August 2009 Archives

The announcement of the final nominees for the 2009 CMA Awards will be carried live on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from the "Good Morning America" studios in the heart of New York City's Times Square on the ABC Television Network.

"The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" will be broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on ABC and is hosted for the second year by reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley and reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carrie Underwood. (shown below)

The final nominees in select categories will be announced by Darius Rucker, who has quickly established himself as a fan and industry favorite with three No. 1 singles to his credit, and Lee Ann Womack, a former CMA Female Vocalist of the Year with 18 career CMA Awards nominations to her credit. The live announcements will take place during the 8:30 AM/ET half-hour of the morning news program.

"I was so honored to perform at the 2008 CMA Awards Show, and I feel privileged to be a part of this year's nominee announcement," said Rucker.

Rucker first came to prominence as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the pop group Hootie & The Blowfish, whose 1994 debut, Cracked Rear View, sold more than 16 million copies to become one of the best-selling albums in history. In early 2007, Rucker signed with Capitol Records Nashville and has since been embraced by the Country Music community with his chart-topping 2008 debut, Learn To Live - an album that has produced three consecutive No. 1 singles. Rucker's transition has been highly praised, with The New York Times proclaiming he has "one of the year's most vibrant Country albums." Rucker is currently on tour with Rascal Flatts.

"The excitement that comes with the announcements of the CMA Award nominations brings me such delight every year," Womack said. "I can remember watching the Awards as a young Texas girl and dreaming of one day being a part of something that brings such honor to what I've always been so passionate about. It's a time to celebrate the artists, songwriters, musicians, producers and the industry in general."

Womack has sold more than six million albums, won two Grammy's, numerous other milestone awards, and received notoriety for her last album There's More Where That Came From. Released February of '05 on CD and classic vinyl, There's More swept CMA Award trophies the fall of the same year for Album of the Year and Single of the Year ("I May Hate Myself In The Morning"). She is also recognized for No. 1 singles "The Fool," "A Little Past Little Rock," "I'll Think Of A Reason Later," and the mega smash "I Hope You Dance." Womack's current album Call Me Crazy has garnered critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, and The New York Times, to name a few. Debut single "Last Call" was nominated for a Grammy earlier this year in the "Best Female Country Vocal Performance" category. Visit www.leeannwomack.com to see the video for her latest, "Solitary Thinkin'."

In addition to the nominee announcements, Chuck Wicks will announce the finalists for the 2009 CMA Broadcast Personality and Radio Station of the Year in four categories (small, medium, large, and major markets) as well as the finalists for the CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year live on Premiere Radio Networks from their New York studios.

"I am thrilled once again to be able to announce the Broadcast Nominees," explained Wicks. "Country radio has been so supportive of me this year and I'm happy to be able to be back again and be a part of these special announcements."

RCA Nashville recording artist Wicks found an instant hit with his first single, "Stealing Cinderella," from his debut album, Starting Now. The song climbed to No. 5 and was the first single from a new Country artist to crack the Top 5 in 2008. His follow-up single, "All I Ever Wanted," also soared up the Country charts and marked his second consecutive Top 15 hit. After a hugely successful run as the opening act on the final leg of Brad Paisley's "Bonfires & Amplifiers" Tour in 2007, Wicks rejoined Paisley in 2008 for the "Hershey's Presents the Paisley Party Tour." In 2009, Wicks has been on tour on his own playing at festivals across the country.

The audio announcement of the CMA Awards nominees and Broadcast Awards finalists will be available via satellite and FTP from CMA's official radio partner Premiere Radio Networks. Premiere has provided outstanding, radio coverage of the CMA Awards nominations for more than a decade.

As part of their comprehensive 2009 CMA Awards radio package, Premiere Radio Networks will offer the 2009 CMA Awards Nominations Special hosted by Senior Producer of Country Programming Rosemary Young, a preview special, Red Carpet features, a live feed of the Awards gala, and a backstage wrap up show. Any Country radio station interested in receiving the radio package, including the nominations feed, may contact Premiere Affiliate Relations at (818) 377-5300.

