MTV's John Norris: Awards to offer surprises

MTV's John Norris

(CNN) -- When they were first handed out in the early '80s, Rolling Stone magazine derided them as the "Empties." But the MTV Video Music Awards now have the eyes, ears, and -- yes -- even the respect of the music world. At the very least, it's a heck of an entertaining evening -- the awards show where anything can happen.

This year's MTV Video Music Awards are scheduled for Thursday night. CNN's Carol Lin spoke with MTV News correspondent John Norris for a preview.

Carol Lin, CNN Anchor: Dido, Nelly, Eminem -- ring a bell? Their music videos sure rang some points up at MTV. Those artists and many more are up for MTV Video Music awards. And the "moonmen" will be handed out tomorrow night.

So joining us with a preview is MTV News host John Norris.

Good morning, John.

John Norris, MTV News Correspondent: How are you doing, Carol.

Lin: I'm doing pretty well.

You know, I don't know how I feel about Eminem, but I sure do like "Stan." What did you think of this one?

Norris: Very good point. You know, a controversial artist. But "Stan" I think (is) head and shoulders above anything he's done musically or visually. This a very dark videos, and you know, videos that represent things in lyrics in a real literal way don't always work, but in this case I think it did. It's about an obsessed fan and how dangerous things like that can get.

Lin: And I haven't seen Fatboy Slim, but I like the title ("Weapon of Choice"). What was that about?

Norris: Well, you know, the funny thing is that this came through with nine nominations. This is a wacky video, typical of Spike Jonze, the director, who's one of the most original directors out there, featuring Christopher Walken kind of dancing around freestyle, a little bit of ballet, around -- an abandoned hotel lobby. It's the most bizarre thing you've ever seen. It's a deserving nominee, but definitely pretty out there.

Lin: What are your predictions this year? It's always kind of wacky there on the video awards night.

Norris: Yes. I think Missy Elliott always turns out some very, very creative videos, and I think you could definitely see her come home with a couple. I think that Fatboy Slim video as well. "Stan" is a deserving nominee also. U2 are up for their -- for two of their videos, "Beautiful Day" and "Elevation." So we could see the veterans take home a couple.

Lin: OK. We can't get away without talking about Britney (Spears). Is she still as hot as last year? Is she going to offer up any surprises like she did last year?

Norris: She -- just yesterday on our show TRL ("Total Request Live") she promised a surprise with her performance. I can't imagine her taking off any more clothes, but ... (laughs)

I think she'll have to go in another direction, but it should be great. Britney's a talented young woman and got a new record on the way, so we'll see what she has to offer.

Lin: Is it going to be a little weird, though, this year because of Aaliyah's death, you know, and she was down there in the tropics filming a video. I don't know if they're planning on showing it tomorrow night.

Norris: No. Well, actually, I think it's still up in the air whether the video she was shooting in the Bahamas is even going to air at all. I don't know if they've made a decision on that. But definitely she'll be on the minds of many people. And in fact, there's a tribute as part of the show planned to Aaliyah. A few people will be speaking. Celebrities and fans will be involved in the tribute as well.

Lin: All right. Any other surprises you're predicting?

Norris: You know, there's always some surprises in terms of who turns up on stage and who turns up to present awards. You know, I -- if I say these things they won't be surprises and they'll have to kill me.

Lin: Make a wish, though. What do you want to see?

Norris: I'd like to see U2 do well because I'm a big fan and they're performing tomorrow night.

Lin: Thanks so much, John.

Norris: All right.