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CNN Live At Daybreak

MTV Video Music Awards Preview

Aired September 06, 2001 - 07:37   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
VINCE CELLINI, CNN ANCHOR: Mick Jagger used to say it's the singer, not the song. And now the MTV generation of 2001 practices what the Rolling Stone preached. In tonight's Video Music Awards, the winning videos will probably take a back seat to the stars.

CNN's Bill Tush has a preview.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL TUSH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fatboy Slim leads the way with nine nominations for the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards. And, yes, that is actor Christopher Walken dancing throughout the video directed by Spike Jones.

FATBOY SLIM: I think it's a testament to the genius of the directors with like Spike Jones and people that they can do something interesting without spending a fortune.

TUSH: Also in the running, Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya and Pink -- the song, "Lady Marmalade," who also have the second most nominations, six. And the best video nomination is one of five for controversial Eminem, who has teamed up with Dido on "Stand." "Get Your Freak On" with Missy Misdemeanor Elliott joins old-timers like Janet Jackson with "All For You" and U2's "Beautiful Day."

And those stars, in what is sure to be an unrestrained crowd, will take over the hallowed halls of New York's Metropolitan Opera House Thursday night for the ceremony.

JAMIE FOXX: Since we're at the Met, we've got some opera that we have to sing. So we're going to do a little hip hop opera. It's going to be awesome.

TUSH: Comedian Jamie Foxx takes the stage with the sometimes unforgiving job of show host. But, back to the nominees. In the best male video category, Eminem, Moby, featuring Gwen Stefani, Robbie Williams, Lenny Kravitz and Nelly. And the lady who helped put MTV on the map, Madonna checks in with a best female video nod, along with Janet Jackson, Eve, featuring Gwen Stefani, Missy Misdemeanor Elliott, Dido, Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez, aka J. Lo.

The best group video nominees include 'N Sync "Pop," The Dave Matthews Band with "I Did It," Destiny's Child's "Survivor," "Drive" from Incubus and U2's "Elevation Remix." The Irish band is also scheduled to perform at the show and so is Alicia Keys, who can boast a nomination for best new artist in a video.

ALICIA KEYS: Sometimes I love you...

The most exciting thing for me is going to be to perform tonight. It's going to be a marvelous thing and I just can't wait to get out there and have some fun.

TUSH: Another newcomer with a nomination, Nikka Costa for "Like A Feather."