In Tamer Show, MTV Gives OutKast a Big 'Hey Ya!'

In Tamer Show, MTV Gives OutKast a Big ‘Hey Ya!’

L.A. Times Archives

Aug. 30, 2004 12 AM PT

From Associated Press

MIAMI — Holding its festivities here for the first time in its 21-year history, Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards was energetic and colorful -- yet tame, by MTV standards.

There were no wardrobe malfunctions, and Madonna didn’t kiss Britney Spears -- the most-talked about moment of last year’s show. MTV was prepared, however, using a several-second tape delay for the first time.

OutKast’s vivid “Hey Ya!” won four awards, including video of the year. Jay-Z’s “99 Problems,” the most nominated video with six, also won four. The gritty, black-and-white images depict Jay-Z’s killing as a metaphor for his much-ballyhooed retirement, which has yet to happen.

“I felt like I was trying to push the envelope,” said Jay-Z, dressed in a white suit and hat, as he accepted the award for best rap video. “That was my punishment and this is my reward.”

Usher took home his first VMA awards -- for best male and best dance videos for “Yeah!”

Among other winners: Best pop video went to No Doubt for “It’s My Life.” Beyonce for the second year in a row accepted best female video for “Naughty Girl.” And the award for breakthrough video went to Franz Ferdinand for “Take Me Out.”

The daughters of the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates were there -- the Bush daughters on videotape -- to urge people to vote.

Twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were among the presenters. Mary-Kate, who recently was treated for what was reported to be an eating disorder, alluded to her problem before introducing singer and reality TV star Jessica Simpson.

“Thank you to everyone -- you have been very supportive for the last couple of months,” she said.

It was one of the night’s few subdued moments.

Simpson arrived at the waterfront American Airlines Arena by water. Wearing a white dress with a silver bodice, she came with husband and “Newlyweds” co-star Nick Lachey in a 68-foot boat.

But it was Sean “P. Diddy” Combs who made the biggest entrance -- in a towering yacht along with rap star Mase, Naomi Campbell and Bruce Willis.