Tag: Newark

2022 MTV Video Music Awards: Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Jack Harlow are the top winners

August 28, 2022

by Carla Hay

Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Jack Harlow were the top winners at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, which were presented on August 28, 2022, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj and Harlow hosted the show, which was televised live on Paramount Media Networks-owned channels such as MTV, MTV2, VH1, BET, BET Her, Logo, Pop, CMT, Comedy Central, The CW, Nickelodeon, Paramount and TV Land.

Swift’s “All Too Well: The Short Film” won the prizes for Video of the Year, Best Longform and Best Direction. Styles’ video for “As It Was” got the awards for Best Pop and Best Cinematography, while Styles’ “Harry’s House” was named Album of the Year. Harlow’s “First Class” won the award for Song of the Summer, while the Harlow/Lil Nas X duet “Industry Baby” video got the prizes for Best Collaboration, Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects.

Minaj received the Video Vanguard Award. Red Hot Chili Peppers received the Global Icon Award. Both of these prizes are in non-competitive categories where the recipients are announced weeks before the MTV Video Music Awards ceremony.

Performers included Anitta, Kane Brown, Bad Bunny (performing from Yankee Stadium in New York City), J Balvin, BLACKPINK, Eminem, Harlow (with a surprise appearance from Fergie), Latto, Lizzo, Måneskin, Marshmello with Khalid, Nicki Minaj, Panic! At the Disco, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop Dogg.

Presenters included LL Cool J, Minaj, Offset, DJ Khaled, Avril Lavigne, Latto, Lili Reinhart, Chlöe, Sofia Carson, Cheech & Chong, Bebe Rexha, Blackpink, Ashley Graham, Dixie D’Amelio, Becky G, Dove Cameron, Joel Madden and Billy Eichner. Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance (sort of), with his face digitally imposed on someone who was dressed as the MTV “moon man” and lifted from a wire high up from the stage. Depp joked that he was available to work at parties.

Cameron, Saucy Santana and Yung Gravy performed during the 2022 VMAs Pre-Show, hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, with Tate McRae as a celebrity correspondent. Murda Beatz was the Kraft Singles House DJ for this pre-show.

The following is a complete list of nominees and winners for the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards:

*=winner

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Doja Cat – “Woman” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Drake ft. Future & Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy” – OVO/Republic
Ed Sheeran – “Shivers” – Atlantic Records
Harry Styles – “As It Was“ – Columbia Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY” – Columbia Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “brutal” – Geffen Records
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Republic Records*

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Bad Bunny – Rimas Entertainment*
Drake – OVO/Republic
Ed Sheeran – Atlantic Records
Harry Styles – Columbia Records
Jack Harlow – Generation Now / Atlantic Records
Lil Nas X – Columbia Records
Lizzo – Atlantic Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
Adele – “Easy On Me” – Columbia Records
Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever” – Darkroom / Interscope Records*
Doja Cat – “Woman” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Elton John & Dua Lipa – “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” – EMI / Interscope Records
Lizzo – “About Damn Time” – Atlantic Records
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber – “STAY” – Columbia Records

BEST NEW ARTIST
Baby Keem – Columbia Records
Dove Cameron – Disruptor Records / Columbia Records*
GAYLE – Atlantic Records / Arthouse Records
Latto – Streamcut / RCA Records
Måneskin – Arista Records
SEVENTEEN – PLEDIS Entertainment/Geffen Records

GROUP OF THE YEAR
BLACKPINK
BTS*
City Girls
Foo Fighters
Imagine Dragons
Måneskin
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Silk Sonic

SONG OF THE SUMMER
Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone – “Me Porto Bonito”
Beyoncé – “BREAK MY SOUL”
Charlie Puth – “Left And Right (feat. Jung Kook of BTS)”
Doja Cat – “Vegas (From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS)”
Future featuring Drake, Tems – “WAIT FOR U”
Harry Styles – “Late Night Talking”
Jack Harlow – “First Class”*
Kane Brown – “Grand”
Latto x Mariah Carey – “Big Energy (Remix) featuring DJ Khaled”
Lizzo – “About Damn Time”
Marshmello x Khalid – “Numb”
Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl”
Nicky Youre, dazy – “Sunroof”
Post Malone with Doja Cat – “I Like You (A Happier Song)”
ROSALÍA – “BIZCOCHITO”
Steve Lacy – “Bad Habit”

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Adele – 30
Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti
Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever
Drake – Certified Lover Boy
Harry Styles – Harry’s House*

PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
September 2021: Griff – “One Night” – Warner Records
October 2021: Remi Wolf – “Sexy Villain” – Island Records
November 2021: Nessa Barrett – “i hope ur miserable until ur dead” – Warner Records
December 2021: SEVENTEEN – “Rock With You” – PLEDIS Entertainment / Geffen Records*
January 2021: Mae Muller – “Better Days” – Capitol Records UK
February 2022: GAYLE – “abcdefu” – Atlantic Records / Arthouse Records
March 2022: Sheneesa – “R U That” – Rich Immigrants / Interscope Records
April 2022: Omar Apollo – “Tamagotchi” – Warner Records
May 2022: Wet Leg – “Chaise Longue” – Domino Recording Company
June 2022: Muni Long – “Baby Boo” – Supergiant Records LLC / Def Jam Recording
July 2022: Doechii – “Persuasive” – Top Dog Entertainment / Capitol Records

BEST COLLABORATION
Drake feature Future & Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy” – OVO/Republic
Elton John & Dua Lipa – “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” – EMI / Interscope Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY” – Columbia Records*
Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa – “Sweetest Pie” – 300 Entertainment
Post Malone & The Weeknd – “One Right Now” – Mercury Records / Republic Records
ROSALÍA feature The Weeknd – “LA FAMA” – Columbia Records
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber – “STAY” – Columbia Records

BEST POP
Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Doja Cat – “Woman” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Ed Sheeran – “Shivers” – Atlantic Records
Harry Styles – “As It Was” – Columbia Records*
Lizzo – “About Damn Time” – Atlantic Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “traitor” – Geffen Records

BEST HIP-HOP
Eminem & Snoop Dogg – “From The D 2 The LBC” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Future featuring Drake, Tems – “WAIT FOR U” – Freebandz / Epic Records
Kendrick Lamar – “N95” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Latto – “Big Energy” – Streamcut / RCA Records
Nicki Minaj featuring Lil Baby – “Do We Have A Problem?” – Young Money / Cash Money / Republic Records*
Pusha T – “Diet Coke” – G.O.O.D. Music / Def Jam

BEST ROCK
Foo Fighters – “Love Dies Young” – RCA Records
Jack White – “Taking Me Back” – Third Man Records
Muse – “Won’t Stand Down” – Warner Records
Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Black Summer” – Warner Records*
Shinedown – “Planet Zero” – Elektra Music Group
Three Days Grace – “So Called Life” – RCA Records

BEST ALTERNATIVE
Avril Lavigne featuring blackbear – “Love It When You Hate Me” – Elektra Music Group / DTA Records
Imagine Dragons x JID – “Enemy” – KIDinaKORNER / Interscope Records
Machine Gun Kelly featuring WILLOW – “emo girl” – Bad Boy / Interscope Records
Måneskin – “I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE” – Arista Records*
Panic! At The Disco – “Viva Las Vengeance” – Fueled By Ramen / Elektra Music Group
Twenty One Pilots  – “Saturday” – Fueled By Ramen / Elektra Music Group
WILLOW, Avril Lavigne ft. Travis Barker – “G R O W” – MSFTSMusic / Roc Nation Records

BEST LATIN
Anitta – “Envolver” – Warner Records*
Bad Bunny – “Tití Me Preguntó” – Rimas Entertainment
Becky G X KAROL G – “MAMIII” – Kemosabe Records / Sony Music Latin / RCA Records
Daddy Yankee – “REMIX” – Republic Records
Farruko – “Pepas” – Sony Music US Latin
J Balvin & Skrillex – “In Da Getto” – Sueños Globales, LLC /Universal Music Latino / Asylum Records UK

BEST R&B
Alicia Keys – “City of Gods (Part II)” – AKW
Chlöe – “Have Mercy” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
H.E.R. – “For Anyone” – RCA Records
Normani featuring Cardi B – “Wild Side” – Keep Cool/RCA Records
Summer Walker, SZA & Cardi B – “No Love (Extended Version)” – LVRN / Interscope Records
The Weeknd – “Out Of Time” – XO / Republic Records*

BEST K-POP
BTS – “Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)” – BIGHIT Music / Geffen Records
ITZY – “LOCO” – JYP Entertainment
LISA – “LALISA” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records*
SEVENTEEN – “HOT” – PLEDIS Entertainment/Geffen Records
Stray Kids – “MANIAC” – JYP Entertainment
TWICE – “The Feels” – JYP Entertainment

VIDEO FOR GOOD
Kendrick Lamar – “The Heart Part 5” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Latto – “P*ssy” – Streamcut / RCA Records
Lizzo – “About Damn Time” – Atlantic Records*
Rina Sawayama – “This Hell” – Dirty Hit
Stromae – ”Fils de joie” – Mosaert Label / The Darkroom / Interscope Records

BEST METAVERSE PERFORMANCE
BLACKPINK The Virtual | PUBG – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records*
BTS | Minecraft – BIGHIT Music / Geffen Records
Charli XCX | Roblox – Atlantic Records
Justin Bieber – An Interactive Virtual Experience | Wave – Def Jam
Rift Tour featuring Ariana Grande | Fortnite – Republic Records
Twenty One Pilots Concert Experience | Roblox – Fueled By Ramen / Elektra Music Group

