Does Justin Timberlake really deserve the MTV Video Vanguard Award?

Another megastar has been added to the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards roster of performers, with Justin Timberlake scheduled to take the stage. That’s not much of a surprise considering his grand comeback this year. But what is surprising is the news that he’ll also receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Previous honorees include MJ himself, Madonna, Beastie Boys and Britney Spears.

Wait, what?! Look, I’m a huge JT fan. He’s terrific. But his video output simply does not hold up to the catalogs of those prior winners. “SexyBack” the song was groundbreaking — does anyone remember the video? Now, do you remember the videos for “Sabotage” or “Oops!…I Did It Again”? Of course you do! Jackson et al have a few clips each that could be described as “iconic.” Timberlake has, well..“Mirrors,” Cry Me a River, which is excellent and artful…and “Suit & Tie” is nice…but do you really remember being impacted by a JT visual that wasn’t “Bye Bye Bye”?

I’d even argue other artists on this year’s VMAs bill, such as Kanye West or Lady Gaga Legend X, are more deserving of the award (not that they should get it; quite frankly it’s too early in all three performers’ careers for such an honor).

The one great thing about this— other than the fact that we’re getting a Timberlake performance out of it — is the fact that we might get to see Yeezy’s stinkface when “Suit & Tie” is lauded during the proceedings.

source


which mv directors or artists do you think are deserving of the video vanguard award?