VMAs Return To Miami

Last year, the MTV Video Music Awards took its glitz and glam to a locale other than New York City or Los Angeles for the first time in 21 years. On August 28th, the VMAs will return to that location, Miami.

The irreverent awards show will again hang its hat at the city’s AmericanAirlines Arena during the balmy height of hurricane season. The possible inclement weather isn’t enough to scare off organizers, who reportedly appreciate the arena’s versatility, giving producers multiple stages to work with.

There were also a lot of good photo ops for local celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Jennifer Lopez. Along with Usher, many celebs arrive by yacht.

The return is considered even more of a coup than last year because, in 2004, VMA producers chose Miami because of competition in NYC with the Republican National Convention and other big events. As it turns out, VMA organizers just plain like what they got.

“Miami radiates an energy that was clearly visible in last year’s show – the arrivals by yacht, the six different stages, the countless amazing performances, and much, much more,” MTV President Van Toffler said.

William Talbert, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, said this year it was easier to score the show because of the success. Still, there was heavy lobbying that started as soon as the cameras were turned off last year.

MTV plans to broadcast the show live, as usual.