MTV VMAs Open Post: Hosted by ‘Video Vanguard’ Justin Timberlake

Aren’t you glad that I didn’t make Lady Gaga the “hostess” of tonight’s VMA Open Post? Truthfully, I didn’t drop Gaga in here because I’m sure we’re going to be talking about her enough tomorrow, and I wanted to give Justin Timberlake some attention. He’s receiving the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award tonight. Jimmy Fallon is scheduled to present the award to JT, and maybe N*Sync will be there too. Maybe there will be some sort of reunion. God knows.

At first I thought, “Really? Him?” because the Vanguard Award is and should be for a seemingly lifetime-achievement, but I guess it sort of works. Justin has been in the music industry for nearly 15 years, right? N*Sync became a thing in the late 90s, I remember that. And Justin became a solo act right around the time that he and Britney Spears split up. That’s why I’m using old photos of JT – I like to remember what he looked like before he became Justin Timberlake, Mr. GQ or whatever. I will give Justin some credit… I like some of his videos. Nothing recent, though. But I still think “Cry Me a River” is one of his best songs and best (shadiest) videos ever. Give some credit to Timbaland though!

Anyway, this year’s VMAs will probably be pretty decent, even though Gaga is going to try her damnedest to steal the spotlight from anyone and everyone. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis will be there, and I’m guessing that they win a bunch of awards. Katy Perry will be performing under the Brooklyn Bridge. Taylor Swift & Harry Styles have both signed on to present awards. Bruno Mars will be there, as will Miley Cyrus. Who else? Robin Thicke, Selena Gomez, Drake, Kanye West, and all of One Direction are scheduled to make appearances. Daft Punk is going to show up too. We’ll have full coverage tomorrow!

Photos courtesy of WENN.

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139 Responses to “MTV VMAs Open Post: Hosted by ‘Video Vanguard’ Justin Timberlake”

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  1. Jasmine says:

    The awesomeness that use to be Justin’s hair *sigh*

  2. nicegirl says:

    love the denim suit!

  3. Hazel says:

    Bring back your ramen perm Justin.

  4. iheartjacksparrow says:

    What’s with the “garter” of jewels on Miley’s leg?

  5. Joiq says:

    Dear Lord, I still have my Justin Bobble Head! I can’t beleive how baby he looked. Ah, memories.

    • janie says:

      Miley is nothing but trash! Whatever she’s trying to do isn’t working! Don’t kill me… I thought Kanye sounded good & minded his manners! I believe North has changed her dad! Love Justin Timberlake!!!!!!!!!!

  6. Claudia says:

    Not watching it, but here are my predictions: miley cyrus vs. Lady gaga for most attention-whoring.

  7. Marty says:

    Miley looks like one of the lost Rugrats with that hair…. I’ll shut up about the grill and tongue if I never have to hear her talk like that again.

  8. Dovie says:

    The boos to Lady Gaga = hilarious!

    • Val says:

      They were booing, weren’t they? I thought I was hearing things lol

    • Moore says:

      It was recorded I think. You could hear people talking in it so unless people in the audience were wearing mics too, it wasn’t real.

    • Moore says:

      It was recorded I think. You could hear people talking in it so unless people in the audience were wearing mics too, it wasn’t real.

    • Shannon says:

      I think that was part of her track. Isn’t she all about telling everyone NOT to buy her new album and NOT to listen to her music? Like reverse psychology. She’s a weirdo and even though I like her new song, I’m not buying her album.

  9. Wrachul says:

    Omg, Lady Gaga has been performing for all of 30 seconds and I’m already exhausted by her. ART!!!!

    Edit to add: I was just about to say that at least she sounds good live and the performance was pretty good despite it not being my cup of tea really. Then she had the clown makeup make an appearance. Gag.

    • Jane says:

      I was unimpressed with Gaga. She sounds good live, but the didn’t wow me like she normally does. Disappointed!

      @Elise Yes, a total mess and a train wreck. Her performance was revolting. I think she was on something. I could tell some audience members were not amused!

      • Jay says:

        Was she live? There was so much overdubbing/pre-recorded background vocals that I had trouble telling what (if anything) was her actually singing live.

  10. Joiq says:

    I don’t have cable at the moment. Anyone know where I can watch it online? MTVs site isn’t showing it full screen.

  11. Laurabb says:

    I’m sooooo over Gaga!! Selena looks good, why did they keep showing Bruno Mars? Did he write her song?

  12. iheartjacksparrow says:

    The Miley tongue strikes again!

  13. Dovie says:

    Oh lord – what in the world is Miley Cyrus on?!

