The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards will celebrate the power of music by honoring performers’ music videos and giving some of the hottest stars in the industry a chance to wow our socks off with hot performances. Tonight, we can expect to see shows from a bunch of great artists, including Bruno Mars, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Katy Perry, Kanye West, and Justin Timberlake (recipient of this year’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award). With so many of our favorites performing, we’re not quite sure who we’re most excited to see . . . . Do you have any acts you’re looking more forward to than others?
Lady Gaga will open the show, and she’s promised a great performance filled with tons of physicality — more challenging choreography than ever before. It’s either going to be SO-GAGA-AMAZING! or SO-HUH-WHY’D-YOU-DO-THAT-GAGA? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Wonder if Perez Hilton sent her flowers to wish her well on her big day?
Because the show will provide a stage for so many great acts, we thought we’d use this space to recap tonight’s Main Ceremony performances. Check back here during or after the LIVE show, which begins at 9PM EST, to see which of your faves rocked the house (or ate it big time). For WINNERS LIST and RED CARPET PHOTOS . . . . CLICK HERE.
This post will be updated over the course of the evening 8/25/13
2013 VMAs Performances recaps:
Austin Mahone brings all his pop-pop-poppiness to the red carpet pre-show and performs “What About Love.” Next up is Ariana Grande singing “The Way.” Both of these fun lil’ stars actually sang their songs, which we commend them for. After her song, Ariana says how nervous she was to have performed and proceeds to give one lucky fan tickets to the show.
Here we go . . . . Lady Gaga opens the show. Let’s get ready for the craziness. We get a close up of Gaga’s face, encased in a white block. She sings “Applause,” her newest hit. She immediately changes costumes, then slowly finds her way into another one, and then another one and another one and another. And, oh look, now she’s wearing a new wig. She actually sounds really good, and we know she’s not lip syncing because of that beginning close up. She eventually finds some of that signature make up that we’ve all come to associate with “Applause.” She finishes up and she and her back up dancers take a bow — and get some “Applause.” A really good opener. We don’t care what anyone says, we’re Little Monsters through and through.
Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus perform. Miley goes first and comes out in a teddy bear swim suit and is surrounded by dancing teddy bears. Um. That’s all I can say. She starts twerking and transitions into “We Can’t Stop.” Robin Thicke enters the scene singing his #1 song. Miley Cyrus helps him out — after stripping down a bit further. AND LET THE TWERKING BEGIN! She starts grinding all over him and then 2 Chainz does his bit. This performance has been slightly traumatizing. I’m not sure what else to say about it. Let us know what you thought of it in the comments section below.
Kanye West is up next and, unfortunately, he hasn’t brought baby North West (perhaps the one and only thing that could help us cope with this performance). He starts singing and he, immediately, thinks he’s awesome. He dances (or, rather, flails). But, honestly, all jokes aside, his singing is good. We’ll be nice and give him some props.
Jimmy Fallon introduces Justin Timberlake, the “President of Pop.” There’s a montage of him doing all his Justin Timberlake things. then he comes out and brings down the house. He comes in from the lobby and slowly proceeds into the auditorium. Tonight, JT will be receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award. Because of all his skillz and talentz. He sings some of his hits, including “Sexy Back” and “My Love.” And, wait for your screams . . . . ‘N Sync comes back for a majorly intense reunion to sing “Bye, bye, bye.” The major wonderful JT tribute concludes with “Mirrors.” He bows, the crowd goes crazy, and Jimmy Fallon walks out with the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Mary Lambert perform “Same Love.” There’s a surprise guest appearance by Jennifer Hudson.
Drake does his thing, which a lot of people will find special. He, as always, puts on a strong performance and definitely employs those I’m-such-a-passionate-person Drake eyes. While he’s singing, the cameras cut to Rihanna — who remains in her seat and looks unamused.
Selena Gomez introduces Bruno Mars, who sings “Gorilla.” He always performs really well on live shows, and tonight’s no exception. It’s one of the better performances of the night — and there’s a fire and laser display, which is always a plus in our books!
Katy Perry prepares for her performance of “Roar,” which is being described as her biggest hit yet. She sings near the Brooklyn Bridge and is dressed up like a boxer. The performance is fun and playful, though not sure if it’s worthy enough for the final performance of the night. It does pick up though and closes strong. I definitely feel like running out into the streets and letting out a big ol’ ROAWRRRR!
What did you think of tonight’s performances? Let us know in the comments section below!
