monster,” that West dropped last Friday. The track boasts a number of beastly features from Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj and is slated to appear on West and Hov’s upcoming joint album Watch the Throne.

For the most part, Yeezy fans were feeling the rapper and producer’s vintage sonic textures and candid lyricism.

“Love this song. Love G.O.O.D. Fridays. Thanks for blessing us with this song Kanye,” Souldigga wrote on West’s blog. “It’s sick.”

Another fan said the throwback vibe is reminiscent of Queens MC Nas’ debut.
“Classic feeling, like the 1st time I PLAYED [Illmatic],” 212aben804 wrote. “Very much needed.”

“OMFG Kanye,” Surgical702 gushed. “This is seriously the best song of yours I’ve heard in awhile.”

The MC explained that he released “Dress” just in time for fans to ride out the end of the season to the song’s languid feel.

“There’s only 18 days of summer left,” West tweeted. “I had to drop DEVIL IN A NEW DRESS while it was still hot out so people could [roll] down [their] windows.”

How do you feel about Kanye West’s latest song “Devil in a New Dress”? Let us know in the comments below!

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