Katy Perry, Adele, Kanye West lead MTV Video Music Awards nods

MTV made one thing clear when rolling out its list of nominees for the 2011 Video Music Awards: This is the year of the pop diva. And Katy Perry and Adele are sitting right at the top.

Adele might have proved she is unrivaled when it comes to her profile on the charts, but Perry’s year of churning out a host of whimsical visuals snagged her a leading nine VMA nominations, the network announced Wednesday during a live telecast.

Perry turned heads at this year’s Grammy Awards when the pop tart's largely panned “Teenage Dream” competed in the top album category, but it’s an album that spawned a host of No. 1's –- and the accompanying videos were met with equal fanfare. Always somewhat predictable when it comes to whom they choose to fete, the VMAs have remained a ceremony rewarding the song's visuals, rather than being based on chart performance or critical acclaim. Perry's rack of nods includes video of the year and female video for the hit “Firework,” pop video for “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” and collaboration for her Kanye West-assisted “E.T.”

Adele’s crossover smash “Rolling in the Deep” was the only clip the Brit released in support of her record-breaking “21,” but that didn’t matter. The visual for the single garnered seven nominations, which also includes the top video of the year.

Chris Brown and Rihanna BET Award mix-up was 'human error'

BET executive Stephen Hill is taking full responsibility for the snafu that overshadowed much of the BET Awards on Sunday.

During the telecast, "106 & Park" hosts Terrence and Rocsi brought out contest winner Tiffany Greene on stage to announce the fan-voted Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award, in what has become a tradition for the ceremony.

The show used tablet computers instead of traditional envelopes to reveal who had won. After tapping her tablet, Greene announced Chris Brown as the winner for his hit "Look at Me Now" (the track had also won for video of the year and for collaboration). Then, she quickly corrected herself to call Rihanna the victor.

“Well, this is awkward,” said Drake, who emerged from backstage to accept on behalf of the absent singer for their hit “What’s My Name,” as the audience reacted with confusion.

Some in the crowd immediately said they believed it was all rigged by the network. Yes, mishaps happen during award telecasts, and giving an award to the wrong person is certainly awkward on any occasion. But for the mix-up to involve Brown and Rihanna was just asking for headlines. Indeed, the moment became a trending topic online, with plenty of people blaming Greene.

An angry and certainly a little embarrassed Greene went to Twitter and wrote, "Bawling backstage. They totally [expletive] me up," before apologizing and writing, "Last night I was tweeting backstage out of pure emotion and nerves. I actually feel a lot better today and the kind words have truly helped."

Hill, BET's president of music programming and specials, has since taken full responsibility for the mistake.

"That BET Awards Viewer's Choice mix-up was due to human error," he wrote in a tweet. "And I was the human that made that error. I apologize to ALL affected."

At the conclusion of Sunday's ceremony, host Kevin Hart brought out Brown to tell him he was actually the intended winner of the trophy, along with the FANdemonium Award. But the damage was already done, considering a chunk of the audience had already started filing out of the venue and were discussing the incident.

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— Gerrick D. Kennedy

Photo: Drake accepts the viewer's choice award for Rihanna that was awarded to her by mistake at the 2011 BET Awards in Los Angeles. Chris Brown was the actual winner of the award. Credit: Mario Anzuoni / Reuters.

BET Awards 2011 crown Chris Brown the comeback kid

Last year at the BET Awards, Chris Brown stomped and bawled his way through an emotional tribute to his idol, the late Michael Jackson. The performance earmarked a yearlong public plea for redemption that had plenty of highs and lows. On Sunday night, it was pretty clear that at least one audience had embraced the singer. 

The 22-year-old was the uncontested man of the evening, collecting five trophies, including male R&B artist, video of the year and collaboration for “Look at Me Now” during the telecast, which aired live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. 

"All my fans are everything to me," Brown said while accepting the award for male R&B artist. "I know it's been a long road. I just appreciate every blessing that's been put in front of me."

