Beyoncwas an obvious choice to receive this years Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Awardat the MTV Video Music Awards: In addition to classic clips ranging from the Destinys Child-era to Crazy in Love and Single Ladies, the singer is almost singlehandedly keeping the art of the music video alive, going as far as releasing her latest album Beyonc with music videos for every track. With the VMAsunder her spellfor 15 minutes,Beyonc did her best to stuff that entire DVD into a quarter-hour.MTV, welcome to my world, she warned.
Unlike Video Vanguard winners of years past,Beyonc chose not to use her extended performance to cycle throughher iconic tracks and music videos (thats what her Super Bowl halftime showwas for). Instead of dwelling on the past, she busted out a rapid-fire medley of every track onBeyonc,from Mine toXO with a dozen more tracks squeezed in between.
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The performancewas flawless, seamlessly segueing between the slow ballads andupbeat tracks as each songwas accompanied by perfectly executed choreography.This wasBeyonc at her best. There were no costume changes she wore the same mosaic leotard the whole time but the entire essence of her On the Run performances, right down to the backdrop videos, was brilliantly translated onto the VMA stage.
This one is for my incredible fans. If it wasnt for you, I wouldnt be on this stage, Mrs. Carter told the audience before closing out with XO.Beyonc led the way this year with eight Video Music Award nominations, including a nod in the Video of the Year category for Beyoncs Drunk in Love featuring Jay Z. Three different Beyonc songs were up for Moonmen: Drunk in Love was also up for Best Collaboration, Partition was nominated for Best Female Video (an award Rolling Stone predicted shed win) and Best Choreography, and Pretty Hurts grabbed nods in the Best Editing, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Video With a Social Message category.
Returning to the same award show where she famously revealed her pregnancy, Beyonc didnt make another big personal life revelation live on MTV, despite rumors about her marriage. Instead, Knowles did her best to quash all the tabloid headlines. Jay Zand Blue Ivyjoined her onstage immediately following the performance, with Jay Z himself giving Beyonc, the greatest living entertainer, the Video Vanguard Award. The two kissed as Blue Ivy declared, Good job Mommy!
My beloved: I love you. My fans: I love you. MTV: I love you. Good night, Beyonc said in her short acceptance speech. It had the resonance of a mic drop; shed just killedthe VMAs. Literally. The ceremony ended 15 minutes earlier than scheduled.
Beyonc joins Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Beastie Boys, Britney Spears, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M., Michael Jacksonand other MTV icons as recipients of the Video Vanguard award.