Weekly Music News: The MTV Video Music Awards was must see TV this week; not for the performances, but for the random drama. With the unpredictable appearances from artists with opinions paired with the gory performance pulled off by Pop's problem child Lady Gaga, to say that the VMA's this year was a night to remember would be a complete understatement. Kanye's uninvited stage crash, Janet's tribute to Michael, and Whitney Houston on Oprah rounds out this week's music news.

Rihanna performs for the first time since Chris Brown incident

Ever since the incident between Rihanna and Chris Brown occurred, music fans have been having a hard time getting their minds off of the infamous Grammy night fight every time the singers' names are mentioned. Chris Brown was ultimately sentenced to 5 years probation and community labor while Rihanna has been filling up her schedule with the grueling task of shopping. Thankfully, mentor Jay-Z had a benefit concert that took place September 11th at NYC's Madison Square Garden so that the "Umbrella" Cinderella could have a place to make her debut. In a surprise performance, Jay-Z brought out Rihanna and Kanye West to perform their song "Run This Town". This happened to have been Rihanna's first performance since the February 8th incident between her and ex-beau Chris. You will be happy to know that she has not lost her touch one bit.

Kanye West crashes VMA stage and apologizes twice

Kanye West is known as the outspoken gentleman of Hip-Hop and beyond, but his stunt that he pulled during the MTV Video Music Awards Sunday night topped all of his outlandish outbursts in music's past. During a speech that was being given by Country music singer Taylor Swift, Kanye West was so disturbed by the win that he made his way on stage to protest that friend Beyonce had "the best video of all time"; he was referring to her video "Single Ladies" that was nominated in the same category as Taylor Swift.

Kanye was later escorted from the ceremony, but his outburst has been the talk of the net and the butt of all jokes. It probably would not have been so bad had he waited to express his opinions in private instead of intruding said opinion in the middle of the Taylor's speech. Furthermore, it didn't help that this was Taylor Swifts first VMA ever. Kanye eventually saw the error in his ways and issued not one but two apologies to Taylor expressing his deepest apologies for his inexcusable behavior. In a statement posted on his blog Kanye said, "That was Taylor's moment and I had no right in any way to take it from her. I am truly sorry." Unfortunately for Mr. West, this is one instance where he can't blame it on the alcohol.

Beyonce plays mediator and takes "Control"

Having been put in an awkward position by friend Kanye, Beyonce, who had just won the Moonman for Video Of The Year, took it upon herself to call Taylor out on stage to deliver her "thank you" speech that was cut short by Kanye's ego. The gesture was seen as sweet by the general public most likely upping Beyonce's credibility with Country Music fans all across the country. A new track released by Beyonce just a day after the festivities titled "Control" has a few people calling the Kanye outburst an MTV stunt. "Control" is a different style for Beyonce that plays on a disco club feel adding diversity to the singer's repertoire.

MTV trumps BET's Michael Jackson tribute

Though Kanye's stage crash was the talk of the night, the undeniable highlight was the opening act starring a collection of dancers and Janet Jackson performing a tribute to Michael Jackson. The dancers that were dressed in various outfits made popular by the King of Pop, moved in sync to a compilation of Michael Jackson songs which included "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller". The heartwarming moment came at the end of the tribute when Janet appeared on stage to dance her last dance with her brother, which was choreography from she and Michael's song "Scream". Seeing Janet pay tribute to Michael was a sight for sore eyes. MTV's tribute was an upgrade from the Michael Jackson tribute put together in haste for the 2009 BET Music Awards. Though BET did their best to put on a memorable show and a tribute fit for a King, deciding to scrap a show plan they spent a year to put together and opting to construct a brand new show dedicated to Michael three days before the ceremony, made the show look messy instead of classy.



Whitney Houston comes clean about using drugs

The first part of Whitney Houston's interview with Oprah Winfrey aired Monday evening shedding light on controversial events in the singer's life. In the candid interview, Whitney revealed details about her failed marriage to R&B singer Bobby Brown and her past that was filled with drugs and unhappiness. Whitney admitted to indulging in cocaine and marijuana before starring in 'The Bodyguard' (a 1992 film that jumpstarted Ms. Houston's acting career and catapulted her into worldwide stardom) and heavily using the substances after giving birth to her daughter Bobbi Kristina.



The singer said that she was not thinking about her prized voice while taking the drugs simply because in her mind she felt that she was done with that part of her life. She discussed how Bobby Brown was emotionally abusive to her and that she decided to end her marriage with him after she got wind that he was carrying on numerous affairs with other women and using her credit cards to finance their get-togethers. The second part to the interview with Oprah Winfrey will premiere tomorrow and will feature a performance from Whitney and an appearance from her daughter. Earlier last week, the singer premiered her first video for her single "I Look To You" off of her album that shares the same name.

Video Premiere: Jordin Sparks-"S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)"

Here is the new video from Jordin Sparks for her song "S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)" off of her album Battlefield in stores now.




Story by Samantha Greaves

Starpulse contributing writer