Later, he delivered a dance-heavy medley of tracks from “F.A.M.E.,” his first No. 1 album, and performed alongside buzzy up-and-coming rapper Big Sean. He even chided his own lack of poise when it comes to public speaking, something the audience got a laugh out of, given his meltdown on "Good Morning America" in March.

Although Brown’s appearance made for the rather awkward question of seating arrangements in case Rihanna would make an appearance -- she didn’t, despite winning for female R&B artist -– their names did cross paths thanks to a major snafu.

As a fan presented the Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award, Brown's name was called as the winner (the show used tablet computers instead of traditional envelopes to reveal who had won), but then it was quickly changed to Rihanna. 

“Well, this is awkward,” said Drake, who emerged from backstage to accept on behalf of the absent singer for their hit “What’s My Name,” amid gasps and muttering from the confused audience.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, host Kevin Hart bought out Brown to tell him he was actually the intended winner of the trophy, along with the FANdemonium Award. Talk about awkward -- especially as a chunk of the audience had already began filing out of the venue.

Chris Brown tops Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Kanye West with six 2011 BET Awards nominations

Look at Chris Brown now.

Last year ,the 22-year-old made his most public plea for redemption at the BET Awards, which occurred after he pleaded guilty for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna, with a tear-stained tribute to his idol, the late Michael Jackson. Then the question was whether Brown would be able to make a comeback.

This year, the singer answers his naysayers by leading the pack of nominees for the 2011 BET Awards, the network announced Tuesday.

Brown, who scored his first No. 1 album with “F.A.M.E.,” racked up six nods, including for best male R&B artist, video of the year and the Viewers’ Choice Award.

Lil Wayne didn’t let the fact that he spent a great chunk of 2010 behind bars stop him from tallying up some nods. The rapper is up for best male hip-hop artist alongside Kanye West, B.o.B, Rick Ross and his Young Money signee Drake. He shares three nominations with Brown for their hit “Look at Me Now,” including one for the Viewers’ Choice Award in which he’s a dual nominee: His hit "6 Foot 7 Foot" was also recognized.

Rihanna continued her award season luck with four nominations, including two in the best collaboration category: one for "What's My Name" featuring Drake and the other for West's "All of the Lights."

Also earning nods: Willow Smith scored three, including for best new artist (she’s up against Bruno Mars, Miguel, Wiz Khalifa and label mate J. Cole) and her second consecutive nomination in the YoungStars category; Nicki Minaj, an easy lock for best female hip-hop artist; Jennifer Hudson; Cee Lo Green; Usher; and Beyonce.

The list of nominations didn't go without backlash, as snubbed artists such as Trina and Keyshia Cole took to Twitter to respond in very different ways.

"Its like this. Been on the scene 7 years. I was 21 when I got signed. 7 # 1 records. No awards 4 none of them/still touring. It is Wht it is," Cole tweeted. "These types of thing R the way they R. I'm not upset about any of it in any way. I hope everyone that goes has a wonderful time."

Rapper Trina, who was edged out by Minaj, Master P's daughter Cymphonique, Lola Monroe and Diamond, had harsher, unprintable words for BET.

The 2011 BET Awards are scheduled to air live June 26 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

— Gerrick D. Kennedy
Twitter.com/gerrickkennedy

Photo: Chris Brown performs on BET's 106 & Park show in New York in March. Credit: Peter Kramer / Associated Press.

Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift score CMT Music Awards nominations

Acts such as Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are virtual certainties when it comes to the 2011 CMT Music Awards, which announced its nominations Wednesday morning.

But Justin Bieber?

The pop phenomenon scored his first-ever country nod for his collaboration with Rascal Flatts on a reworked version of his track "That Should Be Me" for his EP, “Never Say Never –- The Remixes.”

Nominated in the collaborative video of the year category, Biebs is up against the Jason Aldean (who leads with four nominations) and Kelly Clarkson duet "Don't You Wanna Stay”; Kid Rock’s Sheryl Crow-assisted "Collide"; Aaron Lewis’ "Country Boy," which features George Jones and Charlie Daniels;  and the Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert and Crow team-up, "Coal Miner's Daughter."

