GoneTrending

John Oliver’s back in the studio after far too long talking to the blank space that he not-so-lovingly referred to as “The Void.” The Last Week Tonight host celebrated with a deep dive on the world leader who’s quite possibly the most ridiculous one of all (and that’s saying something). That would be Alexander Lukashenko, the longtime leader of Belarus and the guy who’s famously referred to himself as “the Last and Only Dictator in Europe” and has achieved over 25 years of autocratic rule.

As Oliver points out, that’s a dubious title indeed, and one that’s akin to claiming fame as “the Last Radio Shack or the Last Person to Make a Movie with Harvey Weinstein.” And if one can’t fully appreciate the ridiculousness of Lukashenko, one need only look at his gift-giving habits. Those include handing lard and potatoes to Russian President Vladimir Putin and a giant carrot to one-time American action Star Steven Seagal. The sight of the On Deadly Ground star chomping on a phallic-shaped veggie (around the 6:40 mark above) is nothing, however, to the preposterousness that Lukashenko has been allowed to foster. More than that, the guy is downright dangerous.

Oliver was more than happy to glide through a few examples, including the hockey-obsessed Lukashenko standing in full uniform at a rink and claiming that there couldn’t possibly be any coronaviruses in the air because he couldn’t see them. And that’s only the beginning, given the long list of journalists, critics, and dissidents who have either mysteriously disappeared or been found dead during Lukashenko’s rule, largely because he has vowed to take action on anyone, anywhere (all around the globe) who dares to speak against him.

To that, Oliver declared, “Your suit’s too big, you suck at hockey, and whatever it is you do with your hair isn’t fucking working.”

Watch the full video above.

Who says rock is dead? Foo Fighters were honored at this year’s pop-heavy MTV VMAs with MTV’s Global Icon Award, celebrating with a mighty performance of some of their career-defining hit. The certified iconic band played “Learn To Fly,” “‘Shame Shame,” and “Everlong” after being introduced by superfan Billie Eilish, receiving an exuberant round of applause from the audience despite many of those songs predating many of the audiences’ members. Eilish was the perfect choice to introduce the band as well, especially after they complimented the young singer in 2019, calling her the living proof that “rock and roll is not dead.”

Of course, it became pretty clear that they’ve crossed generations when frontman Dave Grohl found himself challenged by then-10-year-old prodigy Nandi Bushell to a drum battle — one in which he eventually conceded defeat. Bushell recently joined Foo Fighters onstage to perform “Everlong,” proving that the band has retained plenty of pop appeal, even decades later. The group also replaced the legendary Stevie Nicks at the upcoming Shaky Knees Festival in October, which will follow their appearance at New Orleans Jazz Fest earlier that same month.

Meanwhile, the VMAs highlighted up-and-coming generations of musicians with both thrilling performances and the VMA winners, who you can check out here.

With the MTV VMAs returning to Brooklyn for its first live audience show in two years, it was only right to allow a native to christen the evening with a live performance worthy of the occasion. Fortunately, Brooklyn is home to one of the greatest live performers popular music has to offer in the form of Busta Rhymes, who blessed the VMAs audience with a medley of many of his classics.

The medley included his hyperspeed verse from Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now,” his breakout single “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” his star-making verse from A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario,” his scene-stealing verse from M.O.P.’s “Ante Up” remix, and his inescapable 2006 hit “Touch It.” Busta was joined, as per usual, by his ever-present hype man Spliff Starr and a fleet of backup dancers. But he never really needed any extras; his magnetic personality and incandescent stage presence have never dulled, even after 30 years in the rap game (does he even breathe during that “Look At Me Now” verse??).

Busta wasn’t the only legend to receive some stage time. Rock staples Foo Fighters received the VMA Global Icon Award, celebrating with a medley of their hits including “Shame Shame,” “Learn To Fly,” and, of course, “Everlong.”

Watch Busta Rhymes’ medley of hits above.