BEST LONGFORM VIDEO
Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Foo Fighters – Studio 666 – RCA Records
Kacey Musgraves – star-crossed – Interscope Records / MCA Nashville
Madonna – Madame X – Interscope Records
Olivia Rodrigo – driving home 2 u – Geffen Records
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Republic Records*

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – “family ties” – Columbia Records
Camila Cabello featuring Ed Sheeran – “Bam Bam” – Epic Records
Harry Styles – “As It Was” – Columbia Records*
Kendrick Lamar – “N95” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Normani featuring Cardi B – “Wild Side” – Keep Cool / RCA Records
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Republic Records

BEST DIRECTION
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – “family ties” – Columbia Records
Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Ed Sheeran – “Shivers” – Atlantic Records
Harry Styles – “As It Was” – Columbia Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY” – Columbia Records
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Republic Records*

BEST ART DIRECTION
Adele – “Oh My God” – Columbia Records
Doja Cat – “Get Into It (Yuh)” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Drake featuring Future & Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy” – OVO / Republic Records
Kacey Musgraves – “simple times” – Interscope Records / MCA Nashville
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY” – Columbia Records*
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Dua Lipa – “Sweetest Pie” – 300 Entertainment

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Coldplay X BTS – “My Universe” – Atlantic Records
Kendrick Lamar – “The Heart Part 5” – pgLang/Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY” – Columbia Records*
Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa – “Sweetest Pie” – 300 Entertainment
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber – “STAY” – Columbia Records

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
BTS – “Permission to Dance” – BIGHIT Music/Geffen Records
Doja Cat – “Woman” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records*
FKA twigs featuring The Weeknd – “Tears In The Club” – Atlantic Records
Harry Styles – “As It Was” – Columbia Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY” – Columbia Records
Normani featuring Cardi B – “Wild Side” – Keep Cool / RCA Records

BEST EDITING
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – “family ties” – Columbia Records
Doja Cat – “Get Into It (Yuh)” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “brutal” – Geffen Records
ROSALÍA – “SAOKO” – Columbia Records*
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Republic Records
The Weeknd – “Take My Breath” – XO / Republic Records

2022 MTV Video Music Awards: Doja Cat, Harry Styles, Jack Harlow are the top nominees

August 22, 2022

The following is a press release from MTV:

2022 “VMAs” announce Pre-Show Performers and Social Categories

Doja Cat, Harry Styles and Jack Harlow now tied for most noms (8)

· Dove Cameron, MTV PUSH artist Saucy Santana and Yung Gravy are set to perform during the 2022 “VMAs” Pre-Show airing LIVE on Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 6:30PM ET/PT. Hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, the 90-minute event will feature coverage from multi-platinum selling artist Tate McRae, who joins as a special celebrity correspondent. Murda Beatz will be the Kraft Singles House DJ.

· Fans can also watch the 2022 “VMAs” Pre-Show on Twitter @MTV starting at 6:15PM ET, featuring additional digital exclusive breaks – including retrospective red carpet fashion, jaw-dropping celebrity stage moments from “VMAs” past, and celebratory reviews of today’s biggest performers and nominees.

· Dove Cameron
· The rising superstar is nominated for her first Moon Person in the “Best New Artist” category, Presented by EXTRA(R) Gum. The singer and actress will make her “VMAs” Pre-Show debut with a sure to be showstopping performance.

· Saucy Santana
· The current MTV Global PUSH Artist for the month of August and hitmaking rapper will take over the “VMAs” Pre-Show stage for a performance of his smash single “Booty.”

· Yung Gravy
· The MC known for his RIAA certified platinum-hits “Mr. Clean” and “1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot” as well as his new chart-topping single “Betty (Get Money)” joins the star-studded lineup of Pre-Show performers.

· Social Categories:

· GROUP OF THE YEAR: Beginning Monday, August 22, 2022 at 11AM ET, fans can vote for “Group Of The Year” in bracket-style voting on @MTV’s Instagram Story through Thursday, August 25, 2022. The (8) nominees are:

· BLACKPINK
· BTS
· City Girls
· Foo Fighters
· Imagine Dragons
· Måneskin
· Red Hot Chili Peppers
· Silk Sonic

· SONG OF THE SUMMER: Beginning Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 11AM ET, fans can vote for “Song Of The Summer” via tap to vote on @MTV’s Instagram Story through Saturday, August 27th. The (16) nominees are:

· Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone – “Me Porto Bonito”
· Beyoncé – “BREAK MY SOUL”
· Charlie Puth – “Left And Right (featuring Jung Kook of BTS)”
· Doja Cat – “Vegas (From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS)”
· Future featuring Drake, Tems – “WAIT FOR U”
· Harry Styles – “Late Night Talking”
· Jack Harlow – “First Class”
· Kane Brown – “Grand”
· Latto x Mariah Carey – “Big Energy (Remix) featuring DJ Khaled”
· Lizzo – “About Damn Time”
· Marshmello x Khalid – “Numb”
· Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl”
· Nicky Youre, dazy – “Sunroof”
· Post Malone with Doja Cat – “I Like You (A Happier Song)”
· ROSALÍA – “BIZCOCHITO”
· Steve Lacy – “Bad Habit”

· ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Beginning Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 11AM ET, fans can vote for “Album Of The Year” via tap to vote @MTV’s Instagram Story through show. The (5) nominees are:

· Adele – 30
· Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti
· Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever
· Drake – Certified Lover Boy
· Harry Styles – Harry’s House

Previously announced “VMAs” news includes:

· VMAs EMCEES: LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow are set to anchor the 2022 “VMAs,” introducing the night’s biggest moments and star-studded lineup of performers, presenters and winners. (more info)

· PERFORMERS: Anitta, BLACKPINK, J Balvin, Jack Harlow, Kane Brown, Lizzo, Måneskin, Marshmello x Khalid, Nicki Minaj, Panic! At The Disco and Red Hot Chili Peppers are among the can’t-miss performers set to take the iconic MTV stage. Additional names to be announced soon (more info).

· GLOBAL ICON AWARD: Red Hot Chili Peppers will receive the prestigious Global Icon Award and perform live at the 2022 “VMAs” (more info).

· VIDEO VANGUARD AWARD: Global superstar Nicki Minaj will receive MTV’s coveted honor and perform live on the show (more info).

· NOMINATIONS: Doja Cat, Jack Harlow and Harry Styles now lead with the most nominations (8), followed by Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Nas X (7), Billie Eilish (6); BTS, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Future, Lizzo, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd (5) closely follow. Full list here.

· VOTING: Fans can vote for their favorites across 22 gender-neutral categories by visiting vote.mtv.com through today, Friday, August 19, 2022 thanks to Burger King(R). Voting for “Best New Artist,” presented by EXTRA(R) Gum, remains active into show.

· THE VMAs EXPERIENCE ON ROBLOX: As a companion to the first-ever “Best Metaverse Performance” category, fans launch into a custom Moon Person immersive experience, complete with a virtual red carpet, music and dance themed activities, exclusive in-game experience rewards, and can vote through today for their favorite “Best Metaverse” performance (more info).

· SPONSORS: Official sponsors of the 2022 “VMAs” include Burger King(R), Clearblue(R), DESCOVY(R), Doritos(R), EXTRA(R) Gum, Instacart, Kraft Singles, Pepsi(R), Swiffer and Toyota Motor North America.

· CREDITS: Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are Executive Producers; Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba serve as Executives in Charge of Production. Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent. Lisa Lauricella is Music Talent Executive.

September 25, 2022 UPDATE:

· Global rap icons Eminem and Snoop Dogg will transform the “VMAs” stage for a first of its kind performance of “From the D 2 The LBC” inspired by the world of the Otherside metaverse. We partnered with Yuga Labs to bring this creative to life. The 2022 “VMAs” air LIVE from Prudential Center on Sunday, August 28 at 8PM ET/PT!
· Eminem and Snoop Dogg are up for “Best Hip Hop” with “From The D 2 The LBC,” the first collaboration between the hip hop megastars in over 20 years.
· Eminem will perform for the first time in 12 years, last performing “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie” in 2010. The 60x nominated superstar is the second most nominated artist in “VMAs” history, trailing only Madonna with 69. He has won 13x, making him one of the top 5 artists with the most wins. He recently released his second greatest hits album, “Curtain Call 2”.
· Snoop Dogg will perform for the first time on the “VMAs” stage in 17 years, last performing with Diddy and the Notorious B.I.G. in 2005. The 13x nominee has won 3x including his first year nominated for “Best Rap Video” (1994) with “Doggy Dogg World.”

About Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios:

Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios is one of the preeminent media entities in the world that connects with global audiences through its nine iconic brands – MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT, Pop, Logo, Smithsonian, Paramount Network and TV Land – as well as MTV Entertainment Studios which produces acclaimed series and movies and the award-winning, Oscar-nominated MTV Documentary Films.

About Prudential Center:

Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 8 nationally by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit PruCenter.com and follow the arena on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.

Review: ‘The Many Saints of Newark,’ starring Alessandro Nivola, Leslie Odom Jr., Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Michael Gandolfini, Ray Liotta and Vera Farmiga

January 8, 2022

by Carla Hay

Pictured clockwise, from left to right: Corey Stoll, Joey Diaz, Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, Michael Gandolfini, Gabriella Piazza, Alessandro Nivola and an unidentified actress in “The Many Saints of Newark” (Photo by Barry Wetcher/Warner Bros. Pictures)

“The Many Saints of Newark”

Directed by Alan Taylor

Culture Representation: Taking place from 1967 to 1972, in New Jersey and New York, the mobster drama film “The Many Saints of Newark” features a predominantly white cast of characters (with some African Americans) representing the working-class and middle-class involved in mafia activities.

