VMA 2011: tribute to Amy Winehouse.

Pregnant Beyoncé at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Amy Winehouse: toxicology results showed no illegal drugs in her body.

Tyler, the Creator won “Best New Artist” at VMA 2011

 

MTV Video Music Awards 2011: Adele, biggest winner

 

The 28th Annual MTV Video Music Awards (VMA 2011), held in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre on Sunday August 28, will pay tribute to Amy Winehouse, who died one month ago.

 

Amy Winehouse never appeared on the MTV Video Music Awards during her short but celebrated career, but it was announced as news of a tribute to Amy on this Sunday at MTV VMA 2011.

Amy Winehouse has hit another milestone following her tragic death as second album, Back to Black, has become the best-selling album of the 21st century in UK.

Britain’s Official Chart Company announced the further success of her Grammy-award winning album, which includes the singles “Rehab” and “Love Is a Losing Game”, and said it had overtaken James Blunt’s 2005 debut album, “Back to Bedlam”, to claim the crown.

Tony Bennett, who spent time recording with Amy in March this year, will lead the tribute to Amy Winehouse and introduce never-seen-before footage of their time together at London’s famous Abbey Road Studios.

Amy Winehouse last known recording session was with the 85-year-old crooner. The duo recorded Body and Soul for Bennett’s upcoming album, Duets II, which is released on September 20.

There are also rumors that Amy Winehouse’s parents might attend the show, but MTV’s officials could not confirm their appearance.

Singer Tony Bennett said: “It was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse.”

 “And when you listen to the recording of Body and Soul, it is a testament to her artistic genius and her brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known.”

 

The tribute to Amy Winehouse at VMA 2011 will likely be the rare moment of reverence in a show that is calculated to be as irreverent as possible.

This year, the current queen of sexy daffiness, Katy Perry, is poised to be the belle of MTV’s annual ball: She’s up for a leading 10 moonman trophies, including video of the year for her inspirational “Firework”.

 

Another star set to be celebrated at VMA 2011 is pop star, Britney Spears.

At the age of 29, it is rather unusual for the singer to be presented with a special tribute award, but her fellow pop stars obviously disagree.

Madonna, Britney Spears’ friend will present the award, as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Janet Jackson, will combine their talents to perform a spectacular musical tribute.

Britney Spears will also take to the stage herself to perform recent hits, “Hold It Against Me” and “I Wanna Go”.

It has been reported that the tribute, which is normally given to artists of an older age and longer career, has been arranged to ensure that Britney actually turns up to the event.

An insider speaking to RadarOnline.com said: “Britney’s young to receive an award like this, but the producers know that it will force Britney to come to the show.”

Other talent that has been added to the star-studded line up include Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, whose star continues to brighten two years after it was tarnished by his attack on Rihanna, and soulful singer, Adele.

Adele is also a top nominee, being the year’s best-selling artist so far with her album “21”. She is nominated for seven awards for “Rolling in the Deep”.

Kanye West also has seven nominations. He is not expected to perform at the VMA 2011.

VMA 2011 show is being held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and broadcast live on MTV from 9 to 11 p.m.

MTV President Stephen Friedman said some VMA 2011 performers from the East Coast arrived in Los Angeles early to avoid the storm and resulting airport disruptions. But he was hopeful viewer disruption would be minimal.

“Our hope is our audience is cuddled up with their family and friends and don’t want to be outside and want to watch the best night in music,” he said.