December 2, 2024

Chris Brown takes over Music Choice

Chris Brown. Photo: Courtesy of Music Choice.
Chris Brown. Photo: Courtesy of Music Choice.

Chris Brown. Photo: Courtesy of Music Choice

In preparation for his September 16 takeover of Music Choice in honor of the release of his sixth studio album, “X”, Chris Brown stopped by the multi-platform video and music network’s NYC studio to film a special edition of “You & A” with host Claire Galterio.

While on-set, the R&B superstar spoke about his call with the legendary Michael Jackson on his 18th birthday, the evolution of his style, his new album, answered fan questions, and everything in between.

Chris Brown is the number one performing artist on Music Choice Video On Demand (VOD) since it was launched back in 2005 generating over 410 million views for his vast catalog. As a result, to coincide with the takeover, extended content will be featured across all Music Choice platforms including Music Choice Music Channels, Video On Demand, MusicChoice.com, and its social media properties. Tracks from his newest album “X” will appear throughout the day in power rotation on Music Choice’s Hit List, Hip Hop R&B, and Pop Rhythmic music channels leading up to the “You & A” special at 7:30 p.m.

Knitting Factory Management signs jazz/classical virtuoso Dana Leong

Virtuoso jazz and classical artist Dana Leong.
Virtuoso jazz and classical artist Dana Leong.

Virtuoso jazz and classical artist Dana Leong.

LOS ANGELES–Knitting Factory Management, the artist management division of Knitting Factory Entertainment has signed virtuoso jazz and classical artist Dana Leong.

A San Francisco native, Leong received a double scholarship in classical cello and jazz trombone from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music.

In September, Leong and DJ QBert will speak and perform at the closing ceremony of the World Economic Forum: Annual Meeting of the New Champions
 (aka the “Summer Davos”) in Tianjin, China which will be followed by a week-long solo tour of China. His US tour dates resume in December with a Dana Leong Trio show in Palm Desert, CA.

A San Francisco native, Leong received a double scholarship in classical cello and jazz trombone from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music.

In September, Leong and DJ QBert will speak and perform at the closing ceremony of the World Economic Forum: Annual Meeting of the New Champions
 (aka the “Summer Davos”) in Tianjin, China which will be followed by a week-long solo tour of China. His US tour dates resume in December with a Dana Leong Trio show in Palm Desert, CA.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Dana on board,” said KFM’s Aaron Johnson. “He is a true virtuoso and one of the most exciting musicians and composers working today.”

In addition to the World Economic Forum, Leong’s web series The K-20 Forum will be hosting Dr. Connie Tomaino, executive director and co-founder of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function and senior vice president for music therapy at CenterLight Health System. She will be sharing autobiographical ingredients that led to founding the Center for Music and Neurologic Function. Dr. Tomaino and her work are prominently featured in the upcoming movie Alive Inside.

Adding even more to his busy year, Dana also guested on DJ QBert’s latest releaseExtraterrestrial, both as a performer and co-writer and will headline Yamaha’s Young Performing Artists Program. Dana will perform for the winners of the YYPA competition as well as conduct workshops and clinics designed to help the winners launch a professional music career.

Leong has performed around the world and in 2008 his quartet Milk & Jade toured Southeast Asia as part of a Jazz at Lincoln Center and U.S. State Department- sponsored tour, The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad. He’s collaborated and performed and produced as such diverse artists as Ray Charles, Barry White, Kanye West, Wynton Marsalis, Bjork, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yoko Ono, Paquito D’Rivera, Christian McBride, Dafnis Prieto, and Henry Threadgill, Lila Downs, DJ A-Trak and DJ Qbert.

 

Billboard: Nick Carter and Jordan Knight collaborate on new album

Pop veterans ​Nick Carter and Jordan Knight.
Pop veterans ​Nick Carter and Jordan Knight.

Pop veterans ​Nick Carter and Jordan Knight.

Pop veterans ​Nick Carter and Jordan Knight, members of Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, respectively, stopped​ by the Billboard studios recently to chat and show off the duets featured on ​new ​their self-titled debut album, ‘Nick & Knight.’