The 2008 CMA Awards, held in Nashville during November Sweeps (Nov. 12), ranked behind only the Academy Awards and Grammy Awards during the 2008-2009 season for awards shows among total viewers. With "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards," ABC won Wednesday evening in both total viewers (15.9 million) and adults 18-49 (5.0/13). According to Nielsen research, 34.6 million unique viewers 2+ watched six minutes or more of the program.

The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 plus industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards were broadcast on NBC television for the first time - making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The show aired on NBC through 1971 and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005 before moving to ABC in 2006.

"The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

ABC News' "Good Morning America" is co-anchored by Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts. Chris Cuomo is the news anchor and Sam Champion is the weather anchor. The Emmy Award-winning morning news broadcast airs live Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 AM/ET on the ABC Television Network. Jim Murphy is the senior executive producer and Tom Cibrowski is the executive producer of ABC News' "Good Morning America."

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2009 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music.

SOURCE Country Music Association

In what is being dubbed the world's largest tribute to The King of Pop, celebrity artist David Ilan, with support from Michael Jackson fans worldwide, as well as some of Jackson's closest friends and family, is set to begin a unique interactive portrait of the late superstar. A special, invitation-only ribbon cutting ceremony will be held this Friday, August 28 at the EDGE Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, California at 12 Noon (PDT).

The one-of-a-kind work of art will be created using a series of dots in a technique called pointillism. The first dots will be drawn on the blank portrait canvas at the ceremony - the very first for Michael and then one for each of his children. VIP guests attending the event will also be honored, including Don Wilson, Director /Producer of the "Man in the Mirror" video; Kishaya Dudley, the lead dancer with Jackson in the "Rock My World" video; Azia Pryor; Lou Ferrigno; and celebrity choreographers Shane Sparks and Brian Friedman from Fox Network's "So You Think You Can Dance." Master of Ceremonies for this event will be Gary Owens, MC for the Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremonies. Additional VIP guests to be announced.

Two years ago, David Ilan created the idea to associate each dot in his drawings with a real person and their message on any given topic. Each dot in Jackson's portrait will represent a fan. "Behind every single dot I place on the canvas, there is a fan who loved Michael and is mourning his death," Ilan said. "It's very fitting that the portrait of Michael will be created by dots representing his fans. Michael loved and respected his fans as much as his fans loved and respected him."

"A portrait like this, where one dot = one fan, will take a few months to complete, so we can make sure that fans around the world have an opportunity to hear about it and join. We want to reach as many people as possible from every country. It's what Michael was working for his entire life; people forgetting their differences and coming together."

In order to start the Michael Jackson Tribute Project, the artist needed a quarter of a million fans to sign up online to ensure support. In just the first three weeks following the announcement, more than 100 thousand fans from more than 150 countries visited the pre-registration site (http://www.SupportJacksonPortrait.com) to sign up. At least one million dots are needed to complete the image of the King of Pop, and fans worldwide are invited to become part of Jackson's legacy by getting a free dot in his portrait in their name.

A dot is drawn on canvas each time someone signs up for it, with all of the dots eventually coming together to form Jackson's image. "It's a way for fans to feel like they're part of something that's going to be timeless," said Deborah Dannelly, Michael Jackson Fan Club President and lifelong friend of the superstar. "The portrait will be around forever, and they can always be a part of that. Each fan is one dot for eternity. The one thing that Michael loved more than anything else besides his children was his fans, and he was always very, very appreciative of his fans. For there to be a portrait that's going to be done with each dot representing a fan, oh he would love it! He would absolutely just be over the top with that."

Don Wilson added, "This tribute and the actual portrait are a unique, touching and everlasting way for those who knew, worked with and loved Michael Jackson to have a timeless connection to him and his spirit."

