chris brown reaches out to his fans

Justin gives his sexy stare

Danity Kane pose on the red carpet

Shakira and Fall Out Boy on the Red Carpet

Watch the Show at vma.mtv.com

See musical performances, backstage moments and photos HERE.

Live Blogging the big show

8:00 EST - Lady Liberty and Hova at the Top of the Rock open up the show. Justin dances his little booty off and brings sexyback.

8:07 - Everything goes wrong in Jack Black's monologue. On purpose. We think.

8:11 - The Raconteurs and Lou Reed sing "White Light." Jack White bathes in the bass.

8:13 - Lil' Kim is out of prison, yet dons an orange jumpsuit for the occasion. She strips and presents Best Male to James Blunt. He races everyone to the bar.

8:20 - Vanessa Minillo tells us that there are hidden cameras all over Radio City. We'll see who's naughty and nice.

8:24 - Jack Black wears a gold suit. Introduces Andre 3000 in knee-high red boots and a trucker hat. He's accompanied by a very feminine-looking Ciara.

8:27 - "My Humps" wins Best Rab Video. Kanye does not look happy.

8:30 - The Rock introduces Shakira and Wyclef, who tell nothing but the truth with their various body parts. Shakira looks amazing in at hot pink satin belly dancing outfit. It only amplifies her amazing um, assets.

8:34 - The Jackass guys, with a naked Wee Man, shock each other silly with a WWII field phone. Bleeding and cackling ensues. Fall Out Boy is kicking ass in the Viewer's Choice category.

8:41 - Fitty and LL are very sparkly.

8:44 - Kelly Clarkson is MIA for her Best Female win.

8:46 - Lil Jon introduces Pharell and Ludacris, who have obviously shaken their money makers from the looks of the chains. The Pussycat Dolls, no strangers to shaking, join them in gold mini dresses.

8:50 - Sarah Silverman gets geeked out about Lance Bass. "Please, space travel is pretty gay. It's like the Liza Minelli of like, travel."

8:57 - Kyle Gass, dressed as a tin can, crashes the stage. Jack Black says, "I'm the Jared Leto to your 30 Seconds to Mars,"

8:59 - Jessica Simpson's dress is just about as short as it could possibly be. She fumbles her lines and "pushes her tush."

9:01 - The Pussycat Dolls win Best Dance Video. Shakira and Wyclef look pissed. They read their acceptance speech from a Sidekick.

9:05 - Chris Brown introduces Ok Go's freakin cool treadmill dance. The treadmills have the letters OKGO on them. They totally pull it off and look super happy when they're done.

9:10 - The hidden cameras reveal that Paris Hilton is never where she should be.

9:14 - A lobster bites Steve-O's tongue.

9:15 - Paris Hilton is introduced as "the hottest producer of independent film," wearing Madonna's outfit from 1984. In turn, she introduces The All American Rejects. They perform on a stage in the middle of a dancing crowd of people on the floor of Radio City and on giant screens.

9:19 - Nick Lachey and Nicole Richie come onto a stage decorated with an enormous pink poodle.

9:21 - Best Pop Video goes to Pink, whose hair is completely shaved except for a poodle-like bunch of curls on top. "I totally won, that's awesome," she says.

9:29 - Jack Black shows some more pictures of people who have sent their photos in on vma.mtv.com.

9:31 - Snoop Dogg says he could use something to smoke, instead shows off gin and juice. Gives Best Rap Video to Chamillionaire. Gets mad at 20/20 for cancelling an interview about racial profiling and says the video "made my year. Nobody can cancel this."

9:35 - Beyonce enters to sirens from the ceiling in a trench coat. Her guitarist has a headbanger's fro. Beyonce makes a trench coat and thigh-high boots look badass.

9:45 - Gnarls Barkley wins Best Direction and Shakira wins for Best choreography. Missy Elliott wins for Best Effects.

9:46 - Diddy introduces T.I. "The King of the South" who is also wearing a sparkly hoodie.

9:51 - Jared Leto and Amy Lee present Best Group Video to The All American Rejects. They join James Blunt at the bar.

10:01 - Rihanna and Ne-o present Ringtone of the Year to Fort Minor. Longest. Speech. Ever.