Swift trailed behind Aldean with three nods. Her video for "Mine" is vying for best web video of the year, a new category going to online performances of songs, female video of the year and video of the year.

Underwood is up for two trophies, with her video for "Undo It" up for female video of the year and video of the year.

Winners are determined by fan votes. The show takes place June 8 in Nashville, Tenn.

-- Gerrick D. Kennedy

Photo: Justin Bieber performs at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 13 in Los Angeles. Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press

Grammy Awards: Happy Valentine's Day! The bromance between Usher and Justin Bieber

The brotherly love between Usher and Justin Bieber made for great backstage fodder at the 53rd Grammy Awards on Sunday night.

When the two hit the stage earlier in evening, they treated the audience to "vintage" video (circa 2007, when Bieber was a freshly minted teen) performing for the first time for his soon-to-be mentor. Bieber serenaded the R&B superstar with his own hit, “U Got It Bad,” before the camera switched to the two having a conversation on stage about that fateful meeting. After they each sang a mini solo set, the pair performed Usher’s megahit “OMG.”

The lovefest continued when Usher shared his feelings about his protege with reporters.

Although he won two pre-telecast awards (best male R&B vocal performance and best contemporary R&B album), most of the questions the seasoned performer fielded were regarding the teen sensation.

“Obviously I would have preferred Justin to have won, but I’ve been here before and haven’t won,” he said before the young star came running to the podium and did a Superman leap from the top step onto the back of his mentor.

“Sorry, I’d rather do this with him,” he said to the reporters who collectively shifted their attention — and questions — to Bieber.

Though he went home empty-handed, Bieber didn’t feel like a loser: How could he with a hit movie ("Never Say Never") and more fans than he can count and already a hot touring act?

“I had a great night. I got to perform with my mentor,” he said, clad in an all-white suit and white high tops as Usher stood overshadowed but beaming like a proud papa. “I first sang for him three years [ago]; it’s gotten so crazy. He gave me dance steps to look at.”

Before Usher left the room, Bieber — as giddy as ever — held a conversation with his mentor through the backstage microphone, where the two solidified plans for quality time overseas (Usher is headed to Paris; Bieber to London).

“I love you, man,” Bieber said, breaking into a wide smile before facing reporters by himself.

— Gerrick D. Kennedy

Photo: Usher (R) and Justin Bieber perform at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 13, 2011. Credit: Mark Ralston /AFP /Getty Images.

Grammy Awards: Ray LaMontagne faces firing squad of reporters

Ray LaMontagne looked a bit out of place standing on the podium in a room full of hungry reporters.

 The scruffy and soft-spoken singer-songwriter's "God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise" took home best contemporary folk album, but the 37-year-old didn't have many words to offer when asked about his Grammy evening.

"It was fun. It was nice to just see some of the guys I’d been talking to and e-mailing," he said.

Looking ever the man out of time in a brown bowler hat, vest, matching jacket and striped slacks, he fidgeted at the firing squad of questions he was hit with and cracked a confused smile when asked if he's ever seen "American Idol," since the reality competition has covered his music before.

 "I've never seen the show," he said. "I mean, I know it’s a big deal and a lot of people like it ... I guess if you sing a song and someone else wants to sing it, then it means it works."

-- Gerrick D. Kennedy

Photo: Ray LaMontagne marking Grammy Week earlier in the week. Credit: Angela Weiss/Getty Images

Grammy Awards: Black Keys, on being one of the evening's wild card winners

The last-minute win by Arcade Fire for album of the year wasn't the only upset at the 53rd Grammy Awards. Depending on whom you ask, the Black Keys pulled out two upsets on Sunday night. (And we haven't forgotten about you either, Esperanza.)

