MTV Video Music Awards & the U.S. Open

By Norris McDonald. I went to the awards ceremony at Radio City Music Hall, its Red Carpet at Rockefeller Plaza and the U.S. Open on the same day. What a great day. Watched Nadal and Serena win in Arthur Ashe Stadium, left, and Layton Hewitt in the Louis Armstrong Stadium. The facility was named the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Always wanted to attend this event in Flusing Meadows, New York.

Radio City Music Hall did not have good acoustics. Maybe it wasn't designed for amped up rock and rap music. The stars were there: Beyonce, Cristina, JLo, Paris, Pink, Missy, Shakira, Fergie, Jessica and the guy stars were there too: Nick, Justin, Will I Am, Puffy, Jay, Rev Run, Russell, and more. I stayed at the Mayfair Hotel across the street from the Ambassador Theater where Usher was starring in "Chicago."

The Red Carpet was one block away from the side entrances of Radio City Music Hall. I think this takes away fun for the fans because police barriers keep them from roaming between both places. So the people standing outside the hall do not get to see the stars enter because they take a back entrance closer to Rockefeller Plaza. It was my first time at the awards and it was great. Free food and booze off the first floor lobby. The ladies really come out for this event. Lines just to stand outside stretched for blocks. Video screens set up outside. And an opportunity to rub shoulders with luminaries. Al Gore was there too. He is clearly campaigning for the presidency.

I hate to admit it but I had not heard of the following bands that performed or were recognized at the awards: The Killers, Panic at the Disco, The Raconteurs, AFI, and All American Rejects. My 14 year old son knew them all very well though. Does this mean that I am officially old? And Hype Williams is a genius. He received the Video Vanguard Award. I hope to work with him one day.