Michael Jackson broke through barriers and touched the hearts of millions with his music. He was not only considered by many to be the greatest performer of all time, but he was the greatest celebrity humanitarian in the world. Through this interactive work of art, fans all over the world can continue to connect with their idol and be a part of his legacy. This one-of-a-kind project is a way for Jackson's fans to not only honor him, but be part of the tribute themselves.

The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait is a partner of many major international fan clubs, including The Michael Jackson Fan Club (http://www.MJfanclub.net), the largest such fan club in the world, which was established by the King of Pop. The organizers of this tribute have the support of a number of those who were close to Jackson, including Joy and Wade Robson, and Ken Kragen, organizer of "We Are the World."

At the conclusion of the debut event, fans can go to http://www.MichaelJacksonTributePortrait.com to sign up for their free dot, witness daily progress of the portrait as it grows to completion, and connect with other fans. Additionally, the artist will be in the courtyard of Mann's Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood at noon on Saturday, August 29 (MJ's birthday) to meet fans and add their dots in person.

SOURCE The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait

Miley Cyrus' new single, "Party In The USA" debuts at # 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 today, selling over 225,000 units, and following 3 consecutive weeks of having the # 1 most added song at Top 40 Radio. Miley's # 2 debut ties for the highest debut of 2009 alongside Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling." Miley's "Party In The USA" is the highest debut by a female solo artist since Carrie Underwood's "Inside Your Heaven" (in July of 2005.) This also marks Miley's highest single-week download total, and is the fastest breaking single in Hollywood Records' history. "Party In The USA" was produced and co-written by Dr. Luke.

In addition to the # 2 Hot 100 debut, Miley has reason to celebrate several # 1 debuts, including the # 1 single on iTunes, and # 1 on Billboard's Digital Song Chart and Hot Digital Track Chart. She is scheduled to perform "Party In The USA" on The Today Show August 28, days in front of the release of her new EP Time of Our Lives on August 31. "Party In The USA" is available for purchase at wal-mart.com and iTunes.com.

All four of Miley's prior albums have reached # 1; the first Hannah Montana soundtrack from her hit Disney Channel TV show of the same name, the two-disc set Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus, the Miley Cyrus Breakout CD and the Walt Disney Pictures soundtrack for Hannah Montana The Movie. Miley is the youngest recording artists to claim four # 1 albums on the Billboard Top 200 in less than three years.

"Party In The USA" is the follow up to Miley's monster hit "The Climb" which has held the # 1 spot at Mainstream AC for a record breaking seven weeks, went to # 5 on the Top 40 airplay chart, and reached # 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Miley recently wrapped filming the Nicolas Sparks drama "The Last Song" and will embark on a 55-city North American tour beginning in September. Next year, Miley will begin production of season 4 of the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana."

Source: Hollywood Records

THE BLACK EYED PEAS have tied Usher's record for the longest successive stay at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with 19 consecutive weeks at #1. "I Gotta Feeling" holds at #1 for 7 weeks and "Boom Boom Pow" spent 12 weeks at #1. This is the longest consecutive stay by a duo or group in the Billboard charts 51 year history. The Black Eyed Peas bypassed Boyz II Men's 1994 record for successive stay at the top by a duo or group when they hit 17 weeks at #1. The Black Eyed Peas are also the first duo or group with consecutive #1's on the Mainstream Top 40 chart since Maroon 5 in 2004.

"I Gotta Feeling," the second single from The E.N.D., sits at #1 on the Top 40 chart. Since its release seven weeks ago, "I Gotta Feeling" has sold over 1.95 million digital downloads. Their first single "Boom Boom Pow" spent 6 weeks at #1 on the Top 40 chart and has sold over 3.8 million digital downloads. "Boom Boom Pow" is the # 1 track on the Nielsen SoundScan's Year To Date digital tracks chart for 2009.

THE E.N.D., the fifth release from the three-time Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum Interscope recording artist, The Black Eyed Peas, entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #1 with the group's highest debut of their career with 304,109 in first-week sales. The E.N.D. is currently #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.