Though the Akron, Ohio, rock duo’s 2010 album, "Brothers," was a critically acclaimed disc -- and winner for packaging -- the band scooped up alternative album and rock performance by a duo or group with vocals, beating out Canada's Arcade Fire (and their critically lauded disc, “The Suburbs”) twice.

The win came as a clear shock for the Midwestern gents, who wandered backstage in full tux regalia (they told the press room that the last time they wore suits, they were at a funeral) with befuddled looks on their faces.

“We never even expected to get invited, after we were nominated,” said drummer Patrick Carney.

The two plan on starting their new album next month, though the burning question was if they planned on releasing a follow-up to “Blakroc,” their collaborative album with Damon Dash that featured rappers such as Mos Def, RZA and Q-Tip.

“We aren’t planning on doing anymore of that,” lead singer Dan Auerbach said. “But we have half of an album done that we may give to a label. It has Jay Electronica, Wiz Khalifa and Currensy.”

— Gerrick D. Kennedy

Photo: Black Keys members Dan Auerbach, left, and Patrick Carney accept their award. Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press.

Grammy Awards: Train nabs an award for pop performance by a duo or group with vocals, against some tough odds and a bevy of musical theater nerds

Train's single, "Hey Soul Sister," which won the first televised award of the evening, for pop performance by a duo or group with vocals, had many things going against it: It was the band's first foray into the limelight after a three-year hiatus, and it was a live iTunes verson of a song.

But what worried the band more? The fierce competition from a set of singing and dancing musical theater nerds.

“When you’re in a category up against ‘Glee’ these days, no,” guitarist Jimmy Stafford said when asked if he thought they had expected to win at the 53rd Grammy Awards on Sunday night.

The win echoes the massive success the group has already enjoyed for the retooled version of its hit, “Hey, Soul Sister." Upon its release, it reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it is the band's most commercially successful single to date, reaching No. 1 in 16 countries. It has sold more than 5 million digital copies in the U.S. and was the top-selling song on iTunes in 2010.

The hit was even covered by the show they beat, and being exposed on a platform like “Glee” isn’t something the band is ashamed of.

“Back in the beginning, I remember doing TV stuff as [being] uncool for a legitmate artist. Then it got to the point where I think Sting broke the record with that Jaguar commercial where I don’t think the song  [‘Desert Rose’] would have broke without it,” frontman Patrick Monahan said. “For ‘Marry Me,’ we’re looking for a diamond commercial ... so if anybody knows of one.”

The members said the win was a bittersweet moment for them, after having gone their separate ways in 2006 before reuniting in 2009.

“You know I gotta tell you, we’ve been through a lot. To be nominated, this is a beautiful comeback,” Patrick Monahan said. “We have many more albums to come that are better than [us] not existing.”

As for thanking Howard Stern and not his wife? Monahan said that’s a mess he’s going to have to clean up later. “Howard has been supportive from the time we were little to times like this,” he said. “He was still a dear friend of mine. I should have thanked my wife instead of Howard Stern ... but she understands.”

-- Gerrick D. Kennedy

Photo: Train pose with their awards during the 53nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 13, 2011. Credit: GABRIEL BOUYS /AFP / Getty Images.

Grammy Awards: Record of the year goes to "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum

"Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum 

“Need You Now” was awarded record of the year at the 53rd Grammy Awards on Sunday night. The single from country pop trio Lady Antebellum spent five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs list.

The Nashville-bred band landed a crossover hit with “Need You Now,” the title track and lead single from their sophomore album. The song is the second-most downloaded country song in history, behind country ingénue Taylor Swift's "Love Story." The single was certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Assn. of America.

Record of the Year was one of six awards the trio was up for, including album of the year.

The Nashville group bested critically acclaimed songs from Cee Lo Green, Eminem, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, and B.o.B. to win record of the year.

The awards -- which are considered the highest honor in the music world -- are being held at Staples Center and telecast on CBS. We'll carry all the breaking news and headlines here on Awards Tracker.

 

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-- Gerrick D. Kennedy