Sue Bird is one of the greatest basketball players of all-time and will be a first ballot Hall of Famer whenever her incredible career ends, as she’s won and dominated at every level from college to the WNBA to international play. I think it’s important to note that before we get to what happened on Sunday night, because the legend got got by Erica Wheeler of the Sparks on a vicious stepback.

As Wheeler drove towards the right elbow she got Bird completely turned to try and cut off her driving lane and pulled the string on a tight crossover for a stepback jumper that sent Bird crashing to the court as half of her body tried to stop while the other half kept going and the result was her tripping over herself.

The replays show exactly what happens to the Hall of Famer, as Bird trips over her own feet and collapses to the floor as Wheeler steps back for the jumper to complete the move of the year in the WNBA.

It’s about as clean of an ankle breaker as you can have, as there’s no off-hand pushing Bird or a trip from someone else’s feet, just Wheeler executing a perfect, tight crossover to pull it back and rise for the jumper as the legend fell face first to the floor. It’s a reminder that anyone can get their ankles taken if they aren’t careful, even one of the best players to ever step on a court.

Aquaman is about a guy who lives (partly) underwater and hangs with sea creatures (one of them voiced by Julie Andrews). But it’s a mostly serious affair, not unlike most films in the DCEU that aren’t made by James Gunn. The animated version is a different story. A new trailer dropped for Aquaman: King of Atlantis, HBO Max’s forthcoming cartoon riff on DC’s favorite oceanic superhero, and boy does it look goofy.

Let’s start with Aquaman himself, who looks nothing like Jason Momoa (and is voiced by The Walking Dead’s Cooper Andrews). He doesn’t even look like the Super Friends-era version. Instead he’s got a yellow top as well as long green locks and a big, scruffy beard. The animation, too, is intentionally rough and exaggerated, even more bold than the cartoon Harley Quinn. It, in short, looks fun. And the DCEU isn’t always that.

The show’s other cast members suggest King of Atlantis will lean hard (or hard-ish) into yuks. Gillian Jacobs will voice Mera, played by Amber Heard in the movies, Thomas Lennon will take over for Willem Dafoe as Vulko, and no less than Dana Snyder — aka Aqua Teen Hunger Force’s Master Chef — is Ocean Master. King of Atlantis isn’t a show; it’s a miniseries, with a mere three episodes. And they’ll be dropping on October 14 on HBO Max.

You can watch the wacky trailer in the video above.

As one of the reigning forces in the pop world, Ed Sheeran has slowly but surely been making his comeback. Ushering in a new era since the tail end of 2020, Sheeran has been teasing his left turn following up the success of his ÷ album in 2017. Kicking off the year with his vampire-influenced introduction to the next era, “Bad Habits,” just a few days ago Ed shared his second new single, “Shivers.” Tonight, he also gave his first live performance of that new track at the VMAs, introducing fans to the catchy new tune on an outdoor stage. It’s very much a love song, hewing close to some of Sheeran’s past lyrics but veering toward a more upbeat, synthy sound than he’s adopted in the past.

There’s a slight Halloween theme going on with Sheeran’s new album, =, and in keeping with that he recently shared that the album will be released a few days before the holiday in late October. Along with that news he also shared another emotional single, called “Visiting Hours,” but of the three song he’s put out so far, “Shivers” is definitely the banger. That makes it perfect for an award show performance, so check that out above and keep your ears out for more new songs before the record comes next month.

After spending the better part of two years out of the musical spotlight, Normani made her grand return earlier this year with the release of “Wild Side,” he collaboration with Cardi B. The track’s release certainly marked a new era in Normani’s career, one that will hopefully lead to the release of her long-awaited debut album. While a timeline for that project’s release is unknown at the moment, the singer continues to promote the new track with a gleaming performance at the 2021 MTV VMAs.

Normani showed off her dance moves while donning a metallic outfit, all without losing a step with her vocals with the performance. To close the performance, the singer did her own version of Janet Jackson’s iconic 2002 Live In Hawaii performance of “Would You Mind” with help from Teyana Taylor.

