On September 9th, as the clock struck 9:00 PM EST, music enthusiasts across America were glued to the front of their television sets. Not only was MTV hosting their 2007 Video Music Awards in Las Vegas, a city known for its excitement and (sinful) exuberance, but Britney Spears, the indisputable pop icon of the past decade, was set to open the event and deliver a "comeback" performance of her new single, "Gimme More."
Despite the anticipation and brilliant set-up of intimate hotel performances, neither MTV nor Britney were able to capitalize upon their best resource: experience. By and large, the show lacked a certain level of professionalism and seemed to be a bit amateurish.
During the first thirty minutes, nothing happened, at least nothing worthy of note. Britney appeared to have a dreadful case of stage fright and stiffness, as she bumbled through her "return" performance. Sarah Silverman, who is generally quite funny, failed to muster a single laugh, even amongst a drunk audience. Her "cutest lips" joke, however, made me wonder if she too was drunk.
Alicia Keys, after a double-dose of boring performance segments, had the misfortune of trying to raise the show's energy level, by herself, as she gave an overview of the various VMA concert rooms that were running concurrently with the broadcast. Of all the rooms, the most exciting one appeared to be the room headlined by Kanye West, who was performing "Stronger," as he ran through a standing-room audience. Eventually, nearly thirty minutes in, the audience was treated to deliverance of the evening's first award, Monster Hit of the Year, to—(surprise!)—Rihanna's "Umbrella."
The rest of the evening was filled with much of the same, with the only real highlight being an energetic song-and-dance showcase by Chris Brown, who performed "Wall 2 Wall," as well as a Michael Jackson tribute, on a level expected from Britney's preceding performance. Everything else was your standard fare: an awards show with little or no awards to present. The show dragged along aimlessly, without any direction or much-needed rescue from the mundane.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Otis B. Driftwood
I can't imagine anyone who would call themselves a "music enthusiast" would seriously even notice the 2007 Video Music Awards.
2 - izabelle
brittney should be left the hell alone can anyone imagine what it must feel like to have the world judge you? Im a female 28 also a single mother, brittney if you read this dont ever worry what people say if you need a bit of fun here and there its ok every parent needs some escape! A good mother will be judged by your kids not the world!
Love ya, me me.
3 - izabelle
ps your performance was hott!
4 - izabelle
i think you need a friend britt a real one ..... no holly wood or star struck here if interested ill leave my cell i live in canada maybe you can have a break from your crazy reality. I only offor this as a sincere gesture as i sympathize with what one in your shoes must endue.....plus i think we would get along! problem cant post my # on the net any suggestions?
5 - jennn
When your a performer, you have to bring your best, and Britney didn't. It has nothing to do with what she's going through, that shouldn't effect her performance what so ever. Just like a normal persons personal life shouldn't effect their performance at work. "Leave everything at the door," thats what my teachers in high school told me years ago.
6 - Peter
Why should Britney perform? She is already filthy rich. So there's no need for her to care what the public thinks about her. I wouldn't care either with such a fortune.
7 - jane
i've heard from sources she didnt perform so well because mtv ditched her and Chris's idea of magic illusion, floating and appearing because of expensive insurance they cant afford, which lead to last minute rehearsals and change of plans. Britney was very angry about this, also X17 has revealed that Sarah Silverman was bad talking about britneys babys just minutes before her performance. with this reason as well pissed her off even more
8 - jennn
Like I said, "Leave it at the door"
9 - Ana
MTV 2007 Video Music Awards was painful to watch.
Since when can you compare Justin Timberlake with Bono? Just a bunch of drunk people...
10 - Michal
The 2007 VMA worst ever!
11 - mayrixx
this vma 2007 worst than ever in the history horible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12 - VPomeh
issabel ure a mamona <-- search in urban dictionary by the word "mamón".
13 - briana
YES clayton!! you are right on with this one. the vma's were horrible. brittany was so bad and chunky i couldnt hardly hear the song from laughing. a major dissapointment!! and i felt bamboozled cause i thought beyonce was going to perform??