    ETA: at this point, I am embarrassed for her. Even when I was 19/20, I didn’t think a furry mouse onesie was a good look. She really can’t sing live can she? We had to turn it off. Poor Robin Thicke.

  14. Sam says:

    Robin Thicke is trying to bring Beetlejuice back with that suit…

  15. Jayna says:

    I missed part of Gaga’s routine, but it looked generic. Miley is off key, singing flat. Man, I love Robin’s outfit. He’s hung.

  16. Annabelle says:

    What the hell is with the lizard tongue that Miley cannot keep in her mouth. Dear Lord, either I’ve gotten super old or kids today act all sorts a fool.

  17. cmc says:

    Guys, wtf is happening on stage? I don’t understand. This is a huge clusterf* with fifteen different groups of people wearing totally different things and everyone is shouting. And why is Miley involved. What is happening, I think I’m officially old now.

    • Jayna says:

      Ha-ha, I felt the same way. I was watching that mess and said I must be old. LOL

      • Jayna says:

        Miley talking like white trash, what was that about? It was bizarre and didn’t even go over. She was flat singing the entire performance. Robin is a great performer and deserved better than to be paired with that idiot. I really loved Robin’s suit, the first original outfit of the night.

    • Little Darling says:

      That was my EXACT reaction.

      I just felt olllld.

  18. CJW says:

    Miley is just ridiculous. She can’t sing and it’s beyond embarrassing.

    • Sam says:

      Miley’s performance looked like a furry convention playing out on stage.

    • Chicago Girl says:

      I feel embarrassed for her and for Robin Thicke who was somehow roped into performing with her. Her performance was a mess. She was trashy, her voice was awful, and her dancing was just too much. She’s trying so hard to show she’s a sexy adult, but she comes off as confused, offensive, and immature. Who would actually be a fan of someone like this?

      And what was the point of that performance anyway? I had no idea that Robin was supposed to be a referee of some sort until it was almost over. And what does the sports theme have to do with anything? It was a mess.

  19. trudy221 says:

    I want the last 5 minutes of my life back from Miley Cyrus! Has she turned into a video girl for Robin Thicke????? That was a big ole hot mess. . . . Ain’t nobody got time for that!

  20. Dovie says:

    HAhahahahahha best commercial – those weird speaker things complaining about music videos. “Someone feed Miley Cyrus. I mean, don’t you need an ass to twerk?”

    • Gigi says:

      LMAO, I laughed so freakin’ hard when I heard that. I’ve been repeating it to myself all night! SO glad someone else noticed that!

  21. Kaiser says:

    Miley Cyrus is officially the biggest cracked-out stripper in America. WTF?!?!?

    Gaga was try-hard, but after Miley’s performance, I swear to God, Gaga actually seemed really good in retrospect

    • Wrachul says:

      ITA!! That was horrifying and I feel bad that she thinks she looked sexy!

      • iheartjacksparrow says:

        I guess Miley also thought sticking that giant sponge hand in her crotch and in her mouth was also sexy.

  22. vilma says:

    Anyone know where I can watch the full show online? Somwhere where they can stream online to Europe!? Help? Thanks

  23. Dovie says:

    How embarrassing – poor Jared dropped some BBQ on his shirt before he went on stage and not one person told him.

  24. Kaiser says:

    Yeezus = Duchess Kate. Backlighting!

  25. lw says:

    If you can not perform a song without autotune, you are not a true performer…Mr. West. These fools actually believe their own hype. I don’t want to hear one more thing about Kanye being a musical genius. Not one more thing.

    • Jayna says:

      Well,he’s not a singer. He’s a rapper. It didn’t come off good, but on the album it’s a great song.

      • lw says:

        Lots of rappers can perform their music live and wonderfully. If you can not perform your song without autotune, you are not a musical genius.

    • CJW says:

      My thoughts exactly

    • Apsutter says:

      Do you not realize that that is the way the song is supposed to sound? I’m gonna go ahead and assume you’ve never seen him live because he is incredibly talented and always give a great performance. 90% of his music is free of autotune and it’s just him and the mic. But feel free to judge one man’s entire body of work by one performance and song. Kanye is most definitely an egotistical jackass but he’s also incredibly talented.

  26. Lauren says:

    This show is a mess. Poorly produced and all the live acts seem off… WTFGO?!

  27. Wordy says:

    Combining the cat pee and dog poo from the truth ad still wouldn’t add up to the shitshow this has been so far.

  28. Tess says:

    What the hell is Swifty wearing?!

  29. Dovie says:

    I am so not digging Taylor Swift’s “Gatsby” hair. It would be really pretty on someone else but she needs some volume or something.

