Eminem, Michelle Branch take top MTV Video Music Awards

August 29, 2002

The rainy New York evening started with a solid performance of “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. From there, Jimmy Fallon took the reigns as host of MTV’s Video Music Awards.

Fallon “climbed” onto the stage in an Eminem style outfit, starting into a full-blown comedic cover of the song. He launched into an entourage of songs from White Stripes to Enrique Iglesias. The impressions got a good reaction, but not enough, so James Brown came on stage to sing with a full background choir.

The first prize presented was an Artist of the Millennium award given to deeper-than-normal voiced Michael Jackson by Britney Spears.

Later, “singer and songwriter” Jennifer Love Hewitt introduced Pink’s low-energy performance, which might be attributed to nerves. Or it might be that she was hammered, as she later announced, “I’m too drunk for this” while accepting the best female video award.

The Hives and Vines played seemingly identical back-to-back songs. Who was who again?

P. Diddy, Usher, Busta Rhymes and Pharrell of the Neptunes, who went through “I Need a Girl,” parts one and two and “Pass the Courvoisier,” gave a good show. P. Diddy must have been saving his voice for Mesqwaki Casino in Tama on Saturday though, because he wasn’t rapping with the words.

Eminem also performed his two latest hits, dressed in a suit and pretending to be in Congress. The rapper cleaned up with a total of three moon men, but he couldn’t get away with the best rap video award before presenters Bam Margera and Johnny Knoxville stapled the ballot to Steve-O’s stomach.

The real surprise of the night was an impressive unannounced closing performance by Guns ‘n’ Roses. Singer Axl Rose’s new band is obviously ready to rock.

– Jeff Mitchell,

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Remember the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards? From Will Farrell’s bizarre stage-climbing antics to Britney Spears’ near-bestiality snake performance, the 2001 VMAs didn’t disappoint viewers used to the traditionally off-the-wall broadcast.

The King of Pop defied his age in a surprise performance with N’Sync, and Patti LaBelle’s surprise collaboration with Pink, Lil’ Kim, Mya and Christina Aguilera on “Lady Marmalade” was nothing short of amazing.

Held on Sept. 6, the 2001 VMAs seemed to capture the feeling of the entire country at the end of a long, hot summer. It goes without saying that after Sept. 11, that carefree mood was totally lost, and MTV producers wondered how to pay appropriate tribute at the 2002 VMAs.

This year’s awards, understandably, would have to have an entirely different feel. When Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band kicked off the awards with their emotional “The Rising,” it seemed as if the awards might take a somber tone throughout. However, host Jimmy Fallon’s dead-on imitations of Dave Matthews and Avril Lavigne in the opening sequences proved New York City was ready to rock (and laugh) at the VMAs again.

By the time former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani made his perquisite appearance at the awards and Sheryl Crow made her tribute to the city, the ice was broken. America’s resilient (and superficial) spirit was back in full effect at the 2002 MTV VMAs.

– Megan Hinds,

Assignment Arts & Entertainment Editor

Winners at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards:

Video of the Year: Eminem, “Without Me”

Viewer’s Choice Award: Michelle Branch, “Everywhere”

Rap Video: Eminem, “Without Me”

R&B Video: Mary J. Blige, “No More Drama”

Hip-Hop Video: Jennifer Lopez feat. Ja Rule, “I’m Real”

Rock Video: Linkin Park, “In the End”

Female Video: Pink, “Get The Party Started”

Male Video: Eminem, “Without Me”

Pop Video: No Doubt featuring Bounty Killer, “Hey Baby”