Video Music Awards highlights

by Chris Flood
THE POST

The moon man landed on earth once again last week - but the music fans and artists of the world won't celebrate for too long.

Shawn and Marlon Wayans kicked off the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, both posing as comedian Chris Rock, last year's host. They proceeded to insult most of the star-studded audience, and ended up getting trampled in a mock riot, which featured Britney Spears and boy band look-alikes.

Hard-hitting rapper Eminem took some heat from protesters outside Radio City Music Hall, but that was the only flaw that arose as his bad-boy act reigned supreme. Nominated for six awards overall, "The Real Slim Shady" collected honors for his signature hit in the categories of Best Male Video, Best Rap Video and Video of the Year.

After marching into the awards performing with a cast of decoys, Eminem addressed his critics and brought the crowd to its feet with "I am whatever you say I am." He later accepted the most coveted moon man for Video of the Year saying, "I'm going to take this home and put it right between my Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera posters."

Eminem's comment provided the women with their only recognition, as both walked away empty handed. Still, Britney will surely be remembered for her nearly sheer bikini top and pants.

The oddest moment came when Rage Against the Machine bassist Tim C. climbed the set as Limp Bizkit accepted the award for Best Rock Video for "Break Stuff."

Bizkit lead singer Fred Durst enjoyed the stunt saying, "Stage dive dude." Guitarist Wes Borland praised the gesture, "This guy is rock 'n' roll," he said. "He should be getting the award."

What he did get was arrested and hustled out of Radio City Music Hall in handcuffs. One of Rage Against the Machine's bodyguards also was arrested on a charge of obstruction of justice.

One of the best comedic moments came when Napster founder Shawn Fanning appeared on stage in a Metallica T-shirt. The heavy metal band is leading the fight to stop Fanning's Internet song-sharing service. Fanning joked that he had some help with his wardrobe when he claimed, "actually a friend of mine shared it with me."

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich struck back in a pre-taped video that had him raiding a dorm room saying, "Sharing's only fun when it's not your stuff." Proving that the fans are not on his side about the issue, Ulrich met a barrage of boos at the end of the show when he introduced the final musical act, Blink 182.

Veteran rock act Red Hot Chili Peppers added two more awards to its collection including Best Direction in a Video for "Californication," and the Video Vanguard Award (MTV's version of a lifetime achievement award).

Chili Pepper bassist Flea capped off the acceptance speech by saying he was grateful for everything including the gray hairs in his Mohawk, and went on to offer a special wish to his daughter, saying "I hope you had a great first day of school."

It's On! 2000 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS PICKS:

Best Performance: Eminem leading a crowd of clones while performing "The Real Slim Shady." Was that really Carson Daly sitting next to Fred Durst?

Worst Performance: Britney Spears. Sorry Brit, the gig is up. Everyone knows you're not singing, so why even wear the McDonald's drive-thru headset.

Best Presenter: Jim Carey. He was one of the rare people who actually wanted to be there and gave a great performance before introducing Eminem.

Biggest Disappointment: Rage Against the Machine losing Best Rock Video. Any band that has the power to close down the New York Stock Exchange at the expense of getting arrested surely deserves something.

Biggest Annoyance: What were these clips of random people leading into the nominees' videos. What do I care about a lonely girl's memories of Asia or Flock of Seagulls?

Best Comedic Performance: Chris Kattan's performance with 'N Sync mannequins.

Worst Comedic Performance: The Wayans Brothers. It's hard to decide on just one.

Best Dressed: "Marky" Mark Walhberg. Simple, classy suit and tie gave off "Good Vibrations."

Worst Dressed: Tie. Sisqo's platinum blonde and powder blue were archenemies. J.C. of 'N Sync. I think I got beat up for wearing that shirt in first grade.

Personal Favorite Moment: The look on the face Metallica's James Hetfield after Napster founder Shawn Fanning appeared on stage wearing a Metallica T-shirt.