    On the other hand I LOVE that “Same Love” just won!

  30. Kaiser says:

    Macklemore is sexy, but I’m also giving Ryan Lewis a second look too. Right? He’s really cute?!

  31. Kaiser says:

    I was waiting for a rogue, backlit Kanye to stagerush Swifty.

  32. Dovie says:

    The President of Pop?! Oh Jimmy lmfao.

    The one thing I can say for JT is that he really is a good performer and he’s been the best performance of the night so far.

    • iheartjacksparrow says:

      We’re practically getting a JT concert.

    • Laurabb says:

      The best by far!!!

    • Wrachul says:

      I thought he was great! I felt a little bad for Nsync, they seemed to just play the role of backup dancers. Made me think of Destiny’s Child at the Superbowl. But it was nice he acknowledged them during his speech. Final thought: he’s still an amazing performer, so many good songs!

      • Side-Eye says:

        This is what I was thinking when I showed up. At first I thought it was cute, but they kind of just showed up for two seconds as back-up dancers on half of a classic song. I’m not that big of a fan of boy bands though and am too young to have experienced the Nsync era, but I guess they looked like they were having fun, and Justin was amazing.

  33. Claudia says:

    WOW. So since I heard so much about it, I decided to watch the video of Miley’s performance… WTF?? Was she on acid? That was the most awkward, cringe-inducing performance I’ve ever seen. Some of the moves reminded me of Demi Moore’s awkward chicken dancing, and here Miley was trying to sell us all on her sex appeal and dance moves. That was I-married-my-brother-and-makeout-with-my-cousins level of trashy.

  34. Laurabb says:

    Dick in a Box!!! Hahahahahahha

  35. Sam says:

    Dammit Jimmy, just give Justin the f-ing trophy already.

  36. ADD says:

    I miss nsync so much

  37. Hillshmill says:

    Well now I’m very excited to see JT live in November. I hope his performance seriously overshadows that disasterfest that Miley threw out.

  38. Ava says:

    Miley Cyrus has no self-respect whatsoever.

    • Elise says:

      And water is wet.

    • blaize says:

      If self-respect= modesty, then you’re absolutely right 🙂

      • Side-Eye says:

        Well, it was only a matter of time before blaize popped up to defend her employer. *sits back and waits for people calling her outfit ugly to be turned into rape apologists and slut shamers and Virgins*

      • blaize says:

        @Side-eye: Employer? Really? Is that the best you’ve got?

        I don’t care if anyone calls anybody’s clothes ugly. I do care, however, if people start implying that a female’s respectability, worth, and character are dependent on the sex she has, the clothes she wears, or the dance moves she does, and if they call her any variant of ‘slut’ for it. And if that happens on any thread that I’m on, I’ll call it out.

  39. Kaiser says:

    I don’t remember a Video Vanguard winner ever hustling THAT hard. It was kind of amazing. I’m impressed that Justin Timberlake still feels the need to BRING IT.

    • Dovie says:

      And bring it he did.

    • Jayna says:

      I know. Justin really brought it. I loved that he performed songs throughout his career.

    • Brittney says:

      I was thinking the same thing! But I’m so glad he did. Because seeing JC’s face and hearing his voice on that stage again… so worth the JT takeover. I would pay so much money to see Nsync live again.

  40. Nerd Alert says:

    Why do they keep cutting to Taylor Swift??

    • Wrachul says:

      Probably because she’s dancing the entire time, just like she did at the Grammys. At least she looks like she’s enjoying herself.

    • Side-Eye says:

      This is exactly what I was wondering! Was getting tired of seeing her gerbil face but Justin was pretty awesome so,I’m glad I made it for that.

    • AmyLynne says:

      Thats what I’m wondering!! What awkward dancing….

  41. Nev says:

    EVERYTHING so far is soooo messy and not happening.

    Miley made me smile a couple times.brat.

  42. Dovie says:

    Ohhhh yeah, Macklemore is killin’ it too!

  43. TheOneAndOnlyOnly says:

    I defer to Adam Levine’s caustic comment from last year; this is the one night MTV acts like they care about vids; No one has mentioned that MTV doesn’t even show music vids, their cable networks carry them;
    This is an industry event pushing industry product; I’ll go back to listening to my Jeff Buckley cd that was burned for me – now that’s a talent these fools don’t even know about.
    Remember the days of Prince and Madonna, En Vogue and The Red Hot Chili Peppers? Oh, well.

  44. randmanrandy says:

    Miley cannot be stopped. Her “good karma” is gonna kick all our asses. Soon enough she will be the Queen of Pop. Move over Beyonce, bow down to MILEY!!!!