10:05 - Fall Out Boy introduce Panic! at the Disco, who are allowed to say "goddamn" on the air. Their set is best described as Gothic Rock.

10:09 - Fergie is introduced as "America's favorite lumpy lady." She presents the Best New Artist award to Avenged Sevenfold with the girl from Little Miss Sunshine.

10:20 - Britney Spears and Kevin Federline do a skit about their own dysfunction. They give Best R&B Video to Beyonce and Slim Thug.

10:24 - Kanye still doesn't look happy. He presents the Video Vanguard to Hype Williams. In a tribute, Busta comes in with tribal dancers. Hope has his machete in check. Missy Elliott does Superfly in pow pow power wheels. Hype thanks all the hip hop royalty.

10:33 - Sarah Silverman tells Paris Hilton to lose weight.

10: 36 - Vanessa Minillo says that 40 million people voted for the Viewer's Choice Award. Looks like Fall Out Boy will win.

10:42 - Christina Aguilera performs a heartfelt ballad that turns into a power ballad in a beaded red dress. It's a crowd pleaser.

10:47 - Lou Reed and Pink present Best Rock Video after Reed pleads with MTV to play more rock. AFI win for Miss Murder. Asymmetrically-coifed dudes everywhere rejoice.

10:52 - One of the dudes from ZZ Top (I think) joins the Raconteurs.

10:58 - Kyle from Tenacious D joins the Black Eyed Pease, and Jack Black flips out in his dressing room, where Justin Timberlake is building shelves. Kyle and Jack reconcile to James Blunt's "Beautiful."

11:01 Tenacious D sings a song about a friendship "with the power of almighty Zeus."

11:03 - The Jackass geniuses present the viewer's choice award to Fall Out Boy, as predicted. Wee Man punches Steve-O in the nuts, as predicted.

11:06 - Queen Latifah talks about saving the planet, introduces Al Gore. Gore talks about bringing sexy back, global warming. Sexy goes back to the pop stars.

11:17 - J.Lo wears her fanciest head scarf to present Video of the Year. 11:19 - Video of the Year goes to Panic! at the Disco.

11:22 - Axl Rose introduces The Killers, featuring Brandon Flowers' mustache. The crowd loves it.

11:27 - "We gave the mighty Thor a rusty trombone. Good night!" Good night, Jack.

VMA Countdown madness

There's less than four hours until the big show on MTV, and we've got extra limited edition Madonna and Christina Aguilera lyric T-shirts to give away to 10 lucky people who post locations to the map! Add your spot to the map now!

Also, see Troy's big day at the VMA Forum here:

Watch Tuesday's VMA Kick Off Concert

Last Tuesday's Kick Off concert was great despite the bad weather. Head over Overdrive to watch all the action from Battery Park.

The chance of a lifetime

It's me! Troy! Rapping with METHOD MAN!!

Gabay's Or How To Get Red Carpet Ready For Less

There is nothing to put the fear of God into a girl like facing a red carpet. That fear is only made worse by a little thing I like to call sticker shock. If you aren't a celebrity that gets her designer goodies for free how are you supposed to manage a red carpet situation like, say, ohh I don't know, maybe the VMAs? My little secret? Gabay's! Located at 225 First Avenue (between 13th and 14th) in NYC this fashionsita heaven has more designer goods at not so designer prices than you can shake a stick at. I promise that you will find the perfect outfit at the perfect price.

VMA Nominee T.I. Reaches the Tipping Point

After years of regional stardom, hip-hop’s self-proclaimed King of the South is finally ready to break big with "What You Know," and a VMA nomination for Best Video, Male.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND MORE AT BLENDER.COM

VMA Nominee Panic! At the Disco is #100 on the Blender 100 for 2006

They’re kings of MySpace, Jimmy Page loves ’em, and jocks don’t beat them up anymore.

