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Backstage chaos doesn't stop MTV's VMAs

By Kendis Gibson
CNN Headline News

Spears
Britney Spears performs at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

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(CNN) -- It is the biggest annual event for MTV. The Video Music Awards may only attract a quarter of the audience of the Grammy Awards, but as far as star attraction and buzz goes, it's really close to that other music awards show.

Preparations for the next annual event begin the day after each year's VMA ceremony. Producers begin by selecting the location for the ceremony, which is usually held in New York City. Radio City Music Hall is a popular venue; it's where the 2003 event will be held Thursday.

The list of potential hosts, nominees and presenters is shaped just a few months prior to the awards. This is due in part because MTV's idea of who's hot changes almost day to day. A popular performer in May might have cooled off by awards time in late August or early September.

Deciding who will host the VMAs usually takes a lot of effort and plenty of time. Avoiding noted disappointments from years past is a priority. This year, producers decided to go "old school" and chose comedian Chris Rock, who will host for a second time.

The same strategy goes for performers which may explain why, with just days to go before this year's event, names were still being added to the list of those who will be taking the stage to perform.

Before the show, the venue is usually a chaotic scene of media and artists all vying for rehearsal time, even while MTV officials are still conceptualizing some performances. But the frantic scenes magically come to a calm, smooth end when all the statues of moon men have been handed out.


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