LAS VEGAS - Scores of bikini-clad babes and bare-chested hunks downing drinks by the pool. Gift suites overflowing with swag, from diamonds and designer jeans to fancy shades and hotel stays. Concerts by
Kanye West,
50 Cent,
Maroon 5 and
Joss Stone for crowds that included
Jamie Foxx, Sean "Diddy" Combs,
Paris Hilton and
Ashlee Simpson.
With the MTV Video Music Awards in town, Sin City took its debauchery and extravagance to a whole new level. The awards, featuring a much-hyped opening number by Britney Spears, are set to air live Sunday from the Palms hotel.
Pop sensation Timberlake and Beyonce, the Texas-born RB starlet, are both up for a total of seven awards, leading a crowded field that also sees rapper Kanye West and teenage RB star Rihanna both nominated for five awards.
British newcomer Amy Winehouse, most recently in the news for canceling a string of US and European gigs for health reasons as she reportedly tries to beat a serious drink and drug problem, is up for three gongs.
Despite not even being nominated for an award, Britney Spears looks set to steal the show at the MTV Video Music Awards, where Justin Timberlake and Beyonce are among the most nominated stars.
Pop princess Spears will open the star-studded 24th annual MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas -- her first major stage event since the birth of her two children.
The unpredictable pop star was the talk of the weekend. People bragged about Britney sightings, buzzed about what events she would attend and offered opinions on her chances for a comeback.
Security guards, hotel workers, fans and photographers clamored and jockeyed for position at the mere rumor that Spears would show up at the Venetian hotel's gifting suite on Saturday. She never showed. But she did stop by the Palms to rehearse her show-opening routine for her new single, "Gimmie More."
Still, gift suites — including the Star Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel and the Style Villa at Caesars Palace — were hot destinations Saturday. Eve played X-Box and West kicked back in a poolside cabana at the Venetian. Ludacris and Nelly collected goodies at the Hard Rock. And 50 Cent picked up a $62,000 diamond-encrusted watch at Caesars. Other swag-collecting stars included Jennifer Hudson, Nelly, Lauren Conrad and Lil Jon.
The focus turned from freebies to parties once the sun went down. Christina Aguilera made an appearance at nightclub LAX, Pharrell Williams held a dinner soiree at the Venetian and Maroon 5 and Robin Thicke performed at the House of Blues. Maxim's bash at Mandalay Bay, which featured an hourlong set by Stone, drew rapper Chamillionaire and "Entourage" stars Adrian Grenier and Kevin Connolly.
The Hard Rock Hotel was packed to capacity as it hosted concerts by West, 50 Cent and Linkin Park. Hilton, Ciara and Mario Lopez took in 50's poolside show. Spears and Combs dropped by his afterparty before leaving together for nightclub Tao.
Simpson brought two dates to see West perform at Rolling Stone's 40th anniversary party — her dad, Joe Simpson, and her boyfriend, Pete Wentz. Eve and Jermaine Dupree were also on hand to see the set, during which Foxx and rapper T-Pain joined West on stage.
The ever-outspoken West had some less-than-kind words for Spears and MTV.
"I can't believe she would perform. She hasn't had a hit record in years," he said, apparently miffed that MTV didn't invite him to open the show. "Maybe my money's not right. Maybe my skin's not right."
But producers who worked with Spears on her new album seemed confident she would regain her pop glory.
She will "surprise the world," said Sean Garrett, who collaborated with the singer on three new tracks.
Besides Spears, 50 Cent, Rihanna, Nelly Furtado, Lil Wayne and Lily Allen are set to perform at the Video Music Awards.
The most-sought-after Video of the Year award appears to have no clear favorite among nominees that include Timberlake's "What Goes Around ... Comes Around" and Beyonce's "Irreplaceable."
They were to face off for the top award with West's "Stronger," Rihanna's "Umbrella," Winehouse's "Rehab" and French electro duo Justice's "D.A.N.C.E."
Underground Chicago foursome Fall Out Boy were runaway favorites for the Best Group award, ahead of alternative metal fivesome Linkin Park.
Modern rock quartet Maroon 5, New York indie/hip-hop crossover band Gym Class Heroes and outsiders White Stripes, the Detroit rock duo, are also in the running for the best group Moonman, as the astronaut-themed statuettes are known.
Winehouse is favorite in the Best New Artist category, where she faces off against fellow Briton Lily Allen, Swedish indie-poppers Peter Bjorn John, American Idol country queen Carrie Underwood and Gym Class Heroes.
The organizers have shaken up this year's awards ceremony, hit by slumping viewer numbers in recent years, with a raft of new categories including Monster Single of the Year and Most Earth-Shattering Collaboration.
Perhaps the most unusual new award is the Quadruple Threat of the Year Award, granted to artists as much for their work in fashion, activism or business as on stage. U2 frontman Bono is notably among the nominees.
Besides Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West and Rihanna are all to perform at the ceremony, being held in the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Amy Winehouse had been slated, but canceled last month.
Started in 1984, the MTV awards were originally launched to challenge the more traditional Grammy awards.
Among the more controversial episodes during that time, Madonna kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera live on stage during the 2003 show. Viewer numbers rose the following year, but only briefly.
You have read this article 50 Cent /
American Idol /
Award /
Beyonce /
Bikini /
Britney Spears /
Justin Timberlake /
Las Vegas /
Madonna /
MTV /
Music /
Nelly Furtado /
Pharrell Williams /
Rihanna /
VMA
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