The highlight of the evening was BY FAR Lady Gaga's red-carpet walk with former members of the military who had been discharged or resigned in protest due to Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Once I find video of her interview I'll put it up here, but it was definitely the most awesome moment.
Normally the VMA's at least deliver on performances (hello Beyonce last year or gaga and Elton John), but even those were letdowns this year (I mean, beiber? Taylor Swift singing a song about Kanye that I kept hoping was a joke (no, really)? linkin park?). The stage was awesome, and well used by Usher and Kanye (who, yes, is self-important enough to sing a song about douchebags), but otherwise there was not much to talk about.
The one performance I did really enjoy was Eminem's (next to Kanye, that guy looks downright humble and self-reflective these days, doesn't he?):
Usher's performance (MTV is not letting me embed here, but here's the link) was my other favorite, because at least it was entertaining to watch, even if I do find him pretty boring overall (and we have him to blame for unleashing the biebs on us).
and speaking of horrifying things unleashed on us (cough, cough, ke$ha, cough, cough), this happened:
By the way, our Emmy coverage was rather absent this year, as it coincided with vacation time (what do you want from us?), so it deserves a mention as well. While, again, not a ton to write home about, at least that show had a killer opening (plus Jimmy Fallon, who always makes me happy):