Ross and Urie, both 19, are Panic’s creative brain trust. Introvert Ross writes the lyrics, extrovert Urie sings them, and both collaborate on music. They’re an odd couple who work exceptionally well together: Witness the group’s breakthrough single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” in which Urie miraculously turns a Dickensian phrase — “poise and rationality” — into an unexpected Top 40 refrain. The group’s histrionic, danceable punk debut, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, has sold north of 900,000 copies; Jimmy Page and Ashlee Simpson have shown up at their concerts; and like their friends in Fall Out Boy, Panic have crossed over from the rock underground to TRL-anointed, mainstream stardom.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND MORE!

Oh My Gosh

I had the most amazing day yesterday at the VMA forum. Check out all the celebrities I met.

Webster Hall 8/29

See more pictures from the MTV2 LIFEbeat concert HERE.

Taking Back Sunday pics from Webster Hall

Last night at MTV2's LIFEbeat concert TBS rocked the house. See more pics HERE.

Last night's LIFEbeat concert

Check out 30 Seconds to Mars and Taking Back Sunday pics from last night's LIFEbeat concert .HERE

This Buddakan's For You Insider's Guide to Buddakan

SUBMITTED BY: Urban Daddy
When it comes to restaurants, yes, we love our little hidden gems. But every so often we see something so big, so bad, so bold, with so massive and unapologetic a presence, that we're compelled to head straight for the show. Buddakan New York is this place. On Monday, Philly kingpin Stephen Starr opens the decadent, 16,000 square foot space—a spectacular two-story Chinese mansion in the upper regions of the Meatpacking District. Warning: Buddakan is a labyrinth of corridors and chambers with different dining experiences around each corner—so a blind reservation might have you on a date facing a brick wall or doing business over the glow of soft candlelight in the intimate Red Vase Room. We don't want this for you. That's why we've put together the quick and dirty inside guide to the rooms of Buddakan: If you're in the mood for quick drinks and bites, the Lounge, with its stainless steel bar and giant tables, is sure to be the area's next biggest scene. For dates, request the Red Vase Room, a sexy tucked-away room with giant red lacquered vases and mood lighting. The place to be will be the soaring two-level Grand Hall, where you will find the longest and hottest communal table in the city (you might even find yourself making a reservation for one). Hit the Blue Areas along the perimeters of both floors if you're looking for a more "chill" way to experience Buddakan (yes, there is a chill way to experience Buddakan). But the Golden Library is the hottest room in the place—glowing from the gilt spines of hundreds of books, the library is ideal for private parties with its private bar, center banquette, and secret entrance off of 16th Street. No matter where you are, the inspired haute Chinese dishes sizzle, thanks to the efforts of chefs Michael Schulson and Angelo Sosa—our favorites were the Crispy Taro Puff Lollipops, Sizzling Dungeness Crabs with Chili and Bean Sauce, and Shaken Chili Beef Tartare. And a little secret from the kitchen? They'll make anything you want off the menu—so if you're really hankering for done-up kung pao chicken, ask away. Buddakan may have Philly roots, but it's got New York-size aspirations. Buddakan New York, 75 9th Avenue (at 16th), 212-989-6699, http://www.buddakannyc.com/, opens Monday, reservations now being taken.
Urban Daddy

A Threesome South Of The Border La Esquina Lounge Completes Trio of Mexican Restaurants

SUBMITTED BY: Urban Daddy
Bacon, lettuce and tomato. The Godfather I, II, and III. Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell and Denise Richards in the pool in Wild Things. Good things come in threes. So agrees a group of restaurateurs (previously affiliated with Bowery Bar and the Tribeca Grill) who brings us a new trio of hi-low-and-in-between Mexican eateries all in the same locale. Corner Deli is a kitschy old-school taco stand open 24-7, complete with neon signage and formica counters; La Esquina is a chill art-filled café. La Esquina Lounge, which opens tonight, is fine dining in a sexy subterranean Mexican dungeon spiked with wrought iron gating and weathered brick, lit by candles and showcasing over 130 kinds of tequila (aka 130 ways to regret the morning) -- an ideal space for large dinner parties. All oddly connected (Corner Deli flanks the café and the lounge is hidden below), the three spots feature "non-gringo" cuisine by former Café Habana owner Richard Ampudia and food network guru Aarón Sanchez (chef at the newly opened Centrico): try the nopales y huevos (eggs and cactus) torta and the Papa y Chorizo taco. Downstairs, the Carne Asada con Chimichurri works with a shot of limited edition Chamucos Reposado tequila. This may not be the Mexican threesome you've always dreamed of, but you may end up with another ménage-à-trois: Advil, Pepto-Bismol and lots of agua. La Esquina, 106 Kenmare between Lafayette and Cleveland, 646-613-7100
Urban Daddy