14 - Evorgleb
We've been having quite a laugh talking about Brittany's VMA trainwreck over at Highbrid Nation. Its ashame, I feel like her comeback has been derailed before its even begun. Oh and someone tell her about that weave. Looks horrible. Just rock the short hair.
15 - Chuck
Yes, Britney! If you wanna become a 28 year-old looser read Izabelle carefully. She knows best.
16 - ana
i read she wuz upset because a couple of minutes before opening she found out about Sarah Silverman's joke about her kids....datz wut got her pissed off...and she juz wanted to get it over with fast...people say she had stage fright but i don't think datz why...imagine if she wouldn't have heard dat stupid joke...she woulda probably done her best...man i really hate Sarah Silverman right now...ugh...i still love ya Britney...
17 - K
Cut Britney a break!!!!! Leave the GIRL alone for once. When she's ready, she will blow people away as she has done in the past. We love you anyway Brit!!!!!!! Just focus on your kids and getting your life in order. To hell with the media
circus!!! Your fans are still here for you!!!
As for Sarah Silverman, she's a CUNT, simple as that. She said some really hurtful things and she STINKS AS A COMEDIAN, even when telling jokes at the celebrities expense, she still isn't funny!!!
As for your comment about Brits career, she's come further then you can ever hope to go!!! You're ugly, mean and U SUCK. You can't hold a candle to AMY WINEHOUSE EITHER!!
I'D WATCH BRITTNEY OR AMY DRUNK OVER YOU ANY DAY
OF THE WEEK!! YOU ARE REALLY TRASH INSIDE AND OUT!!!!!!!!!!!
18 - PenaltyKillah
Where the hell was Criss Angel? Wasn't he going to do some illusion with Britney? Maybe the real illusion was that we had to believe this show rocked. This VMA's is definitely the celebrity's VMA's. The main stage looked minuscule compared to the Radio City Music Hall, celebs like 50 Cent and Rihanna were like fans instead of distinguished guests, Alicia Keys somehow looked a bit ugly... and what's up with Lil' Mama wearing a baby dress? Oh god...
19 - evagelina
im not a big fan of britney's music...but shit...give the girl a break! she's a young mama with camera's in her face all day long...she needs to address her mental status and give up the hollywood scene and care for her kids...also she looked hot! if that is fat...im a sea cow!!!!!!!!!!!
20 - skiz156
I agree, the vmas were horrible. However, i do believe that we should cut britney a break!! I think people forget that she is human. And, as for leaving ur problems at the door; that phrase doens't exist if every door is being mentored 24/7. SHE'S ONLY HUMAN!!!
21 - skitscat
I'm not a Britney fan or a Sarah fan but that was messed up what Sarah said about Britney's kids. Calling them mistakes, I was disgusted with the people who even laughed at that "Joke". I mean, Come on, Aren't there any parents there who attended?! That was so NOT funny. Its one thing to trash talk Britney its another thing when you talk about some ones babies. Leave the babies, alone Sarah! Sarah's the freaking mistake! Thanks a lot MTV for letting that baby basher ruin the show! So disappointing!!
22 - Jj-peter
I think ppl were just expecting a WOW performance, cos that's what we know she can do. I liked it. LOVED the song.
Hope the video kicks ass!
23 - Melaiine
I thought she was sterf out of shape and hardly danced!!! Im sorry people but the performance was a let down totally!!!!!! Although I did like the song but Britney u have lost the plot!!!!!!!!
24 - rsebelen
There is no justice in this world; Ok, the performance wasn't the best ever, I give her 4 from 10. BUT her body is perfect, remember her 2 kids????, waooooooooo. She is a beauty, look at her, what mother of 2 has that body????!!!!
Britney keep on going, you look good. HAPPY COMEBACK.
25 - Jillian
I think that Britney could have had more facial expression. As for the rest of the performance her dancing was fine. Not her best but i think it was good overall. Maybe she should have tried a little harder at lip singing ( syncing which ever it is) I personally don't ever watch the VMA's but I've seen way worse performances by other people in previous shows. Brit you did fine!