  45. Claudia says:

    Miley’s performance is going to give me nightmares. I’m still thinking about the second-hand embarrassment I was feeling watching that video, I had to cut out when she was awkwardly humping the foam hand with Robin Thicke. Ugh.

    • Marty says:

      She literally looked like she was on crack up there. I thought it was really sad actually. When Rihanna is giving you side-eye for being a hot mess, you know something’s wrong

    • Samtha says:

      Did you see the video of Swifty’s reaction to that? Classic.

  46. GeeMoney says:

    Justin totally killed it tonight… and I was soooo happy to see him on stage with *NSYNC! Great performance.

    Miley Cyrus… all I can say is damn. What a shameful, desperate and tasteless performance.

  47. iheartjacksparrow says:

    Daily Mail has photos of Miley and Robin dancing.

  48. pretty says:

    Taylor Swift saying “Shut the f up” to selena gomez

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6cegCeojfE

    • mike says:

      That was hilarious. I wonder if Selena knew they were being filmed and that’s why she didn’t say anything.

      Anyhoo. It’ll be interesting to see how she’ll spin this and if this will bring about a backlash. I think we’ve all suspected she’s not above foul language, but suspecting and confirming are very different indeed…

      • m says:

        I suspect that Selena was probably saying that she wasnt going to win since that was her award being presented. That or Selena made a joke about Harry Styles!
        Taylor has said that she requests her swearing to be off the record in interviews. In a world with KStew, I personally find Taylors lack of cursing to be refreshing.

      • Samtha says:

        I think she was talking at Harry Styles, since he was on stage at the time. Either a straight, “STFU” in his direction, or something like, “He needs to STFU.”

    • Angie says:

      lip readers have confirmed she said ‘sorry for my arm’. watch it again.

  49. Laurabb says:

    I love Bruno Mars, but he is wee.

  50. Dovie says:

    So JT brought his mom rather than his wife. Sweet of him to dedicate his video of the year to his grandma.

    It’s been a while since I watched the VMA’s all the way through. Is it normal to not mention one’s spouse or significant other?

  51. blaize says:

    Ok, I’ve watched some of the VMA performances/moments on my computer because I missed it.

    I’ve been watching the VMA’s since 2008, and I almost always end up disappointed, partially because most pop stars aren’t great singers live and partially because it’s not always as exciting as I want it to be or the people who I want to win something don’t while artists who I dislike win.

    Anyways, Lady Gaga’s performance was pretty good. Definitely not her best, but I was entertained.

    Miley’s performance made me laugh at one part, and she looked like she was having a lot of fun, but the performance overall sukked. It’s not worth the slut-shaming as this is 2013 rather than 1953, but I expected her performance to be more entertaining.

    • Claudia says:

      Oh geez. No one is slut-shaming, at least on this board. And when has the concept evolved past not shaming women who like sex, to women who act trashy in general? Crass is crass and tacky is tacky, no need to sugar-coat it. Her performance was cringe-worthy. That freaking tongue and her awful, awkward dance moves and shitty vocals all combine to make a tragic performance.

      On the plus side, I just watched the entirety of JT’s performance. He did a great job! I wish there was more *Nsync and that the guys were lit better, though…

      Also liked Drake’s performance. Bruno’s new song was bland, but maybe I’ll like it more after a few listens.

      Did anyone else think that Rihanna looked bored out of her mind during the entire show?

      • blaize says:

        When ‘stripper’ (and other sex work-related terms) are used to punish/police, when one is called ‘garbage’ and a person has no self-respect- all because of sex they’ve had, skin they’ve shown, or dance moves they’ve done, it all goes back to that. Slut-shaming isn’t just attacking women who like sex… it covers clothes and dance moves too, because it’s all about placing a female’s character, respectability, well-being, and worth in sex and modesty.

        I agree that the performance was lousy though, especially since she bragged about how amazing it would be.

  52. taxi says:

    I’d forgotten that JT used to be kind of cute. Long time ago. I’ve also decided that a rapper is not a singer.

  53. Jayna says:

    Gaga walked out of the VMAs because she was furious One Direction were booed throughout their acceptance speech. She went backstage and told them they deserved everything they had worked for and left because of the rudeness of the audience. I have to give it to One Direction, they were booed throughout their speech and ignored it and gave a nice speech.

  54. Alexandra says:

    I need to take a shower after seeing whatever the hell Miley Cirus did on stage. I feel dirty. Probably the filthiest thing I’ve ever seen on such an awards show. Just…EW. Damn, Robin, there is a thin…or let’s just say ‘blurred’ line between being naughty and being plain gross – guess what, you joined the other side. Your video was on the verge, but this…UGH! Too much! I give you credit though for not touching anything LOL. Ok, maybe I’m just harsh on him, because in fact Miley did all the heavy lifting.