Earlier this year, during an interview with Rolling Stone, Normani revealed that she is “about halfway through the album” and added that she hoped to have a lead single for it out by the summer, which she achieved with the release of “Wild Side.” She also spoke about trying to be more open and authentic with her music.

“I want to be able to feel like I was represented in the most authentic way possible because I know what it feels like coming from a girl group and being told who to be,” she said. “[It’s] just overwhelming now to have the opportunity to be all that I want to be.” Normani added, “I want every girl out there to feel like I’m going through the same thing.”

You can watch the singer’s performance in the video above.

Cardi B is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

The MTV VMAs are known for publicity-grabbing stunts and culture-shaking viral moments but rarely do those moments take place on the red carpet before the show even gets started. This year, the red carpet was apparently the site of an altercation between MMA fighter Conor McGregor and rapper-turned-indie-rocker Machine Gun Kelly. TMZ reports that the fighter and singer got into some type of verbal argument — which some sources say started when MGK declined to take a photo with McGregor, pushing him away and spilling his drink — and escalated with McGregor lunging toward Kelly, throwing a punch that failed to connect, and being led away by security.

After the men were separated, they were apparently able to compose themselves admirably, as both were seen during the broadcast appearing relatively unruffled. McGregor even presented the Best Hip-Hop Moon Man to Travis Scott, while MGK prepared to perform backstage.

However, despite the dramatic goings-on outside, the actual show kept the dramatics to the performances, which included Justin Bieber and The Kid Laroi’s medley of “Stay” and “Ghost,” Kacey Musgraves‘ performance of “Star Crossed,” Lil Nas X bringing his “Industry Baby” video to life, Doja Cat defying gravity for “Been Like This” and “You Right,” Camila Cabello dancing her way through “Don’t Get Yet,” and Chloe Bailey throwing her assets and making the audience say “Have Mercy.”

You can follow along with the VMA winners here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Camila Cabello has been busy lately, covering Olivia Rodrigo, denying engagement rumors swirling around her and fellow pop star boyfriend Shawn Mendes, and promoting her brand new Latin-infused single “Don’t Go Yet.” Oh, and starring in the remake of Amazon’s Cinderella. But despite her packed schedule, the former 5th Harmony star still found time to swing by New York and perform her new single at this year’s VMAs. With a lot of decked out dancers and tons of energy, she proved that the song’s infectious rhythms work just as well live as they did in her colorful music video.

And since the two share such a personal connection, Camila was also the one to introduce the very next performer, which was none other than her boyfriend Shawn. His song was a much slower tempo and feel then Camila’s, changing the tone from upbeat dancing to piano ballad with “Summer Of Love” — though it seems like both of these songs might’ve been inspired by the relationship the two share. Check out Camila’s performance up above and Shawn’s live rendition of “Summer Of Love” below. Also make sure to keep checking out the full VMAs 2021 winners list right here, updating live throughout the show.

Chloe Bailey has officially taken the first steps upward in her solo career. The singer delivered her first single as a solo act this past weekend with the release of “Have Mercy.” The track, which is produced by Murda Beatz, came after Chloe spent the last few weeks teasing its release and it also arrived with a captivating video that finds the singer showcasing her singing and dancing talents. Just days after fans got a hold of “Have Mercy,” Chloe brings the song to the 2021 MTV VMAs for an exuberant performance.

The singer’s appearance at this year’s MTV VMAs is her first as a solo act, but it makes for the second overall in her career. Last year, as a part of her Chloe X Halle duo, she performed “Ungodly Hour” from their sophomore album of the same title. It was one of the many performances the duo delivered in 2020 of songs from that album.

Prior to the release of “Have Mercy,” Chloe gave fans an update on her upcoming album. “It’s 90% done,” she said during an interview with Billboard, adding that it’s “definitely more pop.” She added, “I’m creating my own lane, as well as paying homage to the ones who have inspired me,” she continued. “It has been fun finding my voice.”

You can watch the performance in the video above.