August 26, 2006

The VMA List of Nominees

By News Desk (MTV.com)

The arrival of the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) draws near, and we're getting mighty excited about it. Who wouldn't be, with the stellar list of performers and presenters that are gracing the event?

In the meantime, do check out the nominees under the various awards, and make sure you get your dial locked onto MTV Asia for the premiere of the 2008 VMAs on Monday, September 8, at 10.30pm (MY) and 9.30pm (SG/HK).

And if you want your favorite artists to win, don't forget to get your votes in at www.vma.mtv.com.


Best Rock Video

Fall Out Boy - "Beat It"
Directed by Shane Drake

American sweethearts Fall Out Boy revive Michael Jackson's classic with an appropriately glammed-out, pedal-to-the-hair-metal video, complete with fog machines and ninjas.

Foo Fighters - "The Pretender"
Directed by Sam Brown

Undisputed presidents of modern rock, Foo Fighters, keep it real simple on "The Pretender," clearing out a stark arena and holding back a batallion of riot cops with pure, searing riffage.

Linkin Park - "Shadow of the Day"
Directed by Joe Hahn

Bad news is easy to ignore when it only happens on TV. In the downtrodden video for "Shadow of the Day," violent headlines come to life and refuse to be ignored.

Paramore - "crushcrushcrush"
Directed by Shane Drake

As if the desert wasn't already hot enough... Tennessee troublemakers Paramore make the cacti sweat in the video for the viciously catchy 'crushcrushcrush.'

Slipknot - "Psycho Social"
Directed by Paul Brown

All hope is gone in the fiery, post-apocalyptic video for mask-metal mavens Slipknot's "Psycho Social." Babies, prepare to cry. "Psycho Social" is straight up terrifying.


Video Of The Year

Chris Brown - "Forever"
Directed by Joseph Kahn

Time travel may still be impossible, but Chris Brown's videos are so futuristic that it doesn't even matter. Look at what he can do with his feet! Is "Forever" the video of the year? Watch the VMAs and see.

Jonas Brothers - "Burnin Up"
Directed by Brendan Malloy & Tim Wheeler

Win or lose, there is no question that in 2008, the brothers Jonas totally own us. Their poolside video for "Burnin' Up" strengthens the case for their total world domination with a cameo from Big Rob.

Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up"
Directed by Joseph Kahn

The Pussycat Dolls stop traffic with their day-glo pop-and-lock-fest, "When I Grow Up." Now they've wished for Best Video Of The Year and they just might get it.

Britney Spears - "Piece of Me"
Directed by Wayne Isham

If Britney Spears' career has become a vehicle for criticizing the media, does that make her a political artist? Does it even matter when her videos are still this hot? We demand answers!

The Ting Tings - "Shut Up and Let Me Go"
Directed by Alex & Liane

Armed only with irresistible loops and magic hands, The Ting Tings have grabbed music by the collar and completely taken over. Shut up and watch the video that could win the biggest award of the year.


Best Dancing In A Video

Chris Brown - "Forever"
Directed by Joseph Kahn

Chris Brown moves at the speed of light into eternity in "Forever," a video whose dazzling visuals and driving beats dare you to sit still.

Danity Kane - "Damaged"
Directed by Syndrome

Sexy silver-clad sisters Danity Kane take you to the clouds in their futuristic (and pink!) video for "Damaged."

Madonna - "4 Minutes"
Directed by Jonas & Francois

You heard of her? She's blonde? Muscular? Not only did Madonna pack her "4 Minutes" clip with mind-boggling effects, she topped it off with Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. Genius.

Ne-Yo - "Closer"
Directed by Ms Melina

Neo-soul stud Ne-Yo whispers in your ear in the stark and stylish video for "Closer." Choice lyrics provided for sing-along.

Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up"
Directed by Joseph Kahn

Caution: Do not try this at home. Pussycat Dolls make dancing across cars in a traffic jam look like child's play. The fact of the matter is that they're trained professionals.


Best Hip-Hop Video

Mary J. Blige - "Just Fine"
Directed by Chris Applebaum

Every time she opens her mouth to sing, it's obvious that Mary J. Blige has powers. But did you know she could shout rays of light from her hands? Legend.

Lupe Fiasco - "Superstar"
Directed by Hype Williams

Lupe Fiasco's dreams of superstardom look more and more like reality every day. And you know you've officially made it when Hype Williams is directing your videos!

Flo Rida - "Low"
Directed by Bernard Gourley

Can't make it to the club? No problem. Flo Rida's sweatier-than-life 'Low' brings all the heat you need to your computer screen.

Lil Wayne - "Lollipop"
Directed by Gil Green/Dwayne Carter

Before you place your vote for Weezy, take a ride through Las Vegas in a tricked out semi-limo to sample all Sin City has to offer.