Party like a rockstar with World Famous NYC

World Famous NYC is popping up everywhere in the Rock & Roll and celeb scenes. While still mysterious and unknown to the masses, rockstars and models alike can be spotted at New York’s hottest spots sporting the underground label. From Ozzy and Mudvayne to the hardcore Mickey Rourke, World Famous NYC is definitely not another company just claiming to be the real thing. Until recently, the label was only available in super-exclusive celebrity gift bags, but now the rest of us can be rockstars, and live vicariously through the clothing. www.worldfamousnyc.com

VMA Kick Off Concert Photo Album

View the rest of my photos from Tuesday's VMA Kick Off concert in Battery Park

How to beat the meat in NYC

Last night I had an awful dream. I was taking a bite of a hard boiled egg and when i did suddenly a half grown baby chick was hanging out of my mouth. A friend of mine tells me this is a delicacy in Asia. It's a fertilized duck egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell. It's grossness like this that led me to become a vegetarian. It is also why it's so great to find a truly amazing vegetarian restaurant that even a meat eaters love!

For my birthday I went to a place called Pure Food and Wine located in Gramercy Park (54 Irving Place). The place had a bit of a romantic feel while other parts of the restaurant looked like a wonderful spot for a girls dinner out. I was completely overwhelmed by everything I got. Right away I spied a five course tasting menu at the bottom of the menu! SCORE, I don't have to narrow down my choices now, someone else will take care of this for me and my growling belly. Before we could eat though we obviously had to have some wine. Our waiter was extremely helpful in helping us pick out one. He managed to dump some water in one of our wine glasses but promptly made up for it by bringing me a glass of pinot grigio - SCORE again!

Next came the part that my belly adored - the holy moses i'm drooling right now while writing about this food. Each time they brought out a dish one of the chefs would come out to explain how it was cooked, what was in it and more. After I mopped up my face from all the drool I was able to actually shove some of this yumminess into my stomach and good grief!!! If Emeril wasn't such a meat head he would be screaming at the top of his tubby lungs BAM after each bite! The first thing they brought out was a baby fennel and red shiso tart. It was about the size of 10 dimes piled on top of each other. For such a tiny piece of food it had a huge taste explosion!. It was like a little bomb in my mouth!

While the texture of the cucumber gazpacho freaked me out a bit, the BIG WHITE CORN TAMALE made me want to jump out of my seat run up to the chef and make babies with him. Instead I asked if it was in the cookbook at the counter and immediately bought the darn thing.

So after my first experience at Pure Food and Wine I was utterly impressed. If you're looking for a place that's veg friendly, healthy, full of flavor and will make you drool all over, it is the place to go. I know I've already made reservations for next week. BAM

Pure Food and Wine

I'm So... New York

I'm So...New York is a brand that represents the essence of what it is to be from NY. The authenticity, the swagger, the story telling only possible when you were actually there. Its not about having a New York area code, its about having a New York state of mind. For more information email kristoff@imso-ny.com

Roots

Welp...what can I say? The Roots are simply amazing. They took hip-hop to a whole new level when they came on the scene and I was fortunate enough to ask them a few questions about their background in growing up in Philly. The Quest Love and Black Thought were so nice, which is great because it's like...wow...they rock musically AND are down-to-earth nice fellas. I love these guys!

Clipse

These fellas were born in the Bronx then moved to Virginia--and as you all know, "Virginia is for Hustlers"! Pusha T and Malice were great to talk to. It was great learning about their background. This rhyming brother duo have a super bright future ahead of them...check out their tune, "Mr. Me Too" if you haven't already and you'll see what I'm talking about...who knows, maybe they'll move back to NYC one day?

VMA Kick Off Concert Pics

NFG's Guitarist, Chad Gilbert.