MTV Video Music Awards 2011

The MTV Video Music Awards first began as a ceremony to rival the notorious Grammy Awards. The VMA’s first launched in 1984 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler were the evening’s hosts.

This year, the awards were held in the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Steven Friedman MTV President, publicly stated the company’s delight in returning to the City of Angels;

“We are thrilled to return to Los Angeles where the energy of the city will help power the creative spirit of the 28th annual VMAs. The city is the perfect backdrop for all the musical moments, mayhem and magic that make the VMAs such a notorious celebration.”

Selena Gomez is photographed wearing a gown by Julien Mac Donald, gold heels by Brian Atwood, Judith Leiber clutch with gold drop earrings and cuff by Lorraine Schwartz.

The televised event attracts a wide spectrum of viewers; those who anticipate the night’s vocal performances and others who salivate over the ensembles of the music realm’s brightest stars.

Adele, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Pitbull and Cee-Lo Green each glided across the stage to perform the theme tunes to this summer. Whist, the mélange of routines, costumes and melodies utilised to honour the career of Britney Spears was particularly memorable.

Beyoncé chose the red carpet of the Video Music Awards as the moment to publicly announce that she and husband Jay-Z are expecting their first child.

Beyoncé is photographed wearing a burnt orange Lanvin gown from their Autumn 2011 collection with Lorraine Schwartz jewels to accessorise.

Beyoncé performed on stage in a sequined tuxedo jacket, white shirt and fitted pants all by Dolce & Gabbana.

Beyoncé’s former band mate, Kelly Rowland attended the awards in a feather and leather ensemble by Falguni & Shane Peacock with Christian Louboutin Lady Peep Spike heels to match.

Zoe Saldana continued the night’s Little Black Dress trend in a creation by Barbara Bui, the ensemble was accessorised with snake-skin heels also by Barbara Bui, a Lanvin clutch diamond earrings, diamond elephant ring, sapphire ring and gold / onyx bracelet all by Lorraine Schwartz.

Britney Spears was the night’s guest of honour and attended with boyfriend Jason Trawick. Spears was attired in a Moschino romper and low belt with Gina peep-toe calf  boots.

In her first public appearance since her marriage to Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian chose an alluring sequined gown by Kaufmanfranco for the Video Music Awards.

Miley Cyrus exhibited a mixed print gown by Roberto Cavalli from the designers Pre-Fall 2011 Collection. The songstress paired the ensemble with a Lorraine Schwartz choker and Azzedine Alaia heels.

Demi Lovato attended the award show in a jewel encrusted dress with a plunging neckline by Mandalay.

Victoria Justice appeared on the red carpet in a jewel encrusted mini dress with Giuseppe Zanotti heels

Katie Holmes attending the music event in a halter dress by Azzedine Alaia and suede tan booties by Proenza Schouler.

Once again, Lady Gaga provided the audience with an unexpected form of attire. The New Yorker opened the show with a performance of her current single ‘You and I’ as her male alter-ego Jo Calderone.

Nicki Minaj is photographed wearing an Amato Couture corset, Shojotomo Japan shorts, Tsimori Chisato stockings, an Onch Movement ice cream necklace, Fifi and Romeo plastic cuffs and Duepunti rings. 

Katy Perry collected the most amount of ‘moon men’ last night with three awards in total including the prestigious ‘Video of the Year’. Perry attended the ceremony with her husband Russell Brand and exhibited four different ensembles at the event.

Perry graced the red carpet in an Atelier Versace Autumn 2011 mini dress with Jimmy Choo ‘Beak’ sandals and Lorraine Schwartz’s pink gold and diamond ‘Happy’ bracelet.

Katy Perry presented an award in the show wearing a purple lace Tom Ford gown, the songstress’ purple-hue hair was the perfect accompaniment. 

Finally, Katy Perry collected her award in a Christian Dior Autumn 2011 Couture ensemble paired with a yellow Philip Treacy had and multi-coloured wedges by Giuseppe Zanotti.

For the California Girl’s fourth ensemble, in the press room at the end of the show, Perry wore the ‘Breaking Records’ dress designed by Johnny Wujek for Furne One and Giuseppe Zanotti heels. 

Video of the Year: Firework - Katy Perry

Best Female Video: Born This Way - Lady Gaga

Best Male Video: U Smile - Justin Bieber

Best Hip-Hop Video: Superbass - Nicki Minaj

Best Pop Video: Til The World Ends - Britney Spears

Best Rock Video: Walk - Foo Fighters

Best Collaboration: E.T. - Katy Perry Ft. Kanye West

Best New Artist: Yonkers – Tyler, The Creator

Best Video With A Message: Born This Way - Lady Gaga

Best Art Direction: Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Best Choreography: Run This World (Girls)  - Beyoncé

Best Cinematography: Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Best Direction: Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Best Editing: Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Best Special Effects: E.T. - Katy Perry Ft. Kanye West

Element – The X Factor

As Summer stars to fade into Autumn, audiences begin to prepare themselves, to once again, aboard the X Factor phenomena.