“There’s always been a chemistry between us,” says Jordan Knight, who met Carter years ago and bonded with the Backstreet Boys member when the pair was part of the New Kids on the Block tour and compilation album in 2011.

“And when we performed together on stage, it just felt really natural. We kind of have the same style onstage, and the same approach to our singing and music. It was just always a natural fit.”​

On the road with Austin Mahone

Music sensation Austin Mahone.

Music sensation Austin Mahone.

Music sensation Austin Mahone.

Go on tour with music sensation Austin Mahone as he makes a stop in Phoenix, Arizona for a major show. Starting the day with a photo shoot, Austin spends the rest of his time personally connecting with fans before the big night. Get to know the people closest to him on stage and off.

Carbon Leaf Releases Indian Summer Revisited

Carbon Leaf
Carbon Leaf

Carbon Leaf

Nashville, TN–Richmond-based indie folk/rock band Carbon Leaf re-recorded its breakout album, Indian Summer, and has released it asIndian Summer Revisited.  CMT Edge had the exclusive premiere of fan favorite ‘One Prairie Outpost,’ noting that, “The Virginia-based ensemble re-recorded the whole project with an acoustic spin, breathing new life into a familiar batch of songs – some of which have never left the set list.”  Fans can buy and stream Indian Summer Revisited at all digital outlets.

Originally released back in 2004 on Vanguard Records, Indian Summer introduced the band to a wider audience with “Life Less Ordinary” reaching #5 at AAA radio and #29 on the Hot AC charts.  10 years since the release of this career-altering album, the members of Carbon leaf wondered how they could honor the album.  The answer came in the form of re-recording the album and re-interpreting the songs that helped shape where the band is now.

23 years, 11 studio albums, AAA and Hot AC radio success with “The Boxer” and “Life Less Ordinary”, and the honor of being the first independent band to win an American Music Award for ‘Best Unsigned Act’ are a few of the accolades that Carbon Leaf has earned throughout the years.  Over that time span the band has played numerous festivals including Bumbershoot, Wakarusa, and Summerfest.  This year Carbon Leaf hosted its own festival, Ragtime Carnival, which attracted performances from Holly Williams, The Black Cadillacs, The Wild Feathers, and Delta Rae.  The band has also shared the stage with immense musical talents such as The Avett Brothers, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Dave Matthews Band, Guster, Matt Nathanson, Jason Mraz, and David Gray.  Perhaps the most important factor is that Carbon Leaf continues to push forward as an independent band with the support of its loyal fans, embarking this summer/fall on a 50+ show tour extending into 2015.

Listen to Carbon Leaf’s Indian Summer Revisited at https://soundcloud.com/carbonleaf

Blake Mills’ new album ‘Heigh Ho’ streaming in full a week prior to release

Heigh

Heigh

LOS ANGELES, CA–Renowned songwriter, guitarist, and producer Blake Mills’ highly anticipated second album, Heigh Ho, is now available to hear in full a week prior to it’s official release via Pitchfork Advance. Heigh Ho will be released on September 16 via Verve Records / Record Collection.

 Next Wednesday, September 17th in Phoenix, AZ Mills will kick off a 13 city headlining U.S. tour. The Heigh Ho band will feature Rob Moose on violin, Stuart Johnson on drums, Tyler Chester on keys and Sebastian Steinberg on bass, among other frequent Mills collaborators. See below for the complete list of tour dates.

Heigh Ho was recorded in Los Angeles at the legendary Ocean Way studios in a room built for Frank Sinatra & used by everyone from Bob Dylan to Ray Charles. The self-produced album references a range of genres without really belonging to any. To that end, Mills asked several of his musical heroes – including Jim Keltner, Don Was, Jon Brion, Benmont Tench, Mike Elizondo, and Fiona Apple (who duets on the bucolic “Seven” and the debut single “Don’t Tell Our Friends About Me”)  – to collaborate on what would become Heigh Ho. “The goals for Heigh Ho were songs, sonics, and capturing performance,” Mills said.

