So before you count down the New Year in an over-crowded glitzy club drinking overpriced pink alcopops (or alternatively on a park bench with a bag of goon), let's count down the top magic MTV moments so you can reflect on the good, bad and downright weird moments of the drama-filled year.
10. Russell Brand Hosts the VMA Awards.
Not long ago, Russell Brand was a virtual unknown in the states, but thanks to a spot hosting the 2008 VMAs, some rather unsavory comments and sex appeal in bucket loads, Russell is being courted as Hollywood's Next Big Thing, proving that there really is no such thing as bad media.
Sashaying around the stage in black leather, heeled shoes and snake skin scarf at the 2008 VMAs, Russell took shots at President Bush, Madonna and the Jonas Brothers, and that was just his opening monologue. Those in the audience who weren't rolling in the aisles with laughter, were wearing blank stares of bewilderment. Even though he wasn't well received by all, no one doubts that the UK comedian and one time MTV UK host had a Brand of comedy (pun intended) all of his own. Our favorite quote? "I know America to be a forward-thinking country because otherwise would you have let that retarded cowboy fella be president for eight years. We were very impressed. We thought it was nice of you to let him have a go, because, in England, he wouldn't be trusted with a pair of scissors." Ha ha ha.
9. MTV's Fan vs Band at the ARIA Awards
After the success of the 2008 MTV Australia Awards, sassy powerhouse Maz Compton reprised her role as host of MTV's exclusive Fan vs Band, giving obsessive music lovers and other excitable types an opportunity to meet their Australian idols. Artist's such as Sam Sparro, The Living End and ARIA darling Gabriella Cilmi mingled with fans with hilarious results. Watch the training video on Overdrive to see the blood, sweat and tears that went into making such a magic 08 moment.
8. Calvin Harris and Cypress Hill Smash Up The Lair
The rock dungeon known as The Lair got a little makeover in 08. Sure, it still hosted performances from some of Australia's, and heck even the worlds, biggest rock acts (including The Smashing Pumpkins, The Living End, and CSS). But this year producers did a little remix, adding acts from dance and hip hop backgrounds and in the process, cementing the shows rep as the ultimate televised one stop music shop. The Good Vibrations edition was a definitive highlight, with hip hop legends Cypress Hill pumping old school hip hop anthems, and Calvin Harris bringing 08 electro dance to the table. Can't wait for more Lair moments in 09.
7. Snoop Doggs' Re-entry into Australia After the epic failure to get Snoop on our shores for the 2007 Australian MTV Awards, you guys (and unlikely alley Russell Crowe) helped us champion Snoop to get citizenship in Australia. This valiant effort consequently didn't go unnoticed, and a year later, Snoop stepped foot upon our perfect pastures for the ultimate hip hop tour this October. The result? A Bonafide MTV miracle! While it seems he was just short of getting a citizenship, your voices helped us bring the godfather of hip hop back to our shores. Thanks Australia. Fo shizzle.
6. Potbelleez at MTV Snow Jam
With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the best acts NZ & Australia has to offer and a shit load of pyro for good measure made MTV Snow Jam one to remember. But amongst the stonking performances from the antipodes best, it was Australia's definitive dance act The Potbelleez that got the NZ crowd jumping, pumping and grinding. The Potbellez brought it in every sense of the word, proving once again that they are amongst Australia's most engaging artists. The Sydney based group didn't hold back as they belted tracks from their self titled album, while back stage the group got their drink on and improvised a jam session with festival mates Phinesse. The group showed that a small dance act can keep up with (perhaps even show up?) the other big Snow Jam performers such as Lil Jon and The Vines.
5. LC and Audrina break up
After the demise of Lauren Conrad and Heidi's friendship, it seemed there was only one certain thing Hills fans could count on in the plastic world of LA - LC and Audrina being friends forever. Well Hills fans let that be a lesson to you. Nothing is forever, especially in the world of reality TV. Tension started building when Audrina moved in with LC and her childhood buddy Lo. Drama escalated when rumors surfaced that LC was smooching Audrina's ex (or current, we can't keep up) boyfriend Justin Bobby. The girls brought their fight to their blogs and used the media to voice their side of the story and launch attacks (resourceful). The girls were seen all over LA not together (gasp). While the girls claim all is good now we can never forget the drama that escalated especially the awkwardness with LO. Awkwardness highlight alert: Audrina states bluntly to Lo as she tried to half ass apologies for her catty behavior "we will never be friends". Magic.
4. Wycleaf Jean, Camels, Lycra and His Big Surfboard
Who can forget the first moments of the incarnation of MTV's revamped Australia Awards? Host Wycleaf Jean surprised everyone in the gritty new venue by entering the venue with camels, draped in oriental shiek and with plethora of belly dancers. The moment escalated into a high energy performance which included floor gyrations and mean dance moves. Wycleaf then proceeded to whip off his clothes revealing nothing but an Australia themed skin tight lycra- bodysuit and a big surfboard. We can guarantee that image will be ingrained into viewers brains for years to come... Sorry about that.
3. Britney's VMA comeback
Who could have guessed after a year of hair shaving, fanny flashing and mental breakdown-inducing dramas in 07, Britney would enjoy such a massive comeback in 08? She proved to the critics she has a sense of humor when she appeared in promos for the awards show with Russell Brand (complete with the literal 'elephant in the room' as a result of the VMA performance disaster in 07). Then she shocked the world and her fans when she showed up at the 2008 Video Music Awards looking fresh, sleek and stunning. While she didn't take this opportunity to perform, she did open the awards and showed the world once again that Britney is in fact back, bitches.
2.Heidi and Spenser get married
Self proclaimed Hills villains Heidi Montag and Spenser Pratt had a huge 08, regularly dominating our news headlines with their ridiculous (read awesome) antics. It comes no surprise that one of the best MTV moments in 08 comes in the form of their merger. The love birds surprised everyone (especially Heidi's mother) when they eloped in Mexico. After a bit of family drama the couple decided to make in official in a LA court. Don't worry kids all the action was captured for the Hills cameras so expect to see this holy union on MTV in 09.
1. Cock Rockers Animation Grabs the World by the Balls.
Forget the Ninja Turtles and the Simpsons. So 90s. In 2008 MTV gave birth to the most eccentric group of lovable larrikins this country seen since The Comedy Company. Since its December premiere, The Chest Nuts have become the most streamed video clip at MTV.com.au even beating powerhouse The Hills. The cartoon follows rockers Wiley, Crash, Fletcher, Crackers and their fat manager Droppa who are living in an LA mansion after their debut song. Each has their individual quirks and almost all of them have both their balls.
This animation brings everyone's' repressed love of cock rock to the forefront. The shows' debut has been such a success that celebs such as Aussie royalty Molly Meldrum and ex-Home and Away star Mark Furz all have made contact in attempt to get amounst it. Heath Kenny, the director of clips from cartoon band The Gorillaz also says he is an "avid fan". With the success of the initial pilot one can only hope this bad boy goes to a full series in 09.
Copyright : MTV Australia