Culture Clash: Members of the Moltisanti and Soprano families of “The Sopranos” TV series rise through the ranks of the Italian American mafia in New Jersey while having conflicts with each other, as an underage Tony Soprano is groomed to learn the family’s crime business. 

Culture Audience: “The Many Saints of Newark” will appeal primarily to fans of “The Sopranos” and predictable mobster movies with good acting.

Leslie Odom Jr. and Alessandro Nivolo in “The Many Saints of Newark” (Photo by Barry Wetcher/Warner Bros. Pictures)

As a movie prequel to “The Sopranos” series, “The Many Saints of Newark” disappoints by not making Tony Soprano the main character. However, the cast members are so talented, they elevate this typical mobster drama. You don’t have to be familiar with “The Sopranos” to understand “The Many Saints of Newark,” although the movie is more enjoyable to watch for anyone who has a basic level of knowledge about “The Sopranos,” which won 21 Primetime Emmy Awards during its 1999 to 2007 run on HBO. At times, “The Many Saints of Newark” looks more like it’s trying to be a Martin Scorsese mafia film than a “Sopranos” prequel.

Directed by Alan Taylor and written by “The Sopranos” showrunner David Chase and Lawrence Konner, “The Many Saints of Newark” opens with a scene of a graveyard that shows the gravestone of Christopher Moltisanti, Tony Soprano’s troubled protégé, whom Tony killed in Season 6 of the series. Christopher (voiced by Michael Imperioli) is briefly a “voice from the dead” narrator to explain to viewers that this story will go back in time (from 1967 to 1972), to show how Christopher’s father Dickie Moltisanti (played by Alessandro Nivola) became a mafia mentor to Tony.

It’s not the ghost of Christopher who really haunts “The Saints of Newark.” It’s the ghost of James Gandolfini, the actor who made Tony Soprano an iconic character in “The Sopranos.” Gandolfini died in 2013, at the age of 51. Any TV show or movie that’s about “The Sopranos” saga has a huge void to fill without Gandolfini playing the role of the adult Tony Soprano. It’s a void that really can’t be filled, but “The Many Saints of Newark” makes an attempt to create another “larger than life” mafia character for “The Sopranos” saga, but it’s extremely difficult for any “Sopranos” character to overshadow Tony and his legacy.

“The Many Saints of Newark” is about Dickie (Tony’s first mentor) more than anyone else. The movie reveals the family tree in bits and pieces for any viewer who doesn’t know the family background. Dickie’s father is Aldo “Hollywood Dick” Moltisanti (played by Ray Liotta), who has an identical twin brother named Salvatore “Sally” Moltisanti (also played by Liotta), who is in prison for murder. Dickie is a cousin of Carmela De Angelis (played by Lauren DiMario), Tony’s high-school sweetheart who would later become his wife. Even though Dickie is not related to the Sopranos by blood, he becomes so close to Tony, Dickie is eventually referred to as Tony’s “uncle.”

Tony’s parents are Giovanni Francis “Johnny Boy” Soprano (played by Jon Bernthal) and Livia Soprano (played by Vera Farmiga), who have very different personalities. Johnny is gregarious and fun-loving, while Livia is uptight and judgmental. During the five years that this movie takes place, Tony is seen when he’s 11 years old (played by William Ludwig) and when he’s 16 years old (played by Michael Gandofini, the real-life son of James Gandolfini).

Tony, his parents and his two younger sisters live in the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark, New Jersey. Tony’s sisters Janice and Barbara are doted on by their parents, while Tony feels negelcted in comparison. (Mattea Conforti portrays Janice as a child, Alexandra Intrator portrays Janice as teenager, and Lexie Foley portrays Barbara as a child.)

A family party celebrating Janice’s confirmation in the Catholic religion shows how much Tony feels like an ignored outsider in his own family. Dickie is one of the people who’s a regular at the Soprano family gatherings because members of the Soprano family and the Moltiscanti family work for the DiMeo crime family that rules this part of New Jersey. It’s at Janice’s confirmation party that Tony sees his father Johnny and Dickie talking about some mafia business. Tony is intrigued.

Tony is intelligent, but his academic grades don’t reflect that intelligence because Tony doesn’t really like school. It’s the first sign that he’s not comfortable with authority figures or following rules. Livia is overly critical of Tony and thinks he’s not as smart as Tony actually is. At one point, Tony’s teacher Mrs. Jarecki (played by Talia Balsam) tells Livia that Tony is intelligent and has leadership potential. Livia’s reaction is to say that there’s a difference between being smart and being a smart aleck.

Johnny’s older brother Corrado John “Junior” Soprano Jr. (played by Corey Stoll) is more stoic and serious-minded than Johnny. (Dominic Chianese played Junior in “The Sopranos” TV series.) Johnny and Junior eventually have a rivalry over who will rise the highest in the DiMeo crime family. But when this story takes place, Dickie’s father Hollywood Dick has more seniority than Junior and Johnny.

Much of the family drama in “The Saints of Newark” is about the tensions between Dickie and his father. Hollywood Dick abused his first wife (Dickie’s mother), who is now deceased. It’s implied that she was killed by her husband, who got away with the crime. Dickie’s father was abusive to him too when Dickie was a child. Dickie’s childhood is not shown in flashbacks, but it’s described in conversations. As an adult, Dickie has a love/hate relationship with his father.

In 1967, Hollywood Dick arrives back in Newark from a trip to Italy and has someone with him: a much-younger Italian woman named Giuseppina (played by Michela De Rossi), whom Hollywood Dick impulsively married in Italy. Giuseppina, who is described as a beauty queen, barely knows English and is young enough to be her new husband’s daughter. She’s really a trophy wife who doesn’t hide the fact that she married Hollywood Dick so that she could live in America as the wife of a man who can take care of her financial needs.

Hollywood Dick introduces Giuseppina to Dickie for the first time after she has already become Hollywood Dick’s wife. Dickie and his wife Joanna (played by Gabriella Piazza) eventually become parents to Christopher, their first child. Even though Dickie and Giuseppina are married to other people, it doesn’t take long for Giuseppina and Dickie to start looking at each other lustfully. Their feelings are also accelerated when Dickie finds out that his father is abusing Giuseppina. Dickie feels very protective of her, and he wants to help Giuseppina in her dream to own her own hair salon.

Meanwhile, Dickie is in regular contact with some of the African Americans who are part of the criminal underground in Newark. Harold McBrayer (played by Leslie Odom Jr.) collects bets for the mafia. In an early scene in the movie, Harold is shown beating up Leon Overall (played by Mason Bleu), the leader of an African American gang called the Saints, because Leon is suspected of stealing from Harold.

“The Many Saints of Newark” makes some attempt to be more racially diverse than “The Sopranos” by having a subplot about how Harold’s relationship with Dickie changes over time. The movie also has scenes depicting racial tensions, such as the Newark race riots and what happens when Harold’s relationship with Dickie is tested for another reason. But because the African American people in this movie are supporting characters, issues of racism are not at the forefront of this story.

And where is Tony Soprano during all of Dickie’s family drama? The movie trailers for “The Many Saints of Newark” make it look like the teenage Tony Soprano will be in nearly all of the film. He’s not. The teenage Tony Soprano doesn’t appear until 51 minutes into this two-hour movie.

Tony is a rebellious teen who needs a father figure more than ever when his father Johnny is arrested and sent to prison for assault with a deadly weapon. The arrest takes place in front of Tony and Janice. During Johnny’s incarceration, Dickie becomes even more of an influence on Tony.

Viewers who are looking for more insignt into Tony and Carmela’s teenage relationship won’t really get it in “The Many Saints of Newark.” There’s a scene where Tony and a few friends show off to Carmela by stealing an ice cream truck and giving away free ice cream to people in the neighborhood during this theft. At this point, Tony and Carmela aren’t officially a couple. He’s showing a romantic interest in her, but she’s not really all that impressed with him.

“The Many Saints of Newark” gives more background information about Tony’s rocky relationship with his mother Livia. There’s a minor subplot about Livia being in therapy (it’s implied that she might have bipolar disorder), she’s prescribed Elavil, and Tony wants some of the Elavil too. The only point to this subplot is that it’s a foreshadowing nod to a well-known “Sopranos” story arc about an adult Tony being in psychiatric therapy. Tony’s sessions with his therapist Dr. Melfi (played by Lorraine Bracco) were among the most-praised aspects of the TV series.

In addition to Tony and his sisters, “The Many Saints of Newark” has the younger versions of some other “Sopranos” characters, but they aren’t given much to do in this movie. John Magaro portrays a younger Silvio Dante, who was played by Steven Van Zandt in the TV series. Billy Magnussen depicts Paulie Walnuts, a role played by Tony Serico in the TV series. Samson Moeakiola is in the role of Pussy Bonpensiero, who was played by Vincent Pastore in the TV series.

However much “The Many Saints of Newark” might have been marketed as a Tony Soprano origin story, this movie is really a Dickie Moltisanti story, with Tony as a supporting character. The movie’s tagline is “Who Made Tony Soprano?,” but it still seems like a “bait and switch” marketing ploy. Throughout much of the movie, viewers might be asking instead, “Where is Tony Soprano?”

Fortunately, the performances by all of the movie’s cast members (especially Nivolo, Liotta, Odom and Farmiga) maintain a level of interest, along with the suspenseful aspects of the story. However, people who’ve seen enough American mafia movies will find a lot of familiar tropes in “The Many Saints of Newark.” Taylor doesn’t do anything spectacular with the movie’s direction. Chase and Konner approached the screenplay as if delving into Tony Soprano’s underage youth ultimately wouldn’t work as the central focus of a movie that showcases very adult crimes.