Since quietly releasing his debut album, Break Mirrors, Mills’ rise within the industry has been significant.  Having most recently produced the highly anticipated sophomore album from Alabama Shakes, Mills has also worked with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Sara Watkins, Conor Oberst, Sky Ferreira, and Fiona Apple, with whom he toured extensively in 2013 and 2014.  As a session player and sideman he has worked with Beck, Cass McCombs, Jackson Brown, Lucinda Williams, Andrew Bird and Neil Diamond, among others. Rick Rubin and T Bone Burnett frequently call upon his services as a guitarist, and equally enamored is Eric Clapton who recently told Rolling Stonemagazine “Blake Mills is the last guitarist I heard that I thought was phenomenal.”

Tracklisting

*           If I’m Unworthy

*           Cry To Laugh

*           Just Out Of View

*           Seven

*           Don’t Tell Our Friends About Me

*           Gold Coast Sinkin’

*           Silence is Sincerity

*           Half Asleep

*           Three Weeks In Havana

*           Before It Fell

*           Shed Your Head

*           Curable Disease

Blake Mills U.S. Headlining Tour

9/17 – Musical Instrument Museum – Phoenix, AZ

9/18 – El Rey – Los Angeles, CA

9/19 – The Chapel – San Francisco, CA

9/20 – Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley, CA

9/22 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR

9/23 – Columbia City Theatre – Seattle, WA

9/26 – Amsterdam Bat & Hall – St. Paul, MN

9/27 – Space – Evanston, IL

9/28 – Mayne Stage – Chicago, IL

9/30 – The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA

10/1 – (Le) Poisson Rouge – New York, NY

10/6 – The Hamilton – Washington, DC

10/8 – Rough Trade – Brooklyn, NY

10/9 – World Café Live – Philadelphia, PA

Watch his video of Heigh Ho http://pitchfork.com/advance/533-heigh-ho/

 

Bon Jovi photographer reveals rare images of band

Jon, giving fans a unique look — for the first time ever — at life through his eyes.
Jon, giving fans a unique look — for the first time ever — at life through his eyes.

Jon, giving fans a unique look — for the first time ever — at life through his eyes.

NEW YORK–This fall marks the worldwide release of Bon Jovi: Work, an extraordinary coffee table book that offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the top touring rock band in the world, by the band’s official tour photographer, David Bergman, during two record-breaking world tours from 2010-2013.

Weighing nearly five pounds, the oversized, 210-page hardcover art book is a stunning and incomparable collection of powerful color and black and white photographs, back stage and at home, capturing“what it’s like to travel the world with our band, inviting you to be a part of the action,” writes Jon Bon Jovi in the foreword to Bon Jovi: Work. “From the happy times to the harrowed, these images let you transcend the frame of the photograph to connect to specific moments whenever you open this book.”

With unprecedented access personally granted by Jon to document the band in some of its most private moments, Bergman crossed continents to photograph Bon Jovi night after night at the world’s biggest concert venues. He traveled with them on their private plane, was able to shoot from the stage during every show, and could walk into the dressing room to take pictures any time he wanted – instinctively knowing when to be in the room and when to stay out of the way so as not to affect the “real” moment.

Bergman’s never-before-seen photos take you inside the operating room as Jon deals with the pain of a potentially career-ending knee injury. Two large fold-out images open up to nearly 42 inches wide, while another section of the book features private photographs personally taken by Jon, giving fans a unique look — for the first time ever — at life through his eyes.

Jon calls Bergman’s images “a work of art” and calls him “not only one of the finest photographers we’ve ever worked with, but he’s the kind of guy you can be comfortable hanging around with in any environment. At the end of the day, the work speaks for itself.”

Bergman has long dreamed of traveling the world on big music tours, and spent many years turning that dream into a reality. He’s been Bon Jovi’s official tour photographer since 2010, documenting the band on stage and on the road in more than 30 countries on six continents. Bergman also has toured with Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, and Gloria Estefan, and worked with celebrity clients including Drew Carey, AvrilLavigne, and Joss Stone.

And that’s just in the concert world.

Bergman also has photographed six U.S. Presidents, five Olympic Games, and hundreds of major international events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, and more. His images also have landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated 13 different times, including the unforgettable image of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees raising his son over his head after winning the Super Bowl.

