SZA Among Nomination Leaders for 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

SZA Among Nomination Leaders for 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

MTV has unveiled the highly-anticipated nominations for the 2023 “VMAs,” recognizing artists whose influence and contributions over the past year have reshaped the music industry and sparked global conversations. Taylor Swift leads with eight nominations, eyeing another “Video of the Year” win after her historic triple victory in the same category last year. SZA follows closely with six nominations, joined by Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sam Smith, each earning five nods. Additionally, BLACKPINK, Diddy, and Shakira receive four nominations each.

This year marks a record number of first-time nominees (35 in total), including Kim Petras with five nominations, Metro Boomin, Rema, and several others with three each, and a range of debut nominees such as Aespa, boygenius, Burna Boy, and more.

Fans can now cast their votes across 15 gender-neutral categories, including the new “Best Afrobeats” category, as well as the prestigious “Video of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” categories. Voting is open on vote.mtv.com until Sept.1st, while “Best New Artist” voting continues until the show on September 12th. Additional nominations for social categories like “Group of the Year” and “Song of Summer” will be disclosed later.

The 2023 “VMAs” will return on September 12th, showcasing music’s biggest stars with electrifying performances, surprises, and an enthusiastic live audience at New Jersey’s renowned Prudential Center.

The full run of nominations are available below.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR, Presented by Burger King®  

Doja Cat – “Attention” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Miley Cyrus – “Flowers” – Columbia Records
Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl” – Republic Records 

Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records
Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records
SZA – “Kill Bill” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records 

Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Beyoncé – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records 

Doja Cat – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
KAROL G – Interscope Records
Nicki Minaj – Republic Records
Shakira – Sony Music US Latin
Taylor Swift – Republic Records

SONG OF THE YEAR

Miley Cyrus – “Flowers” – Columbia Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records
Rema & Selena Gomez – “Calm Down” – Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records
Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records
Steve Lacy – “Bad Habit” – L-M Records / RCA Records
SZA – “Kill Bill” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records Records
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records

BEST NEW ARTIST

GloRilla – CMG / Interscope Records

Ice Spice – 10K Projects / Capitol Records 

Kaliii – Atlantic Records

Peso Pluma – Double P Records

PinkPantheress – 300 Entertainment

Reneé Rapp – Interscope Records

PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

August 2022: Saucy Santana – “Booty” – Arena Records / RCA Records
September 2022: Stephen Sanchez – “Until I Found You” – Mercury Records / Republic Records 
October 2022: JVKE – “golden hour” – AWAL
November 2022: Flo Milli – “Conceited” – ’94 Sounds / RCA Records
December 2022: Reneé Rapp – “Colorado” – Interscope Records
January 2023: Sam Ryder – “All The Way Over” – Elektra Entertainment
February 2023: Armani White – “GOATED” – Def Jam
March 2023: FLETCHER – “Becky’s So Hot” – Capitol Records
April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Sugar Rush Ride” – BIGHIT MUSIC / Republic Records 

May 2023: Ice Spice – “Princess Diana” – Heavy On It / 10K Projects / Capitol Records
June 2023: FLO – “Losing You” – Uptown/Republic Records
July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith – “That Part” – Island Records

BEST COLLABORATION

David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – “I’m Good (Blue)” – Warner Records
Post Malone, Doja Cat – “I Like You (A Happier Song)” – Mercury Records / Republic Records 

Diddy ft. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami – “Gotta Move On” – Motown Records
KAROL G, Shakira – “TQG” – Universal Music Latino
Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy – “Creepin’ (Remix)” – Boominati / Republic Records
Rema & Selena Gomez – “Calm Down” – Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records

BEST POP

Demi Lovato – “Swine” – Island Records

Dua Lipa – “Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album)” – Atlantic Records 

Ed Sheeran – “Eyes Closed” – Atlantic Records
Miley Cyrus – “Flowers” – Columbia Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records
P!NK – “TRUSTFALL” – RCA Records
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records