Kanye West - "Homecoming"
Directed by Hype Williams

Obama/Clinton, that unbeatable fantasy ticket, may have just met its match in Kanye West and Chris Martin. "Homecoming" for prez!


Best Pop Video

Danity Kane - "Damaged"
Directed by Syndrome

Get right up in the faces of Diddy's hand-picked supergroup of super babes (no signs of 'damage' there) and check out their music video.

Jonas Brothers - "Burnin Up"
Directed by Brendan Malloy & Tim Wheeler

Picture yourself poolside with The Jonas Brothers... Oh wait... You don't have to! The pool party of the summer is right here waiting for you!

Panic At The Disco - "Nine In The Afternoon"
Directed by Shane Drake

You would panic at the disco too if people were running around in marching band outfits and elephant heads... Panic over what an amazing video you were in! Join the parade!

Britney Spears - "Piece of Me"
Directed by Wayne Isham

Get a 'Piece' of Britney and her world-famous 'derriere' in the scathing, anti-paparazzi pop smash, "Piece Of Me."

Tokio Hotel - "Ready, Set, Go!"
Directed by Warwick & Haering

Ready, set, go! It's time to look into their eyes in the adrenaline rush of a video for "Ready, Set, Go!"


Best Male Video

Chris Brown - "With You"
Directed by Erik White

At last year's VMAs, Chris dazzled with his considerable dance skills and he continues to do that in this video, turning a sidewalk into a stage during this heartsick ballad that made millions weak at the knees.

Flo Rida - "Low"
Directed by Bernard Gourley

His album was called Mail on Sunday and with this one Flo delivered! This huge smash, produced by and featuring T-Pain, took the Sunshine State artist to from the clubs to the top of the charts.

Lil Wayne - "Lollipop"
Directed by Gil Green/Dwayne Carter

Taking a ride through Las Vegas in a tricked out semi-limo to sample all Sin City has to offer, Weezy pulls out all the stops as he puts together a piece of video eye candy that this smash undeniably deserves.

T.I. - "No Matter What"
Directed by Self/James Lopez

The lesson here? Don't cross T.I. This hard hitting diss track names Shawty Lo specifically, but its aim is broad. The quick-cut video has just one focus: T.I. The king lives on, indeed.

Usher - "Love In This Club"
Directed by The Brother Strause

Face it, it's Usher's world and we're all just livin' in it. He paired a slow jam with a flashy, sexy and supernatural video that is simply hard to forget. And after seeing and hearing this, who doesn't want to make "Love in This Club?"


Best Female Video

Mariah Carey - "Touch My Body"
Directed by Brett Ratner

What does Mimi want? She's laying it out pretty straight here. And while she plays it a sensual as ever, enter Jack McBrayer (Kenneth on NBC's 30 Rock) as a daydreaming computer geek and things get hysterical fast.

Katy Perry - "I Kissed A Girl"
Directed by Kinga Burza

Bi-curiosity went mainstream and sales of cherry Chap-Stick skyrocketed this year as Katy unleashed this hook-filled confessional that became a big hit. And this sexy, flirty video didn't hurt the cause much, either.

Rihanna - "Take A Bow"
Directed by Anthony Mandler

This "it" girl can't seem to miss! When she took the energy level down a few notches on this one, she sold it just as well as we've come to expect. Let's just say, getting the kiss-off from Rihanna would be better than most.

Jordin Sparks - "No Air"
Directed by Chris Robinson

Do you doubt an American Idol? Some do, but Jordin certainly didn't let down anyone who cast their votes for her when she released this duet with Chris Brown. And the video? Oh man, it's something worth idolizing.

Britney Spears - "Piece of Me"
Directed by Wayne Isham

Routinely besieged by paparazzi and her life constantly under a media-focused microscope, Britney hit back with a smirk in this one and laid out a cheeky video that made light of her plight and charmed fans around the world.


Best New Artist

Miley Cyrus - "7 Things"
Directed by Brett Ratner

Seven votes for "7 Things?" Just a thought. Miley's counting on you!

Katy Perry - "I Kissed A Girl"
Directed by Kinga Burza

Vote Katy Perry for a taste of that Cherry ChapStick!

Jordin Sparks - "No Air"
Directed by Chris Robinson

Message from Jordin Sparks: You will get "No Air" until you vote for me!

Taylor Swift - "Teardrops on My Guitar"
Directed by Trey Fanjoy

Unbreak Taylor Swift's heart with a vote for "Teardrops On My Guitar."

Tokio Hotel - "Ready, Set, Go!"
Directed by Warwick & Haering

Ready, set, Go! It's time to vote for Tokio Hotel!