Jon Bon Jovi first noticed Bergman’s work through his now-famous GigaPan, an incredibly high resolution, multi-shot panoramic image of President Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, which the rock star attended with his wife and two oldest children. Lauded as a pioneer of the technique which contains billions of pixels, allowing the viewer to zoom in and see most of the two million faces in attendance, Bergman’s GigaPan has since been viewed by over 20 million people.

“I’ll never forget the intense feeling I had on that day,” Jon continues in the book’s foreword, “a feeling that endures when I see David’s photograph. David’s photo distilled the spirit of the inauguration and the day’s pure emotion. “

The Bon Jovi experience has been “an honor and a pleasure” for Bergman, as he continues on his mission to bring respect back to the “tour photographer” profession.

The book is available exclusively at www.bonjovi.com/work.

 

George Harrison: The Apple Years 1968-75 to be Released September 23

George Harrison: The Apple Years 1968-75
George Harrison: The Apple Years 1968-75

George Harrison: The Apple Years 1968-75

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Universal Music Group and the Harrison family revealed that George Harrison’s first six solo albums, released between 1968 and 1975 on The Beatles’ Apple Records label, have been digitally remastered from the original analogue masters for CD and digital release on September 23 by Capitol/UMe. Wonderwall MusicElectronic SoundAll Things Must PassLiving In The Material WorldDark Horse, and Extra Texture (Read All About It) are available now for preorder, both individually in digipaks and together within the deluxe, eight-disc boxed edition, The Apple Years 1968-75.

Designed to complement Harrison’s 2004 collection, The Dark Horse Years 1976-92, the new box features an exclusive DVD with several video pieces, including a new seven-minute film with previously unreleased footage. The Apple Years box also includes an exclusive perfect-bound book with an introduction by Dhani Harrison, new essays by award-winning radio producer and author Kevin Howlett, and rare and previously unpublished images.

This project has been overseen by George’s son, Dhani Harrison: “I am so happy that what we started a decade ago by releasing The Dark Horse Years is now complete with the release of his first six albums as The Apple Years. Some of these records have long been out of print, and so I cannot wait for music lovers to get their hands on these newly remastered versions. It’s a very proud moment for us, and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us in any way to achieve this.”

The six albums have been digitally restored and remastered at Lurssen Mastering in Los Angeles by a GRAMMY® Award-winning team of engineers including Paul Hicks, Gavin Lurssen, and Reuben Cohen. Wonderwall MusicLiving In The Material WorldDark Horse, and Extra Texture (Read All About It) are all newly expanded with previously unreleased or rare additional tracks. All Things Must Pass includes the five extra tracks first released in 2001.

Max Hole, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group International, said: “George Harrison is a musical icon and one of the most imaginative and influential artists of all time. It’s been great for us to work with Dhani and Olivia Harrison and all of the team behindThe Apple Years project, a vital part of his legacy.”

Wonderwall Music

“The album was a film soundtrack but as a standalone vision it embraces a glorious multiverse of sonorous vignettes like nothing I’ve ever heard. It speaks of a fearless heart.” – Nitin Sawney

Released in November 1968, George Harrison’s Wonderwall Music was the first solo album released by a member of The Beatles and the first LP to be released by Apple Records. The soundtrack music for director Joe Massot’s debut feature-length film, Wonderwall, the predominantly instrumental album is an intricate, vibrant tapestry of Western rock music and compositions in an Indian classical style. In 1992, George recalled, “I decided to do it as a mini-anthology of Indian music, because I wanted to help turn the public on to Indian music.” Three bonus tracks have been added to the remastered album: “In The First Place” by Liverpool group The Remo Four, who played the rock elements of the recording sessions, a previously unreleased alternate take of “The Inner Light,” and the previously unreleased “Almost Shankara,” a raga that was not used in the film or for the soundtrack LP. The booklet also includes a new essay of appreciation by the acclaimed musician, producer and composer Nitin Sawney and newly written historical notes by Kevin Howlett.