“The Saints of Newark” is not a bad movie, but it’s not a great one either, considering the high bar set by “The Sopranos.” The movie’s technical aspects, including the cinematography and production design, are perfectly adequate, but everything about “The Many Saints of Newark” looks like a made-for-TV movie, not a big event movie that was made for a theatrical release. As long as viewers know in advance that Tony Soprano is not the central character of “The Many Saints of Newark,” they have a better chance of enjoying this watchable but not essential entry in “The Sopranos” saga.

Warner Bros. Pictures released “The Many Saints of Newark” in U.S. cinemas and on HBO Max on October 1, 2021.

2019 MTV Video Music Awards: Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish win big

August 26, 2019

by Carla Hay

Taylor Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down” took the prizes for Video of the Year and Best Video for Good at the 36th annual MTV Video Music Awards, which were held on August 26, 2019, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.  The show was hosted by Sebastian Maniscalco.

Swift’s “Me!” video featuring Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie took the prize for Best Visual Effects. Other multiple winners were Ariana Grande (four awards, including Artist of the Year); Billie Eilish (three awards); and the smash hit “Old Town Road” from Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus (three awards). Winning two prizes each were Rosalía and J Balvin featuring El Guincho’s “Con Altura”; Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello’s “Señorita”; and BTS, winner of Best Group and Best K-Pop. Grande, Eilish and BTS were all no-shows at the event, although Eilish did provide a video with a prerecorded acceptance speech.

It was the first time that the MTV VMA show was held in New Jersey. There were numerous references to New Jersey throughout the show, including the closing-night “supergroup” performance by several hip-hop artists with New Jersey roots: Queen Latifah, Naughty By Nature, Redman, Fetty Wap and Wyclef Jean.

Other performers included Swift; Jonas Brothers; Shawn Mendes, who later joined Camila Cabello for their duet “Senorita”; Lizzo; Big Sean featuring A$AP Ferg, H.E.R.; Lil Nas X; Normani and Ozuna; Rosalía and J Balvin; Bad Bunny and J Balvin; H.E.R.; and Miley Cyrus.

Ava Max, CNCO and Megan Thee Stallion performed at the 2019 MTV VMAs red carpet pre-show, hosted by Terrence J and Nessa with special correspondent Zara Larsson.

Missy Elliott received the Video Vanguard award, which is a non-competitive prize given to an artist whose music videos have been influential. She performed a medley before accepting the award.

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs received MTV’s first Fashion Trailblazer Award, another non-competitive prize.

Presenters included Queen Latifah, John Travolta, Lenny Kravitz, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Rick Ross, Pepa, Hailee Steinfeld, Bebe Rexha, Alison Brie, French Montana, Megan Thee Stallion, Billy Ray Cyrus, DJ Khaled, Jonathan Van Ness, Cardi B, Lindsey Vonn, P. K. Subban, Lizzo, Keke Palmer, Victor Cruz, Ice-T. Also taking the stage as presenters were U.S. Women’s Soccer Team stars Alex Morgan, Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris and former “Sopranos” stars Drea de Matteo, Jamie Lynn Sigler and Vincent Pastore.

Here is the complete list of winners and nominees for the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards that were announced when the ceremony ended:

*=winner

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
21 Savage ft. J. Cole – “a lot” – Slaughter Gang LLC/Epic Records
Billie Eilish – “bad guy” – Darkroom/Interscope Records
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next” – Republic Records
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker” – Republic Records
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records*

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Cardi B – Atlantic Records
Billie Eilish – Darkroom/Interscope Records
Ariana Grande – Republic Records*
Halsey – Capitol Records
Jonas Brothers – Republic Records
Shawn Mendes– Island Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
Drake – “In My Feelings” – Young Money/Cash Money/Republic Records
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next” – Republic Records
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker” – Republic Records
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow” – Interscope Records
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records*
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records

BEST NEW ARTIST, presented by Taco Bell®
Ava Max – Atlantic Records
Billie Eilish – Darkroom/Interscope Records*
H.E.R. – MBK/RCA Records
Lil Nas X – Columbia Records
Lizzo – Atlantic Records
Rosalía – Columbia Records

BEST COLLABORATION
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow” – Interscope Records
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records*
Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!” – Republic Records
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber – “I Don’t Care” – Atlantic Records
BTS featuring Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Columbia Records

PUSH ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Bazzi – Atlantic Records
CNCO – RCA Records
Billie Eilish – Darkroom/Interscope Records*
H.E.R. – MBK/RCA Records
Lauv – LAUV/AWAL
Lizzo – Atlantic Records

BEST POP
5 Seconds of Summer – “Easier” – Interscope Records
Cardi B & Bruno Mars – “Please Me” – Atlantic Records
Billie Eilish – “bad guy” – Darkroom/Interscope Records
Khalid – “Talk” – Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next” – Republic Records
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker” – Republic Records*
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records

BEST HIP HOP
2 Chainz featuring Ariana Grande – “Rule the World” – 2 Chainz Ps/Def Jam
21 Savage featuring J. Cole – “a lot” – Slaughter Gang LLC/Epic Records
Cardi B – “Money” – Atlantic Records*
DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle & John Legend – “Higher” – We The Best/Epic Records
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records
Travis Scott featuring Drake – “SICKO MODE” – Epic Records/Grand Hustle/Cactus Jack

BEST R&B
Anderson .Paak featuring Smokey Robinson – “Make It Better” – Aftermath Ent/12 Tone Music
Childish Gambino – “Feels Like Summer” – RCA Records
H.E.R. featuring Bryson Tiller – “Could’ve Been” – MBK/RCA Records
Alicia Keys – “Raise A Man” – RCA Records
Ella Mai – “Trip” – 10 Summers/Interscope Records
Normani featuring 6lack – “Waves” – Keep Cool/RCA Records*

BEST K-POP
BTS featuring Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Columbia Records*
BLACKPINK – “Kill This Love” – YG Entertainment/Interscope Records
Monsta X featuring French Montana – “Who Do You Love” – Epic Records
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Cat & Dog” – Republic Records
NCT 127 – “Regular” – SM Entertainment
EXO – “Tempo” – SM Entertainment

BEST LATIN
Anuel AA, Karol G – “Secreto” – Universal Music Latino
Bad Bunny featuring Drake – “MIA” – OVO Sound/Warner Bros. Records
Benny Blanco, Tainy, Selena Gomez, J Balvin – “I Can’t Get Enough” – NEON16/Friends Keep Secrets/Interscope Records
Daddy Yankee featuring Snow – “Con Calma” – Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Maluma – “Mala Mía” – Sony Music US Latin
Rosalía and J Balvin featuring El Guincho — “Con Altura” – Columbia Records*

BEST DANCE
The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha – “Call You Mine” – Disruptor/Columbia Records*
Clean Bandit featuring Demi Lovato – “Solo” – Big Beat/Atlantic Records
DJ Snake featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B – “Taki Taki” – DJ Snake Music Productions Ltd/Geffen
David Guetta, Bebe Rexha & J Balvin – “Say My Name” – Big Beat/Atlantic Records
Marshmello & Bastille – “Happier” – Capitol Records
Silk City & Dua Lipa – “Electricity” – Columbia Records

BEST ROCK
The 1975 – “Love It If We Made It” – Dirty Hit/Interscope Records
Fall Out Boy – “Bishops Knife Trick” – Island Records
Imagine Dragons – “Natural” – KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records
Lenny Kravitz – “Low” – BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd.
Panic! At The Disco – “High Hopes” – Elektra Music Group*
twenty one pilots – “My Blood” – Elektra Music Group

VIDEO FOR GOOD
Halsey – “Nightmare” – Capitol Records
The Killers – “Land of the Free” – Island
Jamie N Commons, Skylar Grey ft. Gallant – “Runaway Train” – Interscope Records
John Legend – “Preach” – Columbia Records
Lil Dicky – “Earth” – Dirty Burd, Inc./Commission/BMG
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records*

BEST DIRECTION
Billie Eilish – “bad guy” – Darkroom/Interscope Records – Directed by Dave Meyers
FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Young Turks – Directed by Andrew Thomas Huang
Ariana Grande – “thank you, next” – Republic Records – Directed by Hannah Lux Davis
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records – Directed by Calmatic*
LSD featuring Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Columbia Records – Directed by Dano Cerny
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records – Directed by Drew Kirsch & Taylor Swift

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Billie Eilish – “when the party’s over” – Darkroom/Interscope Records – Visual Effects by Ryan Ross, Andres Jaramillo
FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Young Turks – Visual Effects by Matt Chandler, Fabio Zaveti for Analog
Ariana Grande – “God is a Woman” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Fabrice Lagayette, Kristina Prilukova & Rebecca Rice for Mathematic
DJ Khaled featuring SZA – “Just Us” – We The Best/Epic Records – Visual Effects by Sergii Mashevskyi
LSD featuring Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Columbia Records – Visual Effects by Ethan Chancer
Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Loris Paillier & Lucas Salton for BUF VFX*

BEST EDITING
Anderson .Paak featuring Kendrick Lamar – “Tints” – Aftermath Ent/12 Tone Music – Editing by Elias Talbot
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Record – Editing by Calmatic
Billie Eilish – “bad guy” – Darkroom/Interscope Records – Editing by Billie Eilish*
Ariana Grande – “7 Rings” – Republic Records – Editing by Hannah Lux Davis & Taylor Walsh
Solange – “Almeda” – Columbia Records – Editing by Solange Knowles, Vinnie Hobbs, Jonathon Proctor
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records – Editing by Jarrett Fijal