BEST HIP-HOP

Diddy ft. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami – “Gotta Move On” – Motown Records
DJ Khaled ft. Drake & Lil Baby – “STAYING ALIVE” – We The Best / Epic Records
GloRilla & Cardi B – “Tomorrow 2” – CMG / Interscope Records
Lil Uzi Vert – “Just Wanna Rock” – Atlantic Records / Generation Now
Lil Wayne ft. Swizz Beatz & DMX – “Kant Nobody” – Young Money Records
Metro Boomin ft Future – “Superhero (Heroes and Villains)” – Boominati / Republic Records 

Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl” – Republic Records

BEST R&B

Alicia Keys ft. Lucky Daye – “Stay” – RCA Records
Chlöe ft. Chris Brown – “How Does It Feel” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia
Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy – “Creepin’ (Remix)” – Boominati / Republic Records
SZA – “Shirt” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
Toosii – “Favorite Song” – South Coast Music Group / Capitol Records
Yung Bleu & Nicki Minaj – “Love In The Way” – Empire Distribution

BEST ALTERNATIVE

blink-182 – “EDGING” – Columbia Records
boygenius – “the film” – Interscope Records

Fall Out Boy – “Hold Me Like A Grudge” – Fueled By Ramen                                                                          

Lana Del Rey ft. Jon Batiste – “Candy Necklace” – Interscope Records

Paramore – “This Is Why” – Atlantic Records
Thirty Seconds To Mars – “Stuck” – Concord Records / Concord

BEST ROCK

Foo Fighters – “The Teacher” – RCA Records
Linkin Park – “Lost (Original Version)” – Warner Records
Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Tippa My Tongue” – Warner Records 

Måneskin – “THE LONELIEST” – Arista Records
Metallica – “Lux Æterna” – Blackened Recordings
Muse – “You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween” – Warner Records

BEST LATIN

Anitta – “Funk Rave” – Republic Records
Bad Bunny – “WHERE SHE GOES” – Rimas Entertainment
Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma – “Ella Baila Sola” – DEL Records, Inc. / Prajin Parlay, Inc. Grupo Frontera Bad Bunny – “un x100to” – Rimas Entertainment
KAROL G, Shakira – “TQG” – Universal Music Latino
ROSALÍA – “DESPECHÁ” – Columbia Records
Shakira – “Acróstico” – Sony Music US Latin

BEST K-POP

aespa – “Girls” – SM ENTERTAINMENT Co., Ltd.
BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records
FIFTY FIFTY – “Cupid” – ATTRAKT / Warner Records
SEVENTEEN – “Super” – HYBE / Geffen Records
Stray Kids – “S-Class” – JYP / Republic
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Sugar Rush Ride” – BIGHIT MUSIC / Republic Records

BEST AFROBEATS

Ayra Starr – “Rush” – Mavin Global Holdings
Burna Boy – “It’s Plenty” – Atlantic Records / Spaceship Entertainment Ltd
Davido ft. Musa Keys – “UNAVAILABLE” – Sony Music U.K. / RCA Records
Fireboy DML & Asake – ”Bandana” – Empire Distribution
Libianca – “People” – Sony Music U.K. / RCA Records
Rema & Selena Gomez – “Calm Down” – Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records
Wizkid ft Ayra Starr– “2 Sugar” – Starboy / RCA Records

VIDEO FOR GOOD

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You (Orchestral) – NETFLIX
Bad Bunny – “El Apagón – Aquí Vive Gente” – Rimas Entertainment 

Demi Lovato – “Swine” – Island Records
Dove Cameron – “Breakfast” – Columbia Records
Imagine Dragons – “Crushed” – KIDinaKORNER / Interscope Records 

Maluma – “La Reina” – Sony Music US Latin

BEST DIRECTION

Doja Cat – “Attention” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records – Directed by Tanu Muiño

Drake – “Falling Back” – OVO/Republic Records – Director X (Julien Christian Lutz)
Kendrick Lamar – “Count Me Out” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records – Directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Megan Thee Stallion – “Her” – 300 Entertainment – Directed by Colin Tilley
Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records – Directed by Floria Sigismondi
SZA – “Kill Bill” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records – Directed by Christian Breslauer
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records – Directed by Taylor Swift