Electronic Sound

“Squalls of cavernous sound, white noise explosions, beautiful delicate patterns, the sound was wild and fluid and bore no relation to George’s other work.” – Tom Rowlands (The Chemical Brothers)

As a direct result of The Beatles’ keen curiosity about experimental music and other avant-garde artistic expression, Apple Records launched its short-lived Zapple subsidiary in February 1969 as a forum for unfettered sonic exploration, or, as announced at the time, “more freaky sounds.” George’s Electronic Sound and John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Unfinished Music No. 2: Life With The Lions, both released in May 1969, were Zapple’s only releases before it was closed down. Electronic Sound’s cover art, painted by George, depicts his Moog IIIP (which was later used on four tracks by The Beatles on their album Abbey Road) with the four modules from which the sound was synthesized. Each side of the Electronic Sound LP featured one exploratory long-form work. However, the American version of the album placed the pieces on opposite sides to the UK record, but with the same titles retained on the labels. Consequently, there has been confusion about which track is which. Research for the out-of-print album’s new release revealed that the UK LP was correct with “Under The Mersey Wall” on Side 1 and “No Time Or Space” on Side 2. The CD booklet includes new essays by The Chemical Brothers’ Tom Rowlands and Dhani Harrison, as well as newly written historical notes by Kevin Howlett.

All Things Must Pass

“It is both an intensely personal statement and a grandiose gesture, a triumph over artistic modesty, even frustration. In this extravaganza of piety and sacrifice and joy the music itself is no longer the only message.” – Ben Gerson (excerpt, 1971 Rolling Stone review)

All Things Must Pass was released by Apple Records in November 1970. Co-produced by Harrison and Phil Spector, many musicians contributed to the album, including Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Pete Drake, Gary Wright, Klaus Voormann, members of Badfinger, players from Delaney and Bonnie band, and John Barham. The triple-LP topped charts around the world and earned universal acclaim as a rock masterpiece. George became the first Beatle to have a solo number one single in both the UK and America with the album’s lead single, “My Sweet Lord,” which introduced his signature slide guitar playing. George co-wrote the album’s opening track, “I’d Have You Anytime” with his friend Bob Dylan, who also wrote another song on the landmark album, “If Not For You.” The new package includes the five additional tracks added to the album’s 2001 reissue: “I Live For You” (outtake), “Beware Of Darkness” (demo), “Let It Down” (alternative version), “What Is Life” (backing track), and “My Sweet Lord (2000).”

Living In The Material World

“What we need isn’t material, it’s spiritual. We need some other form of peace and happiness.” – George Harrison (1967)

In May 1973 came the release of George’s second studio album of new songs, Living In The Material World. He was joined in the studio by several musician friends who had also played on All Things Must Pass and others like Jim Keltner, with whom he had worked during The Concert for Bangladesh concerts in 1971. The album and its lead single, “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)” both reached number one in America and on charts around the world. The spiritual nature of Living In The Material World, described by Rolling Stone as “miraculous in its radiance,” is also reflected in the inclusion of an illustration from the Bhagavad-Gita in the artwork. The new release adds a remix of the single version of “Bangla Desh,” which has previously been available only on The Best Of George Harrison (1976), as well as two B-sides included on the album’s 2006 reissue, “Deep Blue” and “Miss O’Dell.”

Dark Horse

“To write a song is, to me, more a case of being the vehicle to get over that feeling of that moment, of that time.” – George Harrison

Released in December 1974, Dark Horse capped a prolific year for George, during which he had established his own Dark Horse record label, built a recording studio in his Friar Park home in England, and completed an ambitious tour of North America. Throughout the year, Harrison produced albums for several artists while also recording his own. The songs on the LP document both George’s fallibility, in “Simply Shady,” and his spirituality, in “It Is ‘He’ (Jai Sri Krishna).” Dark Horse reached the top five in America, sounding a high note at the end of Harrison’s rather frenetic year. The new release adds “I Don’t Care Anymore,” a sought after B-side making its CD debut, and a previously unreleased early, acoustic take of “Dark Horse.” The CD booklet includes newly written historical notes by Kevin Howlett.