This season has incurred significant alterations. Louis Walsh will return to the animated panel and is now in receipt of the title, for the longest-serving judge. Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue have bid the show adieu, whilst Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland attempt to ameliorate the talent show, in ratings and public image.

The X Factor did not return to the Irish coast to conduct auditions for this season. Much of the country’s most talented musicians traveled to the United Kingdom to showcase their abilities. Element are a promising Irish band who recently auditioned for the popular series.

Image: Element / Geza Oravecz

Element is composed of (from left to right) Kevin Johnson, Brook Wright, Dean Anthony, Simon Murphy and Karl Bowe. The band, who formed through Facebook, describe themselves as an R’n'B group with influences also from the pop and soul genres of music. On the group’s official Facebook page, they enlist Bruno Mars, JLS, Justin Timberlake and Ne-Yo as some of their industry icons.

This band are committed to their music dreams and aspirations. They cite themselves as a unique group, each member with a different background in culture and entertainment. Prior to their X Factor experience, they received tuition and mentoring from The Helen Jordan Stage School and performed in Dublin’s Alexandra College.

This is not the band members’ first attempt at success. Kevin Johnson has previously competed in ‘The All Ireland Talent Show’, Dean Anthony has recorded tracks with Andy Reynolds and Karl Bowe has modeled with Compton Model Agency.

To the ‘social set’ of Dublin, Brook Wright will be a familiar feature. Wright is the stepson of Michael Wright, a keen business man who is the proprietor of The Wright Venue in Swords. Michael has previously owned a record company, this industry information will no doubt support and further the longevity of Element’s career.

One of the most refreshing aspects about this band is not only their dedication to the music industry but they also have a keen interest in supporting charitable foundations. The group have visually tied a link with the Bubblegum Club and have gone as far as referencing, their charitable aspirations on the information blurb, supplied on their Facebook page.

Element deserve every success as they journey through the talent competition and ride the X Factor roller coaster. High expectations have been set for this band and they are definitely one to watch.

Fame + Money = Style & Grace?

In Tinseltown, another night often equates to another awards ceremony. Last night in London, numerous celebrities stepped onto the red carpet to celebrate ‘Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards 2011′. The red carpet was alight with celebrities from both Britain and the United States of America. Some of the most noteworthy guests were; Kim Kardashian, Kristin Stewart and ‘Transformer’ star Rosie Huntington-Whitely.

Whilst looking at the photographs of last night’s occasion, I could not  help but notice how strikingly different some celebrities appeared in their fineries.

 Controversial singer Jessie J was barely  recognisable in her Dolce & Gabbana glittering gown. The singer’s make-up and facial expressions were unusually natural with great emphasis being drawn to songstress’ physique and long tresses. Jessie J has widely spoken about her heart condition, thus the reasoning for her abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes. It is no doubt that Jessie J is a positive role-model for her fans, but after last night’s ceremony it is more than possible that she could become a fashion icon for the masses.

However, the question remains, is this change in image simply a phase, or is it the repercussions of increased fame and wealth? Jessie J looked both stylish and graceful last night but I hope she does not totally abandon the quirky style which one loves to hate.

Jessie J picked up the award for ‘Woman of Tomorrow’ at the magazine’s event. 

With an official announcement regarding the XFactor’s judging panel, the spotlight has been cast upon Tulisa Contosavlos (of N-Dubz fame) and Kelly Rowland (of Destiny’s Child fame) to see how they will compare to Cheryl and Danni in the style stakes.  Tulisa has never been regarded as a Queen of couture or a Princess of prêt-à-porter but her polished appearance at last night’s awards will leave designers begging to dress her for the XFactor live finals.

This minimal look is new for Contosavlos, who once preferred to accessorise with large hoops and chunky jewellery.

If this is a fashion sample of what is to come, I for one, am eagerly awaiting the televised auditions. During the series will Tulisa bring her unique style to the show, or will she be ‘encouraged’ to wear items which the mainstream audience would prefer?

The Weekly Playlist

This first issue of the Weekly Playlist highlights both new and older music.

The tracks on the list cover the genres of popular music, r&b, rap, alternative, ballad and of course rock. This collection of music will improve any mood and every monotonous chore.

Bainigí taitneamh as!

1. The Saturdays – Notorious

2. The Kooks – See the Sun (Alternate Version)

3. Barcelona – Please Don’t Go

4. Kelly Rowland Ft. Lil Wayne – Motivation (Explicit)

5. Billy Idol – White Wedding

(Suggestions for the next Weekly Playlist are most welcome)