    And there were so many out-of-tune parts (as few as they were when Miley attempted to sing) in between the playback moments, that my head nearly exploded like in “Scanners”.

    And too bad JT believes his career in music hangs above his acting career like a cloud – it’s pretty much the only thing he is good at.

    By the way, I feel for those fans who had the enormous blessing of touching Miley’s hands while she was humping all over Robin.

  55. Lila says:

    Anyone else excited about the Divergent trailer? I’m loving the casting of Four.

    • Claudia says:

      I have never heard of Divergent before tonight, but the trailer looks really interesting. It’s based on a book series right? Is it a dystopian future kind of thing?

      • Lila says:

        Exactly! Third book due out in October. The first two have been action packed. I have high hopes for the series:)

  56. Side-Eye says:

    I missed Miley’s performance thankfully, but did anyone else see the photo of the Smith family reaction to it? Hilarious

  57. Claudia says:

    Just watched Macklemore’s performance. Amazing :). It made me really happy, and I liked seeing the expressions of the audience when it was over– they all looked so respectful and awed.

    • LadidahBaby says:

      Yep, it was great. J-Hud wasn’t needed, but she did well just the same. When it was over, there was light everywhere. My favorite song of the summer.

  58. Dannielle says:

    So, Miley kinda blew it tonight. She could’ve come out and just been naturally sexy, but it was SO. FORCED. Just didn’t work.

    Justin was incredible. That was amazing. That went on longer than Beyoncé’s Super Bowl halftime–no small feat. Even in concerts, it’s one song to a time, then a water break and possible short chat with the audience before onto the next one. 20 minutes of straight performance? Holy crap, Justin. HOLY. CRAP.

    Side note: audio issues throughout the night, particularly through JT’s performance were horrid. Sounded like listening to the radio. Could hardly hear Katy’s voice at the end, too, and she’s not a quiet singer. From what I could hear, she’s was really good, as always.

  59. blaize says:

    Selena and Taylor looked really good. I loved both of their dresses.

  60. Saffie says:

    Miley’s performance with Robin Thicke was like a trainwreck on steroids.

  61. Side-Eye says:

    Ok, I’m sorry I just–I need to leave these here:

    http://ikilledjasontodd.tumblr.com/post/59364061975

    http://lavender-and-creme.tumblr.com/post/59364087580

    We need to discuss Drake’s face though.

  62. Saffie says:

    You know when Rhinna’s reaction is WTF then you know you went overboard with the “sleazy”.

  63. BreeinSEA says:

    Why was Miley mouthing Robins lyrics while on stage? Annoying. JT just made it all about him although entertaining I still need more NSYNC in my life!!! What an effin tease. I almost cried lol. And they cut to Taylor be ause she’s the only one having fun. Rihanna looked like shed rather be on vacation. And Lil Kim? CHRIST ALMIGHTY!

  64. Adrien says:

    It’s bad for Gaga’s pr team when people are talking about Miley’s fremdschämen-filled performance and Chris Kirkpatrick’s band’s 2 minute reunion than Gaga’s solid opening performance. Gaga is just mildly shocking now.

  65. lady mary. says:

    i absolutely ,hated it ,they said nsync would perform ,sadly it only turned out to be nsync paying an ode to the great justin timberlake,hated it ,that i didnt get to see more of them

  66. MegG says:

    I think JT should stick to singing. That’s what he’s good at. I haven’t liked him much as a actor yet.

  67. heyhey says:

    I love how miley stole the spotlight from gaga, but for all the wrong reasons.

  68. krinata says:

    For me, MTV and the VMAs have essentially lost credibility. All these desperate and trashy low gimmicks are so tiring to watch. I miss the years when I would look forward to Janet Jackson performing on stage. 🙁

  69. Mia says:

    There is no excuse for Miley. The end.

  70. lisa2 says:

    Well everyone is talking about Miley. So she got what she wanted. I was looking forward to Blurred lines.. love that song..and well it was ruined and just so so WRONG on every level.

    I feel old, and THANK YOU GOD.. because if YOUNG is what happened at that show last night. I am going to embrace OLD like nobody’s business.

  71. lisa2 says:

    The Today Show said Taylor was saying STFU to Harry..

    wonder how his fans are going to react.
    I’m just not a Swift fan at all

  72. Quinn says:

    Marilyn Manson could serve as a cautionary tale to Gaga… Too much camp gets old. And this is coming from someone who thought Manson had some talent back in the day.