Extra Texture (Read All About It)

“The songs on Extra Texture are as introspective as any of George’s albums. The first track is what he would call a pop song and the last song is an eccentric homage to Bonzo Dog “Legs” Larry Smith. But in between are tracks with strong melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. They are moody and personal and some of my favourites.” – Olivia Harrison

In late 1974, George returned to California to record his next album, the soul-tinged Extra Texture (Read All About It), his final album to be released through Apple Records. Leon Russell played piano on “Tired Of Midnight Blue,” and for some of the sessions, Harrison was joined by guitarist Jesse Ed Davis, plus Jim Keltner, Paul Stallworth, and David Foster from new band Attitudes, who were later signed by George’s newly formed Dark Horse label. Two of the LP’s songs date from 1974 sessions for Dark Horse at George’s home studio: the soulful love song “Can’t Stop Thinking About You” and the backing track of “His Name Is ‘Legs’ (Ladies & Gentlemen).” The new release adds “This Guitar (Can’t Keep From Crying),” a song Harrison rerecorded in 1992 as a demo for Dave Stewart, who plays electric guitar on it. More than ten years later, the track received overdubs by Ringo Starr on drums, Dhani Harrison on guitar, and vocalist Kara DioGuardi. The CD booklet includes newly written historical notes by Kevin Howlett.

The Apple Years 1968-1975 brings together these six albums for the first time in one beautifully presented collection. Remastered with meticulous care and attention to detail, George Harrison’s Apple albums now sound better than ever before. Olivia and Dhani Harrison believe that, with the release of these albums, many songs that were undervalued when first issued will now have new light shone upon them. There are many gems in the box awaiting fresh discovery or reevaluation.

 

Film “Motivational Growth” releases trailer

"Motivational Growth" is released September 30

"Motivational Growth" is released September 30

“Motivational Growth” is released September 30

Portland, OR–A new trailer has been released for Don Thacker’s sleeper festival-hit Motivational Growth, starring genre-legend Jeffrey Combs.

The film will hit VOD worldwide on September 30 (via Devolver Films and Indiecan Entertainment in Canada), Blu-Ray and DVD in Canada on the same date, and DVD in the U.S. the following week (via Parade Deck Films), on October 7.

In Motivational Growth, Ian Foliver (Adrian DiGiovanni), a depressed and reclusive man in his 30s, finds himself taking advice from a growth in his bathroom after a failed suicide attempt. The Mold (‘ReAnimator’ star Jeffrey Combs), a smooth talking fungus born of the filth in a neglected bathroom, works to help Ian clean himself up and remodel his lifestyle. The Mold has big plans for Ian, but they may not be as innocent as they seem. A labyrinthine-narrative follows, full of colorfully-drawn characters and gruesome body horror. “The Mold knows, Jack. The Mold knows.”

The DVD release will include a commentary track (with actors Jeffrey Combs and Adrian DiGiovanni, and director Don Thacker), a photo gallery and trailers. The Blu-Ray edition will also include an hour of behind the scenes material.

Live performances highlight of MTVs Video Music Awards

G Easy. Photo MTV Video Music Awards
G Easy. Photo MTV Video Music Awards

G Easy. Photo MTV Video Music Awards

INGLEWOOD—MTV hosted an epic night of music with unforgettable performances, unpredictable moments and heartfelt messages as the 2014 “MTV Video Music Awards” were held live at The Forum in Inglewood, CA.

Beyonce’ welcomed MTV and the audience to her world as she built on her VMA legacy with a medley of songs from her visual album “Beyonce’.” Always the trailblazer, Beyonce’ celebrated where she is as an artist today and pulled back the curtain on her family life with poignant images from home movies showing her as a wife and mother.  The backdrop throughout her performance reinforced messages of female empowerment and sampled a powerful quote and call to feminism from the prominent Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

After Beyonce’ broke Justin Timberlake’s 2013 record for the longest VMA performance ever, Jay Z and Blue Ivy unexpectedly joined her on stage for a highly emotional moment as her family presented her with the “Michael Jackson Video Vanguard” Award.  Humbled and speaking through tears, Beyonce’ thanked God, her daughter, her “beloved,” MTV and her fans. She also won the most awards of the evening, taking home Moonmen in three different categories, including “Best Collaboration” for “Drunk in Love” and “Best Video With a Message” for “Pretty Hurts.”