BEST ART DIRECTION
BTS featuring Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Columbia Records – Art Direction by JinSil Park, BoNa Kim (MU:E)
Ariana Grande – “7 Rings” – Republic Records – Art Direction by John Richoux*
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records – Art Direction by Itaru Dela Vegas
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records – Art Direction by Tatiana Van Sauter
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records – Art Direction by Brittany Porter
Kanye West and Lil’ Pump featuring Adele Givens – “I Love It” – Warner Records & Def Jam Music Group – Art Direction by Tino Schaedler

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Young Turks – Choreography by Kelly Yvonne
Rosalía and J Balvin featuring El Guincho – “Con Altura” – Columbia Records – Choreography by Charm La’Donna*
LSD featuring Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Columbia Records – Choreography by Ryan Heffington
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records – Choreography by Calvit Hodge, Sara Biv
Solange – “Almeda” – Columbia Records – Choreography by Maya Taylor, Solange Knowles
BTS featuring Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Columbia Records – Choreography by Rie Hata

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Anderson .Paak featuring Kendrick Lamar – “Tints” – Aftermath Ent/12 Tone Music – Cinematography by Elias Talbot
Billie Eilish – “hostage” – Darkroom/Interscope Records – Cinematography by Pau Castejon
Ariana Grande – “thank you, next” – Republic Records – Cinematography by Christopher Probst
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records – Cinematography by Scott Cunningham*
Solange – “Almeda” – Columbia Records – Cinematography by Chayse Irvin, Ryan Marie Helfant, Justin Hamilton
Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!” – Republic Records – Cinematography by Starr Whitesides

BEST POWER ANTHEM
Miley Cyrus — “Mother’s Daughter”
DJ Khaled (featuring Cardi B and 21 Savage) — “Wish Wish”
Ariana Grande — “7 Rings”
Halsey — “Nightmare”
Lizzo (featuring Missy Elliott) — “Tempo”
Megan Thee Stallion (featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla Sign) — “Hot Girl Summer”*
Maren Morris — “GIRL”
Taylor Swift — “You Need to Calm Down”

SONG OF THE SUMMER
The Chainsmokers and Bebe Rexha — “Call You Mine”
Miley Cyrus — “Mother’s Daughter”
DaBaby — “Suge”
Billie Eilish — “Bad Guy”
Ariana Grande and Social House — “Boyfriend”*
Jonas Brothers — “Sucker”
Khalid — “Talk”
Lil Nas X (featuring Billy Ray Cyrus) — “Old Town Road (Remix)”
Lil Tecca — “Ransom”
Lizzo — “Truth Hurts”
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
Post Malone (featuring Young Thug) — “Goodbyes”
Rosalía and J Balvin (featuring El Guincho) — “Con altura”
Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber – “I Don’t Care”
Taylor Swift — “You Need to Calm Down”
Young Thug (featuring J. Cole and Travis Scott) — “The London”

Official sponsors of the 2019 “MTV Video Music Awards” included EXTRA Refreshers, PEPSI, Taco Bell, and the 2020 Toyota Corolla.

Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic were Executive Producers for the 2019 “VMAs.” Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Jackie Barba, Joe Buoye and Alicia Portugal served as Executive in Charge of Production. Amani Duncan is Executive in Charge of Music. Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent.

About MTV:
MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.

About The Prudential Center:
Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events each year. The arena is also home to the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, which opened its doors to the public on October 2017. The 8,200-square-foot experience marks the first GRAMMY Museum outpost on the East Coast, and features a dynamic combination of educational programming and interactive permanent and traveling exhibits, including a spotlight on legendary GRAMMY winners from New Jersey. Ranked in the Top 8 nationally by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit PruCenter.com and follow the arena on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.

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2019 MTV Video Music Awards: Jonas Brothers, Big Sean, H.E.R., Normani, Ozuna, Ava Max, CNCO, Megan Thee Stallion added to lineup of performers

August 20, 2019

The following is a combination of press releases from MTV:

MTV announced that the Jonas Brothers will perform at the 2019 VMAs with a special remote performance from an iconic location along the New Jersey shoreline, presented by the all-new 2020 Toyota Corolla. MTV, the global youth brand, will bring the hit-making group to the VMAs for the first time as a group in more than 10 years.

The preeminent group of this century, Jonas Brothers opened the floodgates for a new era of titans in pop music. Making history once more, the band delivered the biggest debut of 2019 with the release of Happiness Begins.  The album became the third #1 album of the Jonas Brothers’ career and first release in nearly six years. This #1 bow represented a landmark moment for the group and pop at large as they retain the place at the top of the charts they claimed a decade ago.

Earlier this year, the band announced their highly anticipated return to music with their hit single, “Sucker,” which debuted at number 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, marking the first #1 for the band and the first #1 debut from a group this century.  The release of “Sucker” marked the band’s first original release under their new partnership with Republic Records. Ranked #1 on Billboard’s critic’s picks list of the “50 Best Songs of 2019,” it has become the song of the summer, dominating at #1 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart, where it led for eight weeks.

The band notably received four 2019 MTV Video Music Awards nominations in the categories of “Video of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” “Best Pop,” and “Artist of the Year,” and they also recently took home two 2019 Teen Choice Awards for “Artist Of The Decade” and “Choice Summer Group.” Throughout the rest of 2019, they will be on their sold out Happiness Begins Tour with special guests Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw.

The 2019 VMAs will be hosted by comedian, actor and best-selling author Sebastian Maniscalco, and will air live from the Prudential Center on Monday, August 26 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT across MTV’s global footprint in more than 180 countries, reaching more than half a billion households around the world. Music’s biggest stars and fans will celebrate the year’s most iconic videos with electrifying performances, viral moments and a new, first-of-its-kind immersive fan experience.

As previously announced, Missy Elliott will be honored with the “Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award” and is set to hit the VMAs main stage. Additional performers include Bad Bunny, Camila Cabello, J Balvin, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Rosalía, Shawn Mendes, and Taylor Swift.

Fans on Twitter and Facebook Messenger can also slide into VMAs’ DMs to cast an additional vote for “Video of the Year,” “Best New Artist,” and more. Fans will also be able to ask Alexa to “vote for the VMAs” for “Artist of the Year” within the MTV skill on Alexa-enabled devices. This year, for the first time ever, MTV is rewarding fans for voting through VMA Power Hour on vma.mtv.com, where their votes are doubled from 1-2pm ET daily. Superfans can come back each day within this voting window beginning tomorrow to show double the love for their favorite artists.

Voting for the “Best New Artist” award, presented by Taco Bell®, will remain active until the VMA broadcast.

va Max, CNCO and Megan Thee Stallion at the 2019 VMAs red carpet pre-show, hosted by Terrence J and Nessa with special correspondent Zara Larsson, on Monday, August 26th at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT. In addition to celebrity interviews and star-studded moments, the winner of the “2019 Push Artist of the Year” award will be presented by 2018 winner Hayley Kiyoko.

Ahead of the 2019 VMAs, fans can vote for their favorites in select categories, including “Best Group,” “Best Power Anthem” and “Song of Summer” presented by Samsung, on MTV’s Instagram Story.

Beginning today, and for the next 24 hours, fans can vote by swiping up on MTV’s IG Story for the following Best Group nominees:

  • 5 Seconds of Summer
  • Backstreet Boys
  • BLACKPINK
  • BTS
  • CNCO
  • Jonas Brothers
  • PRETTYMUCH
  • Why Don’t We

Beginning August 20th at 12:00 p.m. ET, and for the next 24 hours, fans can vote by swiping up on MTV’s IG Story for the following Best Power Anthem nominees:

  • Ariana Grande – “7 rings”
  • DJ Khaled, ft. Cardi B & 21 Savage – “Wish Wish”
  • Halsey – “Nightmare”
  • Lizzo ft. Missy Elliott – “Tempo”
  • Maren Morris – “GIRL”
  • Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign “Hot Girl Summer”
  • Miley Cyrus – “Mother’s Daughter”
  • Taylor Swift – “You Need To Calm Down”

Lastly, from Wednesday, August 21st at 12 p.m. ET until Sunday, August 25th at 12 p.m. ET, fans can vote for the Song of Summer, presented by Samsung, in bracket-style voting. Nominees include:

  • Ariana Grande & Social House – “boyfriend”
  • Billie Eilish – “bad guy”
  • DaBaby – “Suge”
  • Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber – “I Don’t Care”
  • Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”
  • Khalid – “Talk”
  • Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
  • Lil Tecca – “Ransom”
  • Lizzo – “Truth Hurts”
  • Miley Cyrus- “Mother’s Daughter”
  • Post Malone ft. Young Thug – “Goodbyes”
  • ROSALÍA & J Balvin ft. El Guincho – “Con Altura”
  • Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
  • Taylor Swift – “You Need To Calm Down”
  • The Chainsmokers & Bebe Rexha – “Call You Mine”
  • Young Thug ft. J. Cole & Travis Scott – “The London”

Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are Executive Producers for the 2019 “VMAs.” Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Jackie Barba, Joe Buoye and Alicia Portugal serve as Executive in Charge of Production. Amani Duncan is Executive in Charge of Music.  Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent.

Official sponsors of the 2019 “MTV Video Music Awards” include Extra® Refreshers Gum, PEPSI®, Taco Bell®, the 2020 Toyota Corolla and truth®.

Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.

About MTV:
MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.

About Prudential Center:
Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events each year. The arena is also home to the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, which opened its doors to the public on October 2017. The 8,200-square-foot experience marks the first GRAMMY Museum outpost on the East Coast, and features a dynamic combination of educational programming and interactive permanent and traveling exhibits, including a spotlight on legendary GRAMMY winners from New Jersey. Ranked in the Top 8 nationally by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit PruCenter.com and follow the arena on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.

