MTV Turns 25
Music Television and the Video Generations' Rock Hits and Misses
Can Pink, Justin, and Beyonce define the next quarter century of MTV the way Madonna and MJ did for the first 25 years?
Late last week, the world was treated to the cabaret that was the 25th Annual MTV Awards. Painful as it was to admit that the passage of time for this milestone, much has been made of how un-sexy, un-scandalous and generally staid the 2006 offering of the pop music live time capsule was.
Memorable highlights to mark this judgment against? As a cultural read that began in the 80s, it was that very decade that set the actual bar for what in the hottest music and fashion in popular culture. But the shock value that the VMA's once offered, which benefited both the network in advertising revenue and the artists themselves, seems to be fading.
Unsurprisingly, in the 80s, the MTV Awards were dominated by Madonna. From the time that she popped out of a wedding cake, donning a bustier wedding frock, singing Like a Virgin, she became the original MTV "it" girl. Each year of the 80s and well into the 90s, was virtually ruled by Madge, in nominations, performances and wins.
Today, she has won a total of 21 MTV awards - an unmatched career high. Shocking to admit, but Madge was awarded a video vanguard award from MTV a year before Michael Jackson, who was the first African-American artist to be played on the channel thanks to Billy Jean.
Moving away from Madonna's reign, a litter of seasoned journeymen preceded her in addition to a plethora of one to two hit wonders for the remainder of the decade's winners.
This includes international icons Neil Young, U2, and Peter Gabriel, alongside American legends Prince, Talking Heads and members of the Eagles. Gabriel still holds the record for most wins by a single act in one MTV night - 9 in 1987 for Sledgehammer. Then there were MTV's powerhouse performances Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Tina Turner and more.
While there were some fluffier walks to podium -Norwegian cartoon rockers A-Ha, pre-American Idol judge Paula Abdul, the remainder of the 80s big winners are acts that have left subtle, indelible marks on pop culture - jazz's Herbie Hancock, legendary Elvis Costello, Pink Floyd,the late Robert Palmer, Whitney Houston, Living Culture to name a few.
Will Pink, Justin Timberlake, and Beyonce have the same synonymous ring to their names in 25 years? Despite the lack of power music moments at this year's awards, today's cool kids certainly are the new MTV generation.
