Finally the VMA’s have come back to NYC!

Naive as I am, I actually thought moving the MTV Video Music Awards back to New York from Miami would solve all the ills it has suffered from the last 2 years. Sadly the show overall was flat and unsurprising. The VMAs have been the best award show spectacle for most of my lifetime and I expect more than what we got last night. Here are some thoughts on the evening:

* The pre-show was actually worth watching. Fergie looked hot and pseudo performed as she lip synched some portions while singing others. Thought the My Chemical Romance performance on the roof was alright and hands down the best part of the pre-show was watching the ageless John Norris deal with Diddy’s spokesperson as Puff was mute on the red carpet.

* I actually like a catchy pop song now and again but I just don’t get the Justin Timberlake. However, I am glad he’s bringing sexy back (most overused line of the night by the way).

* Jack Black looked lost out there even when he was trying to look that way during his opening bit. After being spoiled by Conan’s clinic in hosting at the Emmy’s, it was painful to watch Jack stumble through the night. His style wasn’t exactly doing it for the celebs or the 14 year olds in the pit.

* Lil’ Kim looked extra thick last night but still sexy as all hell.

* Not only did Jack Black lack the funny but so did Sarah Silverman. For whatever reason all the jokes from the night felt like they were written on the spot or the night before.

* Try as I might, I just can’t dislike Beyonce the performer. She always pulls out all the stops on shows like this and her performance was one of my favorites.

* Glad to see the Video Vanguard Award go to Hype Williams. Sure you can blame him for glorifying all that’s wrong in rap but the man was a visionary video director that took rap videos to a whole new viewership and prominence. Plus the presentation included the only two surprise performances of the night when Busta and Missy came out and did abbreviated versions of some classic old school tracks.

* I’m convinced Al Gore is running in ‘08. You just don’t show up to the VMAs, get that kind of response and sit on it at home.

* JLO looked horrible but clearly not pregnant while Brittney actually looked good while pregnant and on camera with K-Fed.

* I liked the ending filled with mustaches as Axl Rose introduced the Killers. Axl showing up must mean the new GNR album will be out soon. I mean it’s not like he’s showed up to the VMAs and given us hope before right? Oh well at least the KIllers put on a great performance.

* The best performance of the night goes to OK GO! Sure they didn’t sing or play instruments which bugged me at first but the challenge of pulling off their treadmill video live won me over. Clearly it won over the crowd too because I think that was the loudest ovation of the night. I couldn’t help but think that somewhere Jamiroqui is thinking about suing for royalties.