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Adele – “I Drink Wine” – Columbia Records – Cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra
Ed Sheeran – “Eyes Closed” – Atlantic Records – Cinematography by Natasha Baier
Janelle Monae – “Lipstick Lover” – Atlantic Records – Cinematography by Allison Anderson
Kendrick Lamar – “Count Me Out” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records 0 Cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra
Miley Cyrus – “Flowers” – Columbia Records – Cinematography by Marcell Rev
Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records – Cinematography by Russ Fraser
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records – Cinematography by Rina Yang

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Fall Out Boy – “Love From The Other Side” – Fueled By Ramen – Visual Effects by Thomas Bailey and Josh Shaffner

Harry Styles – “Music For A Sushi Restaurant” – Columbia Records – Visual Effects by Chelsea Delfino and Black Kite Studios

Melanie Martinez – “VOID” – Atlantic Records – Visual Effects by Carbon
Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Max Colt and Sergio Mashevskyi
Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records – Visual Effects by Max Colt / FRENDER
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Parliament

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records – Choreography by Kiel Tutin, Sienna Lalau, Lee Jung (YGX), Taryn Cheng (YGX)
Dua Lipa – “Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album)” – Atlantic Records – Choreography by Charm LaDonna 

Jonas Brothers – “Waffle House” – Republic Records – Choreography by Jerry Reece
Megan Thee Stallion – “Her” – 300 Entertainment – Choreography by Sean Bankhead
Panic! At The Disco – “Middle Of A Breakup” – Fueled By Ramen – Choreography by Monika Felice Smith
Sam Smith, Kim Petras – “Unholy” – Capitol Records – Choreography by (LA)HORDE – Marine Brutti, Jonathan Debrouwer, Arthur Harel

BEST ART DIRECTION

boygenius – “the film” – Interscope Records – Art Direction by Jen Dunlap
BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records – Art Direction by Seo Hyun Seung (GIGANT)

Doja Cat – “Attention” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records – Art Direction by Spencer Graves
Lana Del Rey ft. Jon Batiste – “Candy Necklace” – Interscope Records – Art Direction by Brandon Mendez

Megan Thee Stallion – “Her” – 300 Entertainment – Art Direction by Niko Philipides
SZA – “Shirt” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records – Art Direction by Kate Bunch

BEST EDITING 

BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records – Editing by Seo Hyun Seung (GIGANT)
Kendrick Lamar – “Rich Spirit” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records – Edited by Grason Caldwell
Miley Cyrus – “River” – Columbia Records – Edited by Brandan Walter
Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” – Geffen Records – Edited by Sofia Kerpan and David Checel
SZA – “Kill Bill” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records – Edited by Luis Caraza Peimbert
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” – Republic Records – Edited by Chancler Haynes

The post SZA Among Nomination Leaders for 2023 MTV Video Music Awards first appeared on The Source.

The post SZA Among Nomination Leaders for 2023 MTV Video Music Awards appeared first on The Source.

Usher’s Best Award Show Performances

Usher, born Usher Raymond IV, is a multitalented singer, songwriter, and dancer. He has captivated audiences worldwide for over two decades. Usher has been active in the music industry since the early 1990s and has established himself as one of his generation’s most successful performers. He’s relatively known for his smooth vocals, stellar dance skills, and the born ability to take an audience by surprise. Over the years, Usher has also performed on some of the world’s biggest stages. He’s left his mark with unforgettable live performances that showcase his exceptional talent, charisma, and stage presence. Here are some of his best live performances to date.

“U Got It Bad” – 2002 MTV Video Music Awards

His 2002 “U Got It Bad” performance at the MTV Video Music Awards is one of his most iconic. The performance began with Usher emerging from a set of white doors and walking down a narrow hallway toward the stage. A group of dancers surrounded the singer. Then, the lights turned on, and Usher captivated the audience with his smooth voice and impressive dance moves.

Usher’s performance was a masterclass in showmanship, with the singer showcasing his incredible stage presence and effortless charisma. The highlight of the performance came towards the end when Usher climbed on top of a grand piano and belted out the chorus. He displayed his powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence. The performance was a testament to Usher’s unparalleled talent.

