MTV Holds O Awards, Revamps the Award Show
If you didn’t take it down early last night so you can watch the Royal Wedding, you were probably watching the NFL Draft, American Idol, or the Orlando Magics getting spanked by the Atlanta Hawks. Or maybe you were in front of your computer checking out MTV’s latest attempt to stay relevant, the O Awards.
The O Awards, gives a nod to the prominent role the digital space has played in the evolution of music. According to the site, “The first ever O Music Awards will find and spotlight the must follow artist on Twitter, the most innovative music video, the hottest fan cover, and many more.” Visitors to the site were asked to vote for their favorite artists in a number of categories including NSFW Video, Fan Amry FTW and Best Music Hashtag Meme.
The event kicked off at 11pm EST in Las Vegas, but those seeking some pre-award show activity could watch one-half of Hip-Hop group Chiddy Bang attempt to go down in the record books. After a hearty breakfast and some Lil’ Wayne for inspiration, Philly rapper, Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege, began to freestyle for an insane 9 hours, 18 minutes, and 22 seconds to capture the Guinness World Record for “Longest Freestyle Rap.”
During the awards, fans were treated to a performance by Lupe Fiasco and an online appearance from MTV’s first-ever Twitter jockey Gabi Gregg as she named Nicki Minaj the winner of the Best Animated Gig for her “gum twirl.” Other winners included Kanye West for Best Tweet (“I hate when I’m on a flight and I wake up with a water bottle next to me like oh great now I gotta be responsible for this water bottle”) and Willow Smith for Most Viral Dance. Coincidentally Willow also kind of won the Best Animal Award by proxy since the parrot in question was doing its thing to “Whip My Hair.” Categories yet to be announced are Best Music Hashtag Meme, Best Remix and Best iTunes LP.
No word yet as to how many people tuned into the streaming broadcast, but the combination of social media, music and over-the-top MTV antics seemed register as a hit throughout the blogosphere.
Did you watch the O Awards last night? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Category: Digital Media, Featured | Tags: Chiddy Bang, Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege, Gabi Gregg, Kanye West, lupe fiasco, MTV, Nicki Minaj, O Awards, Willow Smith
About the Author Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
See all posts by Sherri L. Smith.
