VMAs Recap: Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, BTS and Other Standouts

I’d never have guessed that MTV would fare better with two hands tied behind their back than they would with complete freedom, but their Covid-19 shackles actually set them free from the routine that has plagued them for the last decade. With the universally beloved Keke Palmer as its emcee sporting a digitally generated backdrop of New York City, the show featured outstanding outdoor performances, dancers donning masks, a drive-in audience, virtual and in-person acceptance speeches, and much more. In short, MTV hit it out of the park. Enjoy the highlights below.

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Lady Gaga Talks Her Toned Down New Image

Just who is Lady Gaga these days, and what can we expect from the singer who once donned a meat dress, walked the red carpet inside an egg, channeled Julie Andrews, and randomly toured with Tony Bennett? The singer has amassed a huge following, but it’s not without controversy, and her over-the-top image has always sent tongues wagging. She’s been honest about her bouts of depression and mental illness, and at times I’ve questioned not only her identity, but her ability to sustain the barbs that come along with this business. But does she have an actual brand, or is she an ever-changing artist that will break through any box the public is so eager to provide? It’s hard to say, but one thing is for sure, and it’s that she’s stripped of all accoutremants for her new album.
In an interview with the London Times’ Culture, Lady Gaga finally took us inside her toned down new look, explaining that she would “just prefer to go through this album cycle and talk about [her] music instead of it “becom[ing] about everything else,” which was “what I [once] wanted.” She furthered, “You can’t make music with a bunch of boys who are staring at a lobster on your head.” Is it a good move, or will the public tire of what might otherwise be an identity crisis? Time will tell.

Linda Perry Calls Out Lady Gaga’s Songwriting Credit

imageLinda Perry is known for her no-apology approach to the press, having often spoken up about the perils of the current music industry and her own experience with unfair streaming services that underpay its artists. It only makes sense, therefore, that she’d focus her attention on publishing rights, and this time — Lady Gaga took the hit. According to Perry, Diane Warren wrote the song currently nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars for the film ‘The Hunting Ground’ and Gaga got a credit for promotioal purposes. Perry’s proof is having received the demo originally written for another artist. Gaga’s subsequent version only changed one line, which means if she did participate in the writing, it was minimal at best.

Though Perry has a point, this type of exchange has been afloat for decades, with Paul Anka’s penned theme for ‘The Tonight Show’ as the most notorious example. According to Anka, Johnny Carson wanted a credit, and without it, Anka’s tune wouldn’t make the cut. Better to get 50% of something than 100% of nothing, Anka thought, so he agreed. It’s a problem, but it’s the type of trade that exists in many, unrelated industries.

Lady Gaga Wins the #OSCARS: Watch Now

Lady Gaga graced the stage of the 2015 Oscars, and she stole the show. With an unforgettable tribute to the Sound of Music, Gaga showed her vocal prowess in a way the audience has never seen. Though her talent has never been questioned, her avant-garde antics have made it difficult to hold her in high esteem. Last night’s performance changed everything. And the internet agrees. Watch below as she performs a medley of iconic tunes from The Sound of Music.

Lady Gaga Gets Vomited On — Glamorizes Bulimia?

The irony of Demi Lovato being told to “lighten up” by the chick who “artistically” vomited on Lady Gaga during South By Southwest, is that she’s hardly in a position to educate anyone on normalcy. According to Millie Brown, her and Lady Gaga were simply trying to challenge one’s concept of beauty by vomiting on each other, and were not “glamorizing bulimia,” as Demi suggested. I have a few things to say. First, if Lady Gaga moved people with her music she’d make the news for something positive, instead of desperate shock & awe tactics. Second, if I were “art,” I’d be offended. Despite the now popular belief that all art is subjective, I’d like to hop off the crazy train and definitively suggest the opposite. Art is supposed to be aesthetically pleasing, and I find it extremely haughty for Lady Gaga to think for even a moment that she deserves any type of treatment in that category. Third, Demi Lovato is correct. Shoving your fingers down your throat for any arbitrary purpose is irresponsible, and I need not elaborate. Why? Because it’s obvious and I’d rather not waste my time on peons looking for attention. Lastly, I find the idea of combining genres to be captivating (i.e. ART AND MUSIC). It’s too bad Lady Gaga has no idea how to execute it. I’d post a video of the event in question or a simple picture of Lady Gaga, but I wish to no longer promote her in any capacity. This article will be the end of it.

Kelly Osbourne’s Memo to Miley Cyrus: “Put Your Tongue Away”

Kelly Osbourne is nothing if not consistent. After astutely calling Lady Gaga a copy cat for her “Girl With a Dragon Tattoo” look, she’s now done the same with Miley Cyrus, labeling her unoriginal for ironically wearing a similar look to Lady Gaga’s egg costume during the Video Music Awards. She also critiqued her performance, with a specific request for the provocative pop tart to “put her tongue in her mouth.” Watch below.

Lady Gaga v. Perez Hilton: IT’S WAR!

There’s a fire in Lady Gaga’s pants, and this time it’s not for show. Gaga and Perez Hilton have engaged in a full-on twitter war, with Gaga accusing Perez of stalking her after a twitter fan spotted the celebrity blogger in her building. Perez subsequently defended himself, explaining that he was simply in search of some new digs, which Gaga called a blatant lie. She also referenced a text Perez sent her at the time of her hip injury, which she alleges included a message about Karma and an image of Madonna pointing a gun at the singer’s head.

There’s no indication as to what caused the initial feud, but it’s clear it began prior to Gaga’s hip injury, and Perez claims he “chose to [no longer] make her a part of [his] life.”  But whatever the source, that tension increased exponentially when Perez consistently posted accolades of Katy Perry’s ‘Roar,’ while subsequently pointing out that Gaga’s ‘Applause’ paled in comparison. It’s clear he had an ax to grind, and used his site to sharpen his tool.

There’s a larger lesson to be learned from these circus clowns though, and I’d like my readers to take a seat while I preach. Perez Hilton had a huge hand in launching Lady Gaga’s career, and when she became an international superstar, she paid him back with a friendship that included public appearances and mutual promotion. If karma exists, the only case of it is befriending an evil blogger who called celebrity children ugly and got paid for it. Many celebrities who complained about abusive paparazzi (Gaga included) had no problem appearing beside someone who perpetuated the problem. They liked the attention, and when it no longer suited them, they turned. Hypocrisy cuts deep. And Gaga needs a bandaid.

Joan Rivers on Lady Gaga: “For God’s Sake, Calm Down”

“I think this will hurt Gaga a little in the long term. It’s brought up again the fact she loves animals and wears fur. Fashion Police’ is funny. Gaga, of all people, should know that. She worked the same little clubs I did in the Village. She has gay followers and she doesn’t know funny? For God’s sake, calm down. I think that Gaga, who is making hundreds of millions of dollars a year with a bad nose, should get on her knees and thank God.” Joan Rivers on Lady Gaga’s feud with Kelly Osbourne over Kelly’s critique of Gaga’s recent weight gain.

Quote of the Day: Lady Gaga v. PETA

“I am choosing not to comment on whether or not the furs I purchase are faux fur-pile or real because I would think it hypercritical not to acknowledge the python, ostrich, cow hide, leather, lamb, alligator, ‘kermit’ and not to mention meat, that I have already worn. You see a carcass, I see a museum pièce de résistance.” Lady Gaga’s hilarious speech about her choice to wear fur — and every other animal on the planet.