Hurricane could crash MTV bash
2005-08-26 10:18
Miami - Diddy is set to host the MTV awards, his wildest extravaganza to date, but hurricane Katherine could have the last say.
The storm has already put a damper on the MTV Video Music Awards, causing the cancellation of star-studded concerts and parties for Friday, though organisers remained confident Sunday night's award ceremony in Miami would go ahead as planned.
Saturdays events will be held, weather permitting.
Some artists originally scheduled for Thursday and Friday are being rescheduled and will be added to Saturdays line-up.
The guest list for the star-studded event includes Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson, 50 Cent, Green Day, Kelly Clarkson, Usher, Eva Longoria and Kanye West.
"We've had so many different kinds of people hosting the show, and what Diddy brings to it is this incredible sense of party," said Christina Norman, president of MTV.
"He's a showman, he's a master of ceremonies, his own parties are legendary. ... He's the one to get on the mike and rock the mike and make sure that everybody has a good time."
'The timing is right'
Though he's known for his braggadocio, Diddy seemed downright humble when he talked about his upcoming duties, despite joking (we think) about plans to run onstage naked during the festivities.
"It was definitely a privilege and an honour. The timing is right," Diddy said last week at MTV's midtown studios. "I think a lot of things that I've done has built me up to this moment ... hosting is a certain art form, and hosting all those parties and showing people a good time is what I specialise in."
Like a Diddy party, the MTV awards will incorporate his signature soiree style. The red carpet is out, Diddy's white carpet is in ("hopefully my lawyers have finished trademarking it," he cracked). And while there will be no strict dress code, Diddy does expect celebrities attending - even the grungiest rockers - to be decked out in their most fashionable duds.
He's even giving $50 000 each to the best dressed male or female celebrity, to go to their favourite charity - and he's coined it the Diddy Fashion Challenge.
Among the other celebrities holding court at their own events: Ludacris, Nelly, Usher, Pamela Anderson and Missy Elliott.
But of course, they have no say over Katrina - not to be confused with Katrina & the Waves, one of the 1980s' pop sensations.
On the net:
www.mtv.com
- AP