Rolling Stone calls THE E.N.D., "the best thing the Black Eyed Peas have ever recorded" and Entertainment Weekly raves, "pure Top 40 nirvana." USA Today confirms "it's booming, electrified pop with plenty of Pow." Rolling Stone calls "Boom Boom Pow" one of the best summer jams of the past 20 years and People lists "I Gotta Feeling" as their summer pick.

The E.N.D. is The Black Eyed Peas follow up to their 2005 release Monkey Business. With worldwide sales of more than 9 million copies, Monkey Business generated Grammy Awards for "Don't Phunk With My Heart" and "My Humps." The Black Eyed Peas have sold over 27 million cds worldwide.

Source: Interscope Records

Les Paul, acclaimed guitar player, entertainer and inventor, passed away today from complications of severe pneumonia at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, surrounded by family and loved ones. He had been receiving the best available treatment through this final battle and in keeping with his persona, he showed incredible strength, tenacity and courage. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the thoughts and prayers from his dear friends and fans. Les Paul was 94.

One of the foremost influences on 20th century sound and responsible for the world's most famous guitar, the Les Paul model, Les Paul's prestigious career in music and invention spans from the 1930s to the present. Though he's indisputably one of America's most popular, influential, and accomplished electric guitarists, Les Paul is best known as an early innovator in the development of the solid body guitar. His groundbreaking design would become the template for Gibson's best-selling electric, the Les Paul model, introduced in 1952. Today, countless musical legends still consider Paul's iconic guitar unmatched in sound and prowess. Among Paul's most enduring contributions are those in the technological realm, including ingenious developments in multi-track recording, guitar effects, and the mechanics of sound in general.

Born Lester William Polsfuss in Waukesha, Wisconsin on June 9, 1915, Les Paul was already performing publicly as a honky-tonk guitarist by the age of 13. So clear was his calling that Paul dropped out of high school at 17 to play in Sunny Joe Wolverton's Radio Band in St. Louis. As Paul's mentor, Wolverton was the one to christen him with the stage name "Rhubarb Red," a moniker that would follow him to Chicago in 1934. There, Paul became a bonafide radio star, known as both hillbilly picker Rhubarb Red and Django Reinhardt-informed jazz guitarist Les Paul. His first recordings were done in 1936 on an acoustic--alone as Rhubarb Red, as well as backing blues singer Georgia White. The next year he formed his first trio, but by 1938 he'd moved to New York to begin his tenure on national radio with one of the more popular dance orchestras in the country, Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians.

Tinkering with electronics and guitar amplification since his youth, Les Paul began constructing his own electric guitar in the late '30s. Unhappy with the first generation of commercially available hollowbodies because of their thin tone, lack of sustain, and feedback problems, Paul opted to build an entirely new structure. "I was interested in proving that a vibration-free top was the way to go," he has said. "I even built a guitar out of a railroad rail to prove it. What I wanted was to amplify pure string vibration, without the resonance of the wood getting involved in the sound." With the good graces of Epiphone president Epi Stathopoulo, Paul used the Epiphone plant and machinery in 1941 to bring his vision to fruition. He affectionately dubbed the guitar "The Log."

Les Paul's tireless experiments sometimes proved to be dangerous, and he nearly electrocuted himself in 1940 during a session in the cellar of his Queens apartment. During the next two years of rehabilitation, Les earned his living producing radio music. Forced to put the Pennsylvanians and the rest of his career on hold, Les Paul moved to Hollywood. During World War II, he was drafted into the Army but permitted to stay in California, where he became a regular player for Armed Forces Radio Service. By 1943 he had assembled a trio that regularly performed live, on the radio, and on V-Discs. In 1944 he entered the jazz spotlight--thanks to his dazzling work filling in for Oscar Moore alongside Nat King Cole, Illinois Jacquet, and other superstars --at the first of the prestigious Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts.

