Day two in New York City. On this day our groups split into two pieces. Producer Mark and I went to where all of the press and celebrities would be to grab interviews and report for Overdrive. Nicole from MTV Live and the rest of the team hit the town making TV.

Here’s a pic of TEAM WEDNESDAY about to set out from the hotel:

First up, we grabbed a little something to wake us up

Then we headed over to check out the red carpet area. It was being set up at Rockefeller Plaza, and it looked great. I can’t gie too much away right now, but here’s a look at some of the details they’ve installed:

Next it was back over to Radio City Music Hall.

Here there was a huge forum where press and artists could meet and greet, get some interviews. It was amazing because big stars were around and talking to us, but it was also cool because it was the kind of place where your favorite artists meet each other, maybe even set up collaborations and features. Here’s what it looked like when we arrived:

And it wasn’t just MTV, there was lots of press including our favorite celebrity blogger Trent of Pink is the new blog

MTV takes care of its own, so we got a sweet set up with a backdrop and nice lighting. It could be shared by the various MTVs in the room (Asia, Russia, Japan, Latin America and tons more - all awesome people). Here’s our set up:

Here’s a look at a few of the people we got to speak to. This is just a taste though!
Ciara:

JC Chasez: (new album early ‘07 and it sounds like it could be REALLY cool)

Young Joc:

Here’s Lil’ Jon talking to acclaimed music video director David Meyers -maybe setting up to work together?

This place was jam packed with big names - at any given time you were surrounded by your favorite musicians.
This was a cool moment, that’s Mark shooting some stuff, and behind him you’ll notice Ice T on the left and Davey Havoc of A.F.I. on the right:

Stevo & Wee Man:

This is Brooke Hogan and her dad the Hulkster chatting with Damon Wayans

Method Man talking it up with some of Taking Back Sunday

All of the talking, interviewing, crowds. It gets tiring! And we had barely eaten, so here’s Mark and I crouched in the corner finally eating

MTV Nordic interviewing Brooke Hogan and her father

Can somebody say 2 LIVE CREW!

Another celeb hanging around and on his worst behaviour was the moonman

The host of MTV Asia meeting Pharrell. Notice on Pharrells left, the guy he was talking to - that’s video director Hype Williams.

One of my favorite new artists this year is Cassie. Also, she is so beautiful. Believe me, in person she is moreso.


Three 6 Mafia and I

Slim Thug and the Boyz N Blue

The forum was great, though it was a lot of hard work and running around and shouting. I barely realized how exclusive our access was until we left the building. This was the scene at the exit

When we came out, the crowd was like “What’s up, people with access” but note the one guy to the left of this photo who’s like “who the f are these people?”

The next thing we did was head over to Nick Lachey’s VMA preparty. There was a lot of press covering it.



Miss Russia. she enjoyed the attention of the photographers - she kept coming out for more photo opps.

Mark and I even got a photo opp with Nick himself:

THE BIG DAY IS TOMORROW! check back tomorrow night because i will have photos from the red carpet, backstage, and more action from behind the scenes of the biggest night in music!

Don’t forget, MTV has the red carpet pre show live @ 6:30 pm ET. The big show is on CTV live @ 8 pm ET. And remember the only way to get the complete VMA experience is to log on to Overdrive at 8 pm while you watch the awards to catch the backstage uncensored second screen. Mark and I will be backstage, so keep an eye out for us!

JOHNNY OUT