To accept “Video of the Year,” Miley Cyrus shocked the world. She left her twerking ways to the 2013 VMAs and this year, delivered a heartfelt message.  A former homeless youth in Los Angeles named Jesse took the stage in her place to accept her award on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth in the U.S.  From the side of the stage, Miley teared up watching him make a call to action, directing fans to her Facebook page to join the fight to end youth homelessness.  Jesse ended with an emotional quote, “a dream you dream alone is only a dream.  A dream you dream together is a reality.”

The 2014 “MTV Video Music Awards” opened with the summer’s fiercest female threesome. Ariana Grande kicked it all off by starting an intergalactic dance party with her Zedd-produced hit, “Break Free.” Grande emerged from a spaceship before being joined by the Queen of Hip-hop, Nicki Minaj, who hit the stage to unleash “Anaconda” on the world with an eye-popping, rump-shaking performance. Finally, British singer-songwriter Jessie J joined the titillating trio to bring the house down with their smash-hit, “Bang Bang.” Nicki returned with a wardrobe malfunction that left her clutching her dress.

Rocking to the sounds of an all-female brass section, Taylor Swift literally “shook it off” in her fourth VMA appearance with a fun romp around the stage. Leading a group of tuxedo-clad dancers, she performed her new single “Shake it Off,” from her soon-to-be released pop album, “1989.”  Later when Lorde won for “Best Rock” video, Taylor enthusiastically cheered on her new BFF as Lorde headed for the stage to accept her award.

Before introducing “Best Hip-Hop Video,” Common asked the VMA audience for a moment of silence to mark the events taking place in Ferguson, Missouri, with some members of the in-house audience responding by spontaneously raising their hands overhead.

Introduced by super-fan Kim Kardashian West, British singing sensation and first-time VMA performer Sam Smith mesmerized the audience — and the Kardashian-Jenner sisters — as he and his band orchestrated a soulful rendition of his powerful hit ballad “Stay with Me.”

Several times throughout the evening, Saturday Night Live’s Jay Pharoah had the audience rolling with laughter as he performed several comedic bits including spot on impersonations of Kanye West and Jay Z.

Multi-platinum global R&B star Usher delivered a funk-filled performance of his single “Give it to You,” bringing the audience to their feet and surprising everyone when Nicki Minaj once again returned to join him onstage during their rhythmically charged set.

With high pitched screams welcoming them to the stage, Australian pop punk band 5 Seconds of Summer made young girls swoon with their “Video Music Award” debut and serenaded the audience with their recently released song “Amnesia.”

Before the night was over, this summer’s pop phenomenon, Iggy Azalea and her troop of ninja ballerinas took over the stage with choreographed precision. Joined by the ever-seductive Rita Ora, the duo unleashed a dark and futuristic performance of their hit, “Black Widow.”

For the lone outdoor performance of the evening in front of the “Fabulous Forum” and their majestic “M” logo serving as the backdrop amongst a sea of three thousand fans cheering their hometown musical heroes on, Maroon 5 gave a fiery performance of their smash hit single “Maps.”

2014 “MTV Video Music Award Winners:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR:

Miley Cyrus – “Wrecking Ball”

BEST HIP HOP:

Drake ft. Majid Jordan – “Hold On (We’re Going Home)”

BEST MALE:

Ed Sheeran – “Sing”

BEST FEMALE:

Katy Perry ft. Juicy J – “Dark Horse”

BEST POP:

Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea – “Problem”

BEST ROCK:

Lorde – “Royals”

MTV ARTIST TO WATCH:

Fifth Harmony – “Miss Movin On”

BEST COLLABORATION:

Beyonce’ ft. JAY Z – “Drunk In Love”

MTV CLUBLAND AWARD:

Zedd ft. Hayley Williams – “Stay the Night”

BEST VIDEO WITH A SOCIAL MESSAGE

Beyonce’ – “Pretty Hurts”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Beyonce’ – “Pretty Hurts”

BEST EDITING

Eminem – “Rap God”

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Sia – “Chandelier”

BEST DIRECTION

DJ Snake & Lil Jon – “Turn Down For What”

BEST ART DIRECTION

Arcade Fire – “Reflektor”

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

OK Go – “The Writing’s On the Wall”

BEST LYRIC VIDEO

5 Seconds of Summer – “Don’t Stop”

 

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