By his mid-thirties, Paul had successfully combined Reinhardt-inspired jazz playing and the western swing and twang of his Rhubarb Red persona into one distinctive, electrifying style. In the Les Paul Trio he translated the dizzying runs and unusual harmonies found on Jazz at the Philharmonic into a slower, subtler, more commercial approach. His novelty instrumentals were tighter, brasher, and punctuated with effects. Overall, the trademark Les Paul sound was razor-sharp, clean-shaven, and divinely smooth.

As small combos eclipsed big bands toward the end of World War II, Les Paul Trio's popularity grew. They cut records for Decca both alone and behind the likes of Helen Forrest, the Andrews Sisters, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Dick Hayes, and, most notably, Bing Crosby. Since 1945, when the crooner brought them into the studio to back him on a few numbers, the Trio had become regular guests on Crosby's hit radio show. The highlight of the session was Paul's first No. 1 hit and million-seller, the gorgeous "It's Been a Long, Long Time."

Meanwhile, Paul began to experiment with dubbing live tracks over recorded tracks, also altering the playback speed. This resulted in "Lover (When You're Near Me)," his revolutionary 1947 predecessor to multi-track recording. The hit instrumental featured Les Paul on eight different electric guitar parts, all playing together. In 1948, Paul nearly lost his life to a devastating car crash that shattered his right arm and elbow. Still, he convinced doctors to set his broken arm in the guitar-picking and cradling position. Laid up but undaunted, Paul acquired a first generation Ampex tape recorder from Crosby in 1949, and began his most important multi-tracking adventure, adding a fourth head to the recorder to create sound-on-sound recordings. While tinkering with the machine and its many possibilities, he also came up with tape delay. These tricks, along with another recent Les Paul innovation--close mic-ing vocals--were integrated for the first time on a single recording: the 1950 No. 1 tour de force "How High the Moon." This historic track was performed during a duo with future wife Mary Ford. The couple's prolific string of hits for Capitol Records not only included some of the most popular recordings of the early 1950s, but also wrote the book on contemporary studio production. The dense but crystal clear harmonic layering of guitars and vocals, along with Ford's close mic-ed voice and Paul's guitar effects, produced distinctively contemporary recordings with unprecedented sonic qualities. Through hits, tours, and popular radio shows, Paul and Ford kept one foot in the technological vanguard and the other in the cultural mainstream.

All the while, Les Paul continued to pine for the perfect guitar. Though The Log came close, it wasn't quite what he was after. In the early 1950s, Gibson Guitar would cultivate a partnership with Paul that would lead to the creation of the guitar he'd seen only in his dreams. In 1948, Gibson elected to design its first solidbody, and Paul, a self-described "dyed-in-the-wool Gibson man," seemed the right man for the job. Gibson avidly courted the guitar legend, even driving deep into the Pennsylvania mountains to deliver the first model to newlyweds Les Paul and Mary Ford.

"Les played it, and his eyes lighted up," then-Gibson President Ted McCarty has recalled. The year was 1950, and Paul had just signed on as the namesake of Gibson's first electric solidbody, with exclusive design privileges. Working closely with Paul, Gibson forged a relationship that would change popular culture forever. The Gibson Les Paul model--the most powerful and respected electric guitar in history--began with the 1952 release of the Les Paul Goldtop. After introducing the original Les Paul Goldtop in 1952, Gibson issued the Black Beauty, the mahogany-topped Les Paul Custom, in 1954. The Les Paul Junior (1954) and Special (1955) were also introduced before the canonical Les Paul Standard hit the market in 1958. With revolutionary humbucker pickups, this sunburst classic has remained unchanged for the half-century since it hit the market.

"The world has lost a truly innovative and exceptional human being today. I cannot imagine life without Les Paul. He would walk into a room and put a smile on anyone's face. His musical charm was extraordinary and his techniques unmatched anywhere in the world," said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. "We will dedicate ourselves to preserving Les' legacy to ensure that it lives on forever. He touched so many lives throughout his remarkable life and his influence extends around the globe and across every boundary. I have lost a dear, personal friend and mentor, a man who has changed so many of our lives for the better."

