The 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 9 in Las Vegas at The Palms, marked a significant departure from previous iterations of the annual event. This particular ceremony was notable for being the smallest in VMA history, characterized by a reduced number of awards and a more intimate production scale. This shift in format and venue led to various criticisms and unique production challenges, setting it apart from the grander spectacles
of past and future VMA shows.
A Smaller Footprint: Reduced Awards and Budget
One of the most striking changes for the 2007 VMAs was the elimination of 13 awards, making it the smallest ceremony ever. Many of the remaining awards were also renamed, reflecting a broader revamp of the show's structure. This reduction in categories was a temporary measure, as most of the eliminated categories were restored for the 2008 awards. The decision to scale down extended to the production budget and the size of the live audience, contributing to a more constrained atmosphere compared to the typical VMA extravagance.
The production of the 2007 VMAs was also a first for Den of Thieves, a new company co-founded by former MTV producer Jesse Ignjatovic. This new production team operated with a smaller budget, which influenced many aspects of the show, including the choice of venue and stage design. The Palms in Las Vegas, while a notable location, presented certain limitations that became apparent during the broadcast.
Venue Challenges and Artist Reactions
The venue at The Palms drew criticism, particularly concerning its small stage. The main stage itself was described as a small, layered structure that branched off into several "island" stages, which served as guest tables. This design meant that only four performances could take place on the main stage, pushing other artists to perform in alternative locations within The Palms, such as guest suites.
This unconventional setup did not sit well with all artists. Kanye West, for instance, was particularly vocal in his criticism. He claimed he would "never return to MTV" after being scheduled to perform in the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa instead of the main stage. This incident highlighted the challenges and potential frustrations arising from the scaled-down and dispersed performance areas, contrasting sharply with the expectations artists might have had for a major awards show like the VMAs.
Broadcast Format and Technical Aspects
Beyond the physical setup, the 2007 VMAs also saw a change in its broadcast format. Unlike previous years, where the show was presented on MTV in a 16:9 HDTV letterboxed format, the 2007 ceremony aired in standard definition. Despite being produced in high definition, the full HD broadcast was initially scheduled for MHD (now MTV Live), Viacom's high-definition channel, on September 22.
However, this planned full HD re-airing did not materialize as expected. At the last minute, a "best of" 90-minute clip show was substituted, and MTV announced that the entire show would not be re-aired in any form. This decision further underscored the unique and somewhat troubled production of the 2007 VMAs, adding to its distinct place in the history of the awards. The ceremony, despite its smaller scale and production challenges, remains a notable event for its deviation from the VMA norm.
