Rihanna among top pop acts for Sunday’s MMVAs

Rihanna, illScarlett, Hedley and Girlicious headline the top pop acts and presenters at the 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards. “It could be one of the most memorable shows,” says one insider.

The 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards is taking it to the streets, bringing chart-topping acts and showbiz glitterati to Toronto for the 19th annual extravaganza.

Rihanna, Simple Plan, Sean Kingston and Hedley are among the international and Canadian acts that will fire up the red carpet and live telecast on Sunday, June 15 at 9 p.m. on MuchMusic. The star-gazing begins with the “Red Carpet Arrivals Special” at 8 p.m. ET. The celebrity-spotting continues with the “MMVAs AfterMath” at 11 p.m.

“We have quite a few big acts this year. It could be one of the most memorable shows,” says MuchMusic VJ Matte Babel.

The most nominated artists include Hedley, Belly, illScarlett and Simple Plan.

Best Video award nominees include Feist’s “1234,” Belly featuring Mario Winans in “Ridin,” Hedley’s “For the Nights I Can’t Remember,” illScarlett’s “Nothing Special” and Simple Plan’s “When I’m Gone.”

Hot celebrity presenters also pump up the star power. Gossip blog king Perez Hilton will be on hand to dole out MMVA honours. Other presenters include Spice Girl Melanie C, Sam Roberts, “Gossip Girl’s” Chace Crawford, Sum 41, “The Office’s” Rainn Wilson and “The Hills” stars Brody Jenner and Whitney Port.

“It’s going to be a real mix of big, established acts and hot up-and-comers,” says Babel. “Rihanna is a huge star and has been touring with Kanye West, one of the greatest performers in the world. I’m sure she’s picked up a thing or two from him and will put on a great show.”

Fans should also expect A-grade performances from veterans Simple Plan as well as breakout rap star Flo Rida and newcomer Girlicious.

“They may be new but Girlicious is a great act,” says Babel. “We’ve watched them become a band through their TV reality show. The whole process has made fans so emotionally invested in the group.”

The MMVA difference

Embracing technology as it does, the MuchMusic Video Awards holds a unique place in the entertainment industry says Babel.

“We’re more fan interactive in terms of the show,” says Babel. “We always try to step it up and cover a broader band of technological platforms, whether we broadcast on cell phones or download clips.

As Babel says, “We put the MMVA awards on cell phones before the MTV Awards did it.”

Inclusiveness is also a show priority. “Instead of being Toronto or Ontario-centric we try to include all of Canada in the show,” says Babel. “There are also many contests this year so people can win trips to come down and check out the show.”

Presenting break-out talent

“The MMVAs have the ability to launch artists in a huge way in Canada,” says Babel. “We’ve featured many bands in the past who have gone on to become huge international acts. Kanye West is just one example.”

At the MMVAs three years ago, Babel says, “Kanye released four videos of ‘Jesus Walks.’ We featured him when he had only one video. That’s how early on in his career that we got him and started introducing him to a mainstream audience.”

In the past, as many as 6,000 screaming fans have lined up outside the MuchMusic headquarters on Queen Street rooting for their favourite celebrities and nominees.

“It’s difficult to predict but I think illScarlett could be a big surprise winner this year,” says Babel. “They haven’t been around that long but Canada has taken note of them. They’re definitely an underdog to watch.”

Wintersleep could also be an unexpected winner at the 2008 MMVAs. “They won a Juno and have been around for many years,” says Babel. “They could make a big commotion if they win.”
Source: CTV.Ca

4 Responses to “Rihanna among top pop acts for Sunday’s MMVAs”

1. jade rookes says:

   June 12, 2008 at 6:05 AM

   hiyaa rihanna i am a big fan i love your music byee
2. Cassandra says:

   June 13, 2008 at 8:12 AM

   WAT CHANNEL IS IT GONNA B ON!!!
3. sexy_can_i says:

   June 13, 2008 at 2:54 PM

   R THEY GONNA SHOW THE MMVAS IN AMERICA?
4. spencer says:

   June 13, 2008 at 5:18 PM

   Rihanna will win a award too I hope you now canada she will do a good job performing too Love her