"I don't think any words can describe the man we know as Les Paul adequately. The English language does not contain words that can pay enough homage to someone like Les. As the "Father of the Electric Guitar", he was not only one of the world's greatest innovators but a legend who created, inspired and contributed to the success of musicians around the world," said Dave Berryman, President of Gibson Guitar. "I have had the privilege to know and work with Les for many, many years and his passing has left a deep personal void. He was simply put - remarkable in every way. As a person, a musician, a friend, an inventor. He will be sorely missed by us all."

With the rise of the rock 'n' roll revolution of 1955, Les Paul and Mary Ford's popularity began to wane with younger listeners, though Paul would prove to be a massive influence on younger generations of guitarists. Still, Paul and Ford maintained their iconic presence with their wildly popular television show, which ran from 1953-1960. In 1964, the couple, parents to a son and daughter, divorced. Paul began playing in Japan, and recorded an LP for London Records before poor health forced him to take time off--as much as someone so inspired can take time off.

In 1977, Paul resurfaced with a Grammy-winning Chet Atkins collaboration, Chester and Lester. Then the ailing guitarist, who'd already suffered arthritis and permanent hearing loss, had a heart attack, followed by bypass surgery.

Ever stubborn, Les recovered, and returned to live performance in the late 1980s. Even releasing the 2005 double-Grammy winner Les Paul & Friends: American Made World Played, featuring collaborations with a veritable who's who of the electric guitar, including dozens of illustrious fans like Keith Richards, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Joe Perry. In 2008, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame paid tribute to Les Paul in a week-long celebration of his life which culminated with a live performance by Les himself. Until recently Les continued to perform two weekly New York shows with the Les Paul Trio, at The Iridium Jazz Club in New York City, for over twelve years where a literal who's who of the entertainment world has paid homage. It has been an honor to have Les Paul perform at The Iridium Jazz Club for the past twelve years hosting such luminaries as Paul McCartney, Keith Richards and others and is a tragic loss to owner Ron Sturm both personally and professionally. Iridium intends to celebrate Les Paul's music and legacy every Monday night.

Les Paul has since become the only individual to share membership into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Les is survived by his three sons Lester (Rus) G. Paul, Gene W. Paul and Robert (Bobby) R. Paul, his daughter Colleen Wess, son-in-law Gary Wess, long time friend Arlene Palmer, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A private Funeral service will be held in New York. A service in Waukesha, WI will be announced at a later date. Details will follow and will be announced for all services. Memorial tributes for the public will be announced at a future date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Les Paul Foundation, 236 West 30th Street, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10001.

Source: Gibson Guitar

With two of the year's most talked-about videos, Lady Gaga received the most nominations when the MTV Video Music Awards categories were announced earlier today. The video for the global #1 smash "Poker Face" received four nominations, and the epic short film for "Paparazzi" racked up five more, tying her with Beyonce for the most nominated artist of the year.

2009 has truly been the "Year of Gaga." She started out the year celebrating the #1 status of her debut single, "Just Dance," and quickly followed that with two more #1's. . ."Poker Face" and "LoveGame," making her only the 3rd artist in history to have three #1 hits from their debut release, The Fame. She spent the summer conquering the festivals of Europe, charming Asia and Australia, and she'll be returning to the U.S. this fall with her highly anticipated tour with Kanye West. The Fame (Streamline/Interscope Records) was released late in 2008, and has gone on to sell more than four million copies internationally.

    Here are Lady Gaga's 2009 VMA nominations:

        Video of the Year - "Poker Face"
        Best New Artist - "Poker Face"
        Best Female Video - "Poker Face"
        Best Pop Video - "Poker Face"
        Best Direction - "Paparazzi"
        Best Editing - "Paparazzi"
        Best Special Effects - "Paparazzi"
        Best Cinematography - "Paparazzi"
        Best Art Direction - "Paparazzi"

Viewers can vote in the general categories at http://www.vma.mtv.com until September 13.

SOURCE Interscope Records