2019 MTV Video Music Awards: Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Rosalia announced as performers

August 13, 2019

The following is a press release from MTV:

MTV today announced that Bad Bunny, Camila Cabello, J Balvin, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Rosalía and Shawn Mendes will take the stage at the 2019 VMAs, airing live globally from Newark, N.J. on Monday, August 26 at 8:00 p.m.ET/PT.

The 2019 VMAs will be hosted by comedian, actor and best-selling author Sebastian Maniscalco, and will air live from Prudential Center across MTV’s global footprint in more than 180 countries, reaching more than half a billion households around the world. Music’s biggest stars and fans will celebrate the year’s most iconic videos with electrifying performances, viral moments and a new, first-of-its-kind immersive fan experience.

The full list of nominees for the 2019 VMAs, including, Cardi B, Drake, H.E.R., Khalid, Jonas Brothers, and more, is available here. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

Latin music’s rising star Bad Bunny, originally from Puerto Rico, is one of the top Latin urban artists of the moment and one of the pioneers of the Latin Trap movement. His unmistakable voice and rhythm have led him to transition to the general market, where he’s already created waves of revolution with his participation in “I Like It” alongside Cardi B and J Balvin and his hit collaboration with Drake, “Mia,” part of his debut album “X 100PRE.” Bad Bunny is widely recognized for breaking cultural boundaries and language barriers and seamlessly transcending into the American market as a full-fledged urban artist of his own right.

Cuban born multi-platinum singer/songwriter Camila Cabello released her debut solo album, “CAMILA” in January 2018 to rave reviews. By the end of 2018, Cabello took home “Artist of the Year” and “Video of the Year” at the 2018 VMAs, and was nominated for two Grammy Awards, “Best Pop Vocal Album” and “Best Pop Solo Performance” for “Havana,” her multi-platinum smash hit which became the most streamed song of all time by a female artist. Most recently, Cabello released her new single “Senorita” with Shawn Mendes which debuted at number one on iTunes worldwide and broke Spotify’s record for the biggest debut from a male/female duet in its history. Camila is currently the most listened to female artist on Spotify worldwide.

J Balvin, originally from Medellin, Colombia, is one of the top streaming music artists in the world. J Balvin developed a distinctive musical style all his own that pays reverence to the first-wave of Reggaeton stars from Puerto Rico, while fusing wider influences of hip-hop, mainstream pop, Dance Music and innovative global rhythms tied with lyrical inclusivity.  Between his game-changing major-label debut album “La Familia,” multi-platinum successor “Energia” and several landmark singles such as “Mi Gente,” “Safari,” “Ginza” and more, J Balvin  has won three Latin Grammy Awards, numerous Billboard Latin Music Awards, a Guinness World Record for the longest #1 run for a solo Latin single, and collected over twenty billion YouTube views.

Record-shattering artist Lil Nas X is known for the inescapable song of the year, “Old Town Road” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, which has completely taken over the internet and broken boundaries in the industry. The song first took flight on TikTok, with fans across the world posting videos dancing to the song and memes where they transform into cowboys. Propelled by many moments and Lil Nas X’s charming, hilarious online presence, the record-breaking song has become the longest running number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 after nineteen weeks atop the chart.

Platinum selling, genre-bending, Lizzo channels boundless self-confidence through a downright earth-quaking voice, colorful persona, and undeniable star power. Lizzo has stormed the charts around the world with an upbeat, positive, high energy tracks like “Juice,” “Good As Hell” and “Tempo” ft. Missy Elliott. Her highly praised Atlantic debut album, Cuz I Love You, is an instant classic that showcases her phenomenal talents as a vocalist, rapper, songwriter, and flutist. The critically acclaimed album reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. as well as breaking into the top of the charts in Australia, Ireland, Scotland, and the UK stamping her as one of 2019’s biggest and brightest stars.  Her 2019 takeover continues as her smash single “Truth Hurts” continues to take the industry by storm and has been a definitive and inescapable anthem of the Summer.

Spanish singer/songwriter, Rosalía is making a global splash with her interpretations of flamenco music. Her landmark album “El Mal Querer” was released to immediate critical and commercial success last fall. The album’s groundbreaking fusion of classic Flamenco with R&B and electronic beats, coupled with Rosalía’s nod to the visual arts, fashion and choreography was strongly embraced by fans across the globe. The album’s lead single “Malamente” garnered six Latin Grammy nominations, and took home the award for Best Alternative Song and Best Urban Fusion Performance.  This year has seen three more releases from Rosalía with the recent double track “Milionària & “Dio$ No$ Libre Del Dinero,”“Aute Cuture” and her #1 Global video streaming hit and wide ‘Song of the Summer’ pick “Con Altura” with J Balvin and featuring El Guincho.

Toronto born, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes has become one of the biggest voices in mainstream media, with three consecutive album debuts, two platinum albums, and eight consecutive platinum and multi-platinum singles. Most recently he launched two new singles “If I Can’t Have You” and a Camila Cabello collaboration “Senorita.” Mendes has completed two sold-out world tours with over one million tickets sold, selling out legendary stadiums and arenas including NYC’s Madison Square Garden and London’s O2 Arena in minutes. His current tour, “Shawn Mendes: The Tour,” began in March 2019, with over 100 dates announced across the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and Australia/New Zealand.

As previously announced, Missy Elliott will be honored with the “Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award” and is set to hit the VMAs main stage. Taylor Swift will also perform following the release of her highly anticipated album, “Lover.”

Fans can vote for their favorites across 14 gender-neutral VMA categories, including “Video of the Year,” “Artist of the Year,” “Best Collaboration” and more by visiting vma.mtv.com until Thursday, August 15. Voting for the “Best New Artist” award, presented by Taco Bell®, will remain active until the VMA broadcast. Fans on Twitter and Facebook Messenger can also slide into VMAs’ DMs to cast an additional vote for “Video of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and more. Fans will also be able to ask Alexa to “vote for the VMAs” for “Artist of the Year” within the MTV skill on Alexa-enabled devices.

This year, for the first time ever, MTV is rewarding fans for voting through VMA Power Hour on vma.mtv.com, where their votes are doubled from 1-2pm ET daily. Superfans can come back each day within this voting window beginning tomorrow to show double the love for their favorite artists.

Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are Executive Producers for the 2019 VMAs. Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Jackie Barba, Joe Buoye and Alicia Portugal serve as Executive in Charge of Production. Amani Duncan is Executive in Charge of Music.  Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent.

Official sponsors of the 2019 “MTV Video Music Awards” include Extra® Refreshers Gum, PEPSI®, Taco Bell®, the 2020 Toyota Corolla, and truth®.

Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.

About MTV:
MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.

2019 MTV Video Music Awards: Missy Elliott, Marc Jacobs to receive special prizes

August 12, 2019

Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott (Photo by Derek Blanks)

The following is a combination of press releases from MTV:

MTV has announced music icon Missy Elliott will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2019 VMAs. She will also perform live, returning to the VMAs stage for the first time since 2003. With a legacy that spans three decades, Elliott is one of the most influential musicians known for elevating other music artists.

“Missy’s impact on the music landscape is indelible,” said Bruce Gillmer, Head of Music and Music Talent, Viacom and Co-Brand Head, MTV International. “Her creative vision across production, performance and songwriting is unmatched.”

Elliott is a groundbreaking solo superstar, pioneering producer, songwriter, singer, rapper and cultural icon who has transformed the global music scene. The five-time GRAMMY® Award winner has achieved unprecedented success and sold over 30 million records worldwide. Known for classic hit singles, “Work It,” “Get Ur Freak On” and “WTF (Where They From),” Elliott leads the field in her innovation, creativity and influence on other artists. Earlier this year, she was named the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Elliott has an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, and is the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum, including her debut 1997 album “Supa Dupa Fly,” and 2002 blockbuster “Under Construction.” She joins a prestigious list of past Vanguard recipients, including Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, Britney Spears, Kanye West, Rihanna and P!nk.

MTV is partnering with PEPSI® to host a pop-up fan event, “MTV & Pepsi® Celebrate the Museum of Missy Elliott,” in New York City on August 24-25th that will highlight this unapologetic icon who helped redefine hip-hop. As fans walk through the installations, they will be completely immersed in some of Elliott’s most groundbreaking music videos and costumes. Location and ticketing information to be revealed at a later date. Additionally, the brands will celebrate Elliott’s legacy through celebrity and fan tribute videos leading up to her Vanguard performance.

In partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), MTV today announced Marc Jacobs as the first-ever recipient of the MTV Fashion Trailblazer Award. The new award will honor a fashion designer who has made an indelible impact within the world of music-artist fashion.

Jacobs and music are inextricably linked, from tapping Cher and Missy Elliott for his ad campaigns, to dressing fashion icons Lady Gaga, Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. With a legacy that spans over three decades, Jacobs is a preeminent figure in fashion and music, perfectly embodying the spirit of the Fashion Trailblazer Award.

As part of the 2019 “VMAs,” Jacobs and his design team are working with MTV to create a multimedia activation on the red carpet highlighting his creative vision. The on-the-ground experience will have a dedicated photographer and highly-stylized elements designed to travel across social platforms.

Comedian, actor and best-selling author Sebastian Maniscalco will host the 2019 VMAs live from Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Monday, August 26, 2019. The show will air across MTV’s global network of channels in more than 180 countries and territories, reaching more than half a billion households around the world. Music’s biggest stars and fans will celebrate the year’s most iconic videos with electrifying performances, viral moments and a new, first-of-its-kind immersive fan experience.

Official sponsors of the 2019 “MTV Video Music Awards” include Extra® Refreshers Gum, PEPSI®, Taco Bell®, the 2020 Toyota Corolla, and truth®.

Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.