“OMG” at the 2010 American Music Awards

His performance of “OMG” at the 2010 American Music Awards was a high-energy spectacle that left audiences breathless. Usher rose from the stage on a moving platform, surrounded by a group of dancers dressed in futuristic outfits. As the song’s infectious beat kicked in, he unleashed his signature dance moves, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The performance was a spectacle of lights, smoke, and choreography. It culminated in a jaw-dropping dance break that left the audience on their feet. Also, the performance was a testament to his incredible showmanship and ability to thrill audiences. It further cemented Usher’s status as one of the music industry’s most talented and exciting performers.

“Climax” – 2012 BET Awards

The performance of “Climax” at the 2012 BET Awards was a stripped-down affair. The display showcased the singer’s raw talent and incredible voice. It was also a departure from Usher’s usual high-energy, choreographed performances. Instead, he was accompanied only by a guitarist and a drummer on stage. The simplicity further allowed Usher’s voice to take center stage, and he delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition that left the audience spellbound. Usher’s performance was a testament to his versatility as an artist, proving his voice’s power amid minimal accompaniment.

“Caught Up” – 2005 MTV Video Music Awards

Usher’s “Caught Up” performance at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards was a tour de force. It began with Usher descending from the ceiling on a platform, surrounded by dancers. As the song’s infectious beat kicked in, Usher also unleashed his signature moves, showcasing his agility, rhythm, and showmanship. The performance was a high-energy spectacle, culminating in a jaw-dropping dance break that left the audience breathless. It was also a testament to his passion for performing, showcasing his unmatched talent as a dancer.

“Love In This Club” – 2008 MTV Video Music Awards

His “Love In This Club” performance at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards began with Usher rising from a bed on stage. Usher was even dressed silk pajamas to help set the mood. He launched into the song, showcasing his smooth vocals and sensual dance moves. The performance also was a feast for the senses, with the singer surrounded by dancers who added to the carnality of the performance. The highlight came towards the end when Usher was joined on stage by a surprise guest, Jeezy. The two artists performed a high-energy rendition of the song, with the crowd going wild.

“DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” – 2010 MTV Video Music Awards

Usher’s performance of “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards was a high-energy spectacle. As the song’s infectious beat kicked in, Usher unleashed his signature dance moves, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It also had a dance break that got the audience on their feet. Usher’s performance was a testament to his incredible energy and passion for performing, showcasing his unmatched talent as a dancer. The performance was a highlight of the night and further cemented Usher’s status as one of the most talented performers in the industry.

“Confessions Part II” – 2005 Grammy Awards

Usher’s performance of “Confessions Part II” at the 2005 Grammy Awards was powerful and emotional. It also helped showcase Usher’s incredible vocal range and ability to connect with his audience on a deeper level. The show began with Usher sitting on a stool, surrounded by musicians. The highlight of the performance came towards the end of the show. R&B icon James Ingram joined Usher, adding an extra layer of power to the performance.

Taylor Lautner Thought Taylor Swift And Kanye West’s Infamous VMAs Moment Was Just A Bit Until He Saw Swift’s Face

The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards are remembered for exactly one thing: Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech to shout out Beyoncé. A less-remembered detail about that VMAs moment is that Taylor Lautner was on that stage, too, as he presented the award to Swift. Now, he has looked back on that day and revealed what was going through his head at the time.

In a recent episode of The Squeeze podcast, the host (Lautner’s wife, who is also named Taylor Lautner) asked if there was a moment Lautner would like to go back and change and he responded, “Probably the 2009 VMAs when I presented the award to Taylor and was unaware that the Kanye thing was not a skit.”

The host noted Lautner and Swift were publicly in a relationship at the time. Lautner continued, “I presented the award to her. I took five steps back and was standing five feet behind her. Kanye jumps up on to the stage. I could barely hear it, I can’t see them. I’m just assuming this whole thing was a practiced and rehearsed skit, because why else would Kanye West be jumping up on the stage interrupting Taylor Swift? It just didn’t make sense. If you look back at it, I’m actually caught laughing and giggling at them. […] He jumped off, she finished. The second she turned back around and I saw her face for the first time, I was like, ‘Oh. This… that wasn’t good.’”