 

Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are Executive Producers for the 2019 “VMAs.” Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Jackie Barba, Joe Buoye and Alicia Portugal serve as Executive in Charge of Production. Amani Duncan is Executive in Charge of Music.  Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent.

About MTV:
MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.

2019 MTV Video Music Awards: Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift have the most nominations

July 23, 2019

The following is a press release from MTV:

MTV unveiled the nominations for the 2019 “VMAs,” which includes dozens of artists whose reach and influence have elevated the music industry and global cultural conversation. Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift lead the nominations with 10 nods each in categories including, “Video of the Year,” “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop.” Other top contenders include first-time VMA nominees Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X who both entered the category of “Best New Artist,” presented by Taco Bell®.  This year’s show will introduce two new categories, “Best K-Pop” and “Video for Good.”

In a first for a major awards show, MTV revealed nominations today via the “VMA chatbot,” giving fans a sneak peek at the nominees by sending a DM (direct message) to @VMAs on Facebook Messenger and Twitter.

“It’s been an incredible year in music and this group of nominees perfectly reflect the rich pop music landscape,” said Bruce Gillmer, Head of Music and Music Talent, Viacom and Co-Brand Head, MTV International. “We can’t wait to see the outcome, once the fans weigh in. It’s going to be an awesome, unforgettable evening!”

Beginning today, fans can vote for their favorites across 14 gender-neutral VMA categories, including “Video of the Year,” “Artist of the Year,” “Best Collaboration” and more by visiting vma.mtv.com until Thursday, August 15. Voting for the “Best New Artist” award, presented by Taco Bell®, will remain active until the VMA broadcast. Fans on Twitter and Facebook Messenger can also slide into VMAs’ DMs to cast an additional vote for “Video of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and more. Also launching this week, fans will be able to ask Alexa to “vote for the VMAs” for “Artist of the Year” within the MTV skill on Alexa-enabled devices.

This year, for the first time ever, MTV is rewarding fans for voting through VMA Power Hour on vma.mtv.com, where their votes are doubled from 1-2pm ET daily. Superfans can come back each day within this voting window beginning tomorrow to show double the love for their favorite artists.

COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
21 Savage featuring J. Cole –  “a lot” – Slaughter Gang LLC/Epic Records
Billie Eilish – “bad guy” – Darkroom/Interscope Records
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next” – Republic Records
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker” – Republic Records
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Cardi B – Atlantic Records
Billie Eilish – Darkroom/Interscope Records
Ariana Grande – Republic Records
Halsey – Capitol Records
Jonas Brothers – Republic Records
Shawn Mendes– Island Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
Drake – “In My Feelings” – Young Money/Cash Money/Republic Records
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next” – Republic Records
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker” – Republic Records
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow” – Interscope Records
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records

BEST NEW ARTIST, presented by Taco Bell®
Ava Max – Atlantic Records
Billie Eilish – Darkroom/Interscope Records
H.E.R. – MBK/RCA Records
Lil Nas X – Columbia Records
Lizzo – Atlantic Records
ROSALÍA – Columbia Records

BEST COLLABORATION
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow” – Interscope Records
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records
Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!” – Republic Records
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber – “I Don’t Care” – Atlantic Records
BTS featuring Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Columbia Records

PUSH ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Bazzi – Atlantic Records
CNCO – RCA Records
Billie Eilish – Darkroom/Interscope Records
H.E.R. – MBK/RCA Records
Lauv – LAUV/AWAL
Lizzo – Atlantic Records

BEST POP
5 Seconds of Summer – “Easier” – Interscope Records
Cardi B & Bruno Mars – “Please Me” – Atlantic Records
Billie Eilish – “bad guy” – Darkroom/Interscope Records
Khalid – “Talk” – Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next” – Republic Records
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker” – Republic Records
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records

BEST HIP HOP
2 Chainz featuring Ariana Grande – “Rule the World” – 2 Chainz Ps/Def Jam
21 Savage featuring J. Cole –  “a lot” – Slaughter Gang LLC/Epic Records
Cardi B – “Money” – Atlantic Records
DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle & John Legend – “Higher” – We The Best/Epic Records
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records
Travis Scott featuring Drake – “SICKO MODE” – Epic Records/Grand Hustle/Cactus Jack

BEST R&B
Anderson .Paak featuring Smokey Robinson – “Make It Better” – Aftermath Ent/12 Tone Music
Childish Gambino – “Feels Like Summer” – RCA Records
H.E.R. featuring Bryson Tiller – “Could’ve Been” – MBK/RCA Records
Alicia Keys – “Raise A Man” – RCA Records
Ella Mai – “Trip” – 10 Summers/Interscope Records
Normani ft. 6lack – “Waves” – Keep Cool/RCA Records

BEST K-POP
BTS featuring Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Columbia Records
BLACKPINK – “Kill This Love” – YG Entertainment/Interscope Records
Monsta X featuring French Montana – “Who Do You Love” – Epic Records
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Cat & Dog” – Republic Records
NCT 127 – “Regular” – SM Entertainment
EXO – “Tempo” – SM Entertainment

BEST LATIN
Anuel AA, Karol G – “Secreto” – Universal Music Latino
Bad Bunny featuring Drake – “MIA” – OVO Sound/Warner Bros. Records
Benny Blanco, Tainy, Selena Gomez, J Balvin – “I Can’t Get Enough” – NEON16/Friends Keep Secrets/Interscope Records
Daddy Yankee featuring Snow – “Con Calma” – Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Maluma – “Mala Mía” – Sony Music US Latin
Rosalía & J Balvin featuring El Guincho – “Con Altura” – Columbia Records

BEST DANCE
The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha – “Call You Mine” – Disruptor/Columbia Records
Clean Bandit featuring Demi Lovato – “Solo” – Big Beat/Atlantic Records
DJ Snake featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B – “Taki Taki” – DJ Snake Music Productions Ltd/Geffen
David Guetta, Bebe Rexha & J Balvin – “Say My Name” – Big Beat/Atlantic Records
Marshmello & Bastille – “Happier” – Capitol Records
Silk City & Dua Lipa – “Electricity” – Columbia Records

BEST ROCK
The 1975 – “Love It If We Made It” – Dirty Hit/Interscope Records
Fall Out Boy – “Bishops Knife Trick” – Island Records
Imagine Dragons – “Natural” – KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records
Lenny Kravitz – “Low” – BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd.
Panic! At The Disco – “High Hopes” – Elektra Music Group
twenty one pilots – “My Blood” – Elektra Music Group

VIDEO FOR GOOD
Halsey – “Nightmare” – Capitol Records
The Killers – “Land of the Free” – Island
Jamie N Commons, Skylar Grey ft. Gallant – “Runaway Train” – Interscope Records
John Legend – “Preach” – Columbia Records
Lil Dicky – “Earth” – Dirty Burd, Inc./Commission/BMG
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records

BEST DIRECTION
Billie Eilish – “bad guy” – Darkroom/Interscope Records – Directed by Dave Meyers
FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Young Turks – Directed by Andrew Thomas Huang
Ariana Grande – “thank you, next” – Republic Records – Directed by Hannah Lux Davis
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records – Directed by Calmatic
LSD featuring Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Columbia Records – Directed by Dano Cerny
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records – Directed by Drew Kirsch & Taylor Swift

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Billie Eilish – “when the party’s over” – Darkroom/Interscope Records – Visual Effects by Ryan Ross, Andres Jaramillo
FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Young Turks – Visual Effects by Matt Chandler, Fabio Zaveti for Analog
Ariana Grande – “God Is a Woman” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Fabrice Lagayette, Kristina Prilukova & Rebecca Rice for Mathematic
DJ Khaled featuring SZA – “Just Us” – We The Best/Epic Records – Visual Effects by Sergii Mashevskyi
LSD featuring Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Columbia Records – Visual Effects by Ethan Chancer
Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Loris Paillier & Lucas Salton for BUF VFX

BEST EDITING
Anderson .Paak featuring Kendrick Lamar – “Tints” – Aftermath Ent/12 Tone Music – Editing by Elias Talbot
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Record – Editing by Calmatic
Billie Eilish – “bad guy” – Darkroom/Interscope Records – Editing by Billie Eilish
Ariana Grande – “7 Rings” – Republic Records – Editing by Hannah Lux Davis & Taylor Walsh
Solange – “Almeda” – Columbia Records – Editing by Solange Knowles, Vinnie Hobbs, Jonathon Proctor
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records – Editing by Jarrett Fijal

BEST ART DIRECTION
BTS featuring Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Columbia Records – Art Direction by JinSil Park, BoNa Kim (MU:E)
Ariana Grande – “7 Rings” – Republic Records – Art Direction by John Richoux
Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records – Art Direction by Itaru Dela Vegas
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records – Art Direction by Tatiana Van Sauter
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records – Art Direction by Brittany Porter
Kanye West and Lil’ Pump featuring Adele Givens – “I Love It” – Warner Records & Def Jam Music Group – Art Direction by Tino Schaedler

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Young Turks – Choreography by Kelly Yvonne
Rosalía & J Balvin featuring El Guincho – “Con Altura” – Columbia Records – Choreography by Charm La’Donna
LSD featuring Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Columbia Records – Choreography by Ryan Heffington
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records – Choreography by Calvit Hodge, Sara Biv
Solange – “Almeda” – Columbia Records – Choreography by Maya Taylor, Solange Knowles
BTS featuring Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Columbia Records – Choreography by Rie Hata

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Anderson .Paak featuring Kendrick Lamar – “Tints” – Aftermath Ent/12 Tone Music – Cinematography by Elias Talbot
Billie Eilish – “hostage” – Darkroom/Interscope Records – Cinematography by Pau Castejon
Ariana Grande – “thank you, next” – Republic Records – Cinematography by Christopher Probst
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records – Cinematography by Scott Cunningham
Solange – “Almeda” – Columbia Records – Cinematography by Chayse Irvin, Ryan Marie Helfant, Justin Hamilton
Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!” – Republic Records – Cinematography by Starr Whitesides

Ariana Grande – 10 Nominations
Video of the Year
Artist of the Year
Song of the Year
Best Pop
Best Hip-Hop
Best Direction
Best Visual Effects
Best Editing
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography

Taylor Swift – 10 Nominations
Video of the Year
Song of the Year
Best Collaboration
Best Pop
Best Direction
Best Visual Effects
Best Editing
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Video For Good

Billie Eilish – 9 Nominations
Video of the Year
Artist of the Year
Best New Artist, presented by Taco Bell®
Best Pop
Best Direction
Best Visual Effects
Push Artist of the Year
Best Editing
Best Cinematography

Lil Nas X – 8 Nominations
Video of the Year
Song of the Year
Best New Artist, presented by Taco Bell®
Best Collaboration
Best Hip-Hop
Best Direction
Best Editing
Best Art Direction

Halsey – 6 Nominations
Artist of the Year
Best Collaboration
Video For Good
Best Art Direction
Best Choreography
Best K-POP

Shawn Mendes – 5 Nominations
Artist of the Year
Best Collaboration
Best Art Direction
Best Choreography
Best Cinematography

Camila Cabello – 4 Nominations
Best Collaboration
Best Art Direction
Best Choreography
Best Cinematography

Cardi B – 4 Nominations
Artist of the Year
Best Pop
Best Hip-Hop
Best Dance

J Balvin – 4 Nominations
Best Latin
Best Latin
Best Dance
Best Choreography

Jonas Brothers – 4 Nominations
Video of the Year
Artist of the Year
Song of the Year
Best Pop

BTS – 4 Nominations
Best Collaboration
Best Art Direction
Best Choreography
Best K-POP

Anderson .Paak – 3 Nominations
Best R&B
Best Editing
Best Cinematography

Drake – 3 Nominations
Song of the Year
Best Hip-Hop
Best Latin

FKA twigs – 3 Nominations
Best Direction
Best Visual Effects
Best Choreography

H.E.R. – 3 Nominations
Best New Artist
Best R&B
Push Artist of the Year

LSD – 3 Nominations
Best Direction
Best Visual Effects
Best Choreography

ROSALÍA – 3 Nominations
Best New Artist, presented by Taco Bell®
Best Latin
Best Choreography

Solange – 3 Nominations
Best Editing
Best Choreography
Best Cinematography

The “VMAs,” which will be hosted by comedian, actor and best-selling author Sebastian Maniscalco, will air live from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on Monday, August 26 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, and across MTV’s global network of channels in more than 180 countries, reaching more than half a billion households around the world.

Official sponsors of the 2019 “MTV Video Music Awards” include EXTRA™ Refreshers, PEPSI®, Taco Bell®, and the 2020 Toyota Corolla.

Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.

Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are Executive Producers for the 2019 “VMAs.” Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Jackie Barba, Joe Buoye and Alicia Portugal serve as Executive in Charge of Production. Amani Duncan is Executive in Charge of Music.  Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent.

About MTV:
MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.

About The Prudential Center:
Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events each year. The arena is also home to the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, which opened its doors to the public on October 2017. The 8,200-square-foot experience marks the first GRAMMY Museum outpost on the East Coast, and features a dynamic combination of educational programming and interactive permanent and traveling exhibits, including a spotlight on legendary GRAMMY winners from New Jersey. Ranked in the Top 8 nationally by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit PruCenter.com and follow the arena on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.

Grammy Museum Experience opens first East Coast location at Prudential Center in New Jersey

September 12, 2017

Grammy Museum Experience
(Rendering courtesy of Grammy Museum Experience)

The GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, the interactive experience devoted to exploring music history and education, will open the doors to its 8,200-square-foot location/expansion housed in Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center on Friday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. ET.  Dedicated to celebrating the legacies of all forms of music and cultivating a greater awareness of the history of music with today’s youth, the Experience will feature interactive exhibits, as well as famed historical musical artifacts, such as fashion pieces worn by Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Amy Winehouse, and many more.  In honor of the rich musical heritage of New Jersey, the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center will feature a significant section that pays tribute to New Jersey’s homegrown entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston.

The Experience will be open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with tickets ranging from $9 to $12. Individual ticket and group ticket pricing and can be found at GRAMMYMuseumExp.org, tickets may be purchased via Ticketmaster.com.

“The Experience highlights the power music has to inspire, educate and celebrate,” said GRAMMY Museum Founding Executive Director Bob Santelli. “There is something for everyone – from exhibits designed to educate, to those that underline the history of music and its special place in our culture. We are proud to work alongside partners like Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and support the incredible work they have done to make the Prudential Center a major destination for music and entertainment on the East Coast. We are honored and thrilled to be able to share the Experience with the local community of Newark, and with visitors worldwide.”

“The GRAMMY Museum Experience will bring together two innovative brands in entertainment – the Prudential Center, a top-5 most played venue in the United States, and the GRAMMY Museum, the most revered and respected property in music industry history. As stewards of these iconic brands, active residents of the city of Newark, and under the leadership of Josh Harris and David Blitzer, we believe it is our responsibility and privilege to ignite the special passion sports and music has in our world, and on the youth of today,” said Scott O’Neil, CEO of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. “We look forward to honoring both the musical legacy of many of the acts, who have graced our stage at The Rock; as well as the performing legends who have inspired movements that have shaped our industry.”

“The GRAMMY Museum celebrates the transcendent power of music to cross generations and cultures,” said Colin McConnell, Chief Brand Officer, Prudential.  “In partnership with Prudential Center, we’re proud to celebrate the rich musical history of the GRAMMY Awards® here in our hometown of Newark, a city which has contributed so much to American music.”

Developed in large part for educational purposes, the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center will also provide support for supplemental music development in the area and serve as a turnkey arts and education center for schools throughout the Tri-State area. It aims to raise funds to support existing arts and culture programs, while also providing new educational opportunities and resources to youth programs throughout the area.

The GRAMMY Museum Experience will include a New Jersey Legends exhibit featuring a spotlight on iconic artists from New Jersey. In addition, the Experience will educate visitors on the heritage and history of the musically-rich state of New Jersey, while inspiring the area’s next generation of music makers.

The GRAMMY Museum Experience will also include the following interactive exhibits:

Roland® LIVE, an area that provides visitors with a real-life simulation experience of performing onstage
Focused exhibits that unveil the mysteries behind the recording process
A how-to tutorial that teaches visitors how to rap while providing insight into the mixing/remixing song experience
A section dedicated to the annual GRAMMY Awards, as told through a timeline highlighting unforgettable moments in GRAMMY history

Over the past three years, the Prudential Center, a Top 5 arena, has made an immense impact on the Newark community. In 2016, the Prudential Center recorded its highest-grossing weekend and busiest month in building history, with roughly 146,000 people entering the building monthly. Through alignment with local leaders, investments in talent development and commitment to venue upkeep, the Prudential Center has nearly doubled its entertainment programming, making it New Jersey’s home sports and entertainment venue.

For more information on the GRAMMY Museum Experience, please visit GRAMMYMUSEUMEXP.ORG.

Ashley Stewart launches first concept store in Newark

April 3, 2017

Ashley Stewart Newark
Ashley Stewart Newark (Photo courtesy of Ashley Stewart)

The following is an excerpt from an Ashley Stewart press release:

Ashley Stewart, the premier lifestyle destination for plus-size women’s fashion, announced today that it has unveiled it’s first-ever concept store in Newark, New Jersey. To serve Ashley’s community of women, the new 4,500 square feet store offers a completely revolutionary shopping experience. Coined “The Ashley Stewart Lab,” the shop houses a full range of branded apparel, jewelry and handbags, and for the first-time ever, incorporates a social lounge, which ultimately houses a marketplace dedicated to a curated selection of Ashley’s favorite non-apparel brands.

In a move to engage customers into Ashley’s incredibly powerful, women-driven social universe, the concept store features a social lounge that serves as a fashion haven for girlfriends to gather and celebrate their curves.  The store also has large fitting rooms that lead to a runway-ready lounge, complete with a digital display that streams the brand’s Ashley TV multimedia content. To customize the shopping experience, the store also features dedicated vignettes, including a Casual Shop, Career Shop and Intimates Shop, all for women who love their curves.

As the first brick-and-mortar opening since the reinvention of Ashley Stewart in 2013, this new store marks a significant move for the brand because it is also a return to Newark; a city that encompasses many of the same traits – perseverance, resilience, and hope – which drove Ashley Stewart to prevail.

“We are particularly excited for Ashley Stewart’s return to Newark,” remarked Nicole Goodman, Manager of Ashley Stewart Newark. “In many ways Ashley is reconnecting with a good friend from the past, and we are thrilled to give her something to talk about with this new store concept.

The new Ashley Stewart store is located in the Springfield Avenue Marketplace at 204 Springfield Avenue, Newark, New Jersey and is the retail chain’s 90th store. To celebrate the opening, Ashley Stewart had an opening party for their Divas on April 1 and will have a ribbon cutting with the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation and Mayor Ras Baraka on April 13, 2017.

On April 22, 2017, Ashley Stewart will host Finding Ashley Stewart 2017 at the store. The event is the fourth of eight stops on a national tour which, combined with an online search for finalists this summer, which will culminate in New York City with a grand finale in September. This nationwide search will award the title of “Ashley Stewart 2017” to a woman who embodies and exudes the confidence, strength and fierceness that has become synonymous with Ashley Stewart.

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