Watch the Taylor Lautners recount the incident below.

Childish Gambino Announces New Music In The Works + How Close Is He To EGOT Status?

Childish Gambino

Donald Glover, known as rapper Childish Gambino, told actress Laverne Cox during the Golden Globes red carpet that he’s been working on new music. But seemed tight-lipped about when it would release. Actor and musician Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, shared he has been making new music.  Childish Gambino’s Comeback Coming SoonThe creator […]

The post Childish Gambino Announces New Music In The Works + How Close Is He To EGOT Status? appeared first on SOHH.com.

Jimmy Fallon Is Keeping His 2022 VMAs Beard But Not Because People Think He’s ‘So Hot Right Now’

At the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards a couple weeks ago, Jimmy Fallon was on hand to present Harry Styles the Album Of The Year award for Harry’s House. He ended up causing quite the stir by showing up with a new beard, which plenty of folks online found attractive. Later, Fallon acknowledged the ‘thirst’ and ‘confusion’ his VMAs appearance was causing on the internet.

Since then, he’s been back to hosting The Tonight Show and he still has the beard. Last night (September 12), Drew Barrymore guested on the program and she and Fallon have a strong rapport, considering they co-starred in Fever Pitch once upon a time and that Barrymore co-founded production company Flower Films with Fallon’s wife, producer Nancy Juvonen. So, she wasn’t shy about opening the interview by having some fun with Fallon’s look.

Fallon started by telling Barrymore that she looked good and Barrymore responded by exclaiming about how Fallon kept his beard. Barrymore then teased, “You love it because everybody’s saying you’re so hot right now. You love it and now you don’t want to lose it.” As Barrymore spoke and the audience cheered, Fallon bashfully laughed and said, “No, that’s not why I love it.”

After talking about it some more, Fallon offered an explanation (but not really) for why the beard has stuck around, saying, “I figured, I’m just going to keep it on. I have nothing… I figured… I don’t know why, I’m just going to leave it on…”

Check out Barrymore’s interview with Fallon above.

Nicki Minaj Thanks Jay-Z And Beyoncé For Their Thoughtful Video Vanguard Award Congratulations Gift

Nicki Minaj is still flying high after receiving MTV’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at Sunday’s VMAs. Yesterday, she posted a gracious “thank you” note addressed to Beyoncé and Jay-Z for the thoughtful gift they sent to congratulate her. Although the power couple did not attend the VMAs in person, they did make sure to acknowledge Nicki’s achievement with a bouquet of white roses, which Nicki captured in a video posted on her Instagram Story. “Congrats on your beautiful award,” the accompanying card read. “Sending you all of our love. Hov and B Holla.”

In turn, Nicki gushed back, “Thank you so much. The both of you. For everything.”

Both of the music stars turned moguls were instrumental in Nicki Minaj’s success. In her Video Vanguard Awards acceptance speech, she named both as inspirations. Jay-Z was among the artists she cited for inspiring her flow along with Doug E. Fresh(!?), Foxy Brown, Lauryn Hill, Lil Wayne, and Slick Rick (Lil Kim was noticeably absent, as fans pointed out on Twitter). Meanwhile, Nicki mentioned Beyoncé as one of the “people who gave me huge opportunities that I’ll never forget,” which also included Britney Spears, Eminem, Kanye West, Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Rihanna.

Those contributions and more have launched Nicki to heights last seen over 20 years ago; her new single, “Super Freaky Girl,” was the first by a solo female rap act to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100 since Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in 1998.

Lil Nas X Refutes (Jokingly, Perhaps) A Fan’s Heartwarming Story About Meeting Him At The 2022 VMAs

Lil Nas X had a big night at the 2022 MTV VMAs this past weekend as he walked away with some awards. His evening apparently also included a chance encounter with a fan, who excitedly shared their story online.

The post, titled “Just met Lil Nas X” and shared to the r/offmychest subreddit, racked up over 9,700 upvotes before it was deleted by the user who posted it (potentially a sign that they fabricated the story and removed it after it got more attention than expected). Nas shared a Pop Crave tweet about the post and added, “this is not true. i am very mean in person. i once slapped a fan for singing the lyrics to industry baby wrong.”

The parts about Nas being “very mean and person” and slapping a fan are clearly jokes, although it’s possible he is actually denying the story, despite the goofing around. Even if the encounter did really happen (which, again, is up in the air), the rapper may not have remembered it anyway, as he was “drunk af” at the show and only realized the next day that he won three awards.

Read the full Reddit post below.

“It’s my birthday, I work low level in the entertainment industry. I was able to secure sh*tty tickets to the VMAs to see Nicki Minaj. I headed out after she performed because long drive home.

The elevator attendant at Prudential Center accidentally let me off on some kind of high security floor. Lil Nas X appeared out of nowhere as I was trying to find the exit. I’m a shy person so it took a lot for me to approach him and I didn’t want to be annoying but it’s my birthday and this opportunity seemed once in a lifetime, so I did.

I said (awkwardly) ‘Montero?’ He said ‘yeesss?’ I said ‘I’m not supposed to be here I’m sorry but can I get a picture with you?’ He said laughingly ‘yes but tell me I look classy’ (he was in his VMA outfit). I did obviously and he was so nice and posed and then suggested we change lighting so the pics would be better. It was really nice. We took a bunch of cute pics.

I’m an unpaid intern and meet a lot of assholes in this industry. It was really nice to meet someone I admire and find out they’re a genuinely nice person. That’s all!!!”

Chlöe Is ‘So Happy’ To See Britney Spears Being ‘Herself On Her Own Terms’

Before the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off on Sunday (August 28), Variety‘s Marc Malkin was on the red carpet for interviews. As he chatted with some of the most beloved stars at this year’s VMAs, he made it a point to ask about Britney Spears and her new comeback song with Elton John, “Hold Me Closer,” getting a mixed bag of answers.

When Malkin mentioned Spears to recent Uproxx cover star Chlöe, she lit up and said, “I’m so proud of her. I love Britney and I’m so happy to see that she can be herself on her own terms.” He then asked what song he’d like to duet on with Spears and she went with “Toxic.” Malkin tried to coax Chlöe into singing a bit of the song but she playfully declined.

He also asked Latto the duet question and she answered, “We gotta do something from scratch, we gotta do something from scratch.” She added, “Brit: call me, girl. It’s nothing. I do think, some new Britney… the world needs some new Britney.”

Answering the same question, J Balvin chose “Slave 4 U” and even sang a brief snippet of it.

Måneskin and TikTok star Chris Olsen also chatted about Spears, so check out those clips below.

People Thought Jimmy Fallon Looked Hot At The 2022 VMAs And He’s Amused By The ‘Thirst And Confusion’

Consumers of American pop culture are used to see Jimmy Fallon in a particular way: Behind the Tonight Show desk, wearing a suit, and overall well put together. He sports some facial hair here and there, but for the most part, he’s consistently clean-shaven. On Sunday (August 28), though, Fallon was at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards looking decidedly different than he usually does and onlookers felt some sort of way about it.

The Tonight Show host was on hand at the VMAs to present Harry Styles the Album Of The Year award for Harry’s House, looking not as buttoned-up as always. Rather, he sported a loose white shirt and a scruffy beard. That aroused some feelings and Fallon took notice. On Instagram yesterday (August 29), Fallon shared a photo of himself from the show and screenshot of a Cosmopolitan article titled “Jimmy Fallon’s Presence At The 2022 VMAs Is Causing Thirst And Confusion On Twitter,” with the subhed, “Maybe it’s the beard?.” Fallon captioned the post, “Out here causing ‘thirst’ and ‘confusion’. That was fun, @mtv!! #vmas #maybeitsthebeard.”

Cosmopolitan had it right with their framing, as a look at Twitter reveals VMAs viewers who were surprised at the effect Fallon’s look was having on them. Check out some reactions, including comparisons to Styles, below.