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Bruno Mars' MTV VMAs Amy Winehouse tribute: A controversial choice?
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The MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night included a much-discussed tribute to Amy Winehouse, who passed away in July. Winehouse's friend Russell Brand introduced Bruno Mars but not before reminding viewers that Winehouse suffered from alcoholism and drug addiction. He urged people to get help or to help their friends seek help if they were suffering.Mars then took the stage for his performance of "Valerie," as made popular by Winehouse and Mark Ronson -- an upbeat number that celebrated Winehouse's life as opposed to mourning her death.
But was Mars the wrong choice for the tribute? Many other names were thrown about before the big show, but MTV ultimately chose to feature only Mars. The controversy lies in Mars' own possible substance abuse problems -- he was arrested in Vegas for cocaine possession in September 2010. Mars plead guilty to the charge. His record is otherwise clean.
Fans questioned MTV's decision on Twitter. Some also wonder why Mars didn't choose to sing a song that Winehouse wrote. "Valerie" was written by The Zutons and featured on their 2006 album "Tired of Hanging Around."
What do you think, Zap2it readers? Who might have been a better tribute performer? Weigh in below in our comments section!
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Bruno Mars...had heard his name but never heard him sing until watching the VMA's. OMG! The man flat out belted the hell outta that song;
"Valerie". Didn't matter that it wasn't one of her song's, the song captured the spirit of Amy and that beautiful retro sound she was bringing back. Bruno Mars...you were amazing!
Totally agree it was amazing!
I had heard Amy sing the song Valerie and loved her version, especially the acapella version, but Bruno Mars was simply amazing. I hardly ever watch videos more than once and I can say I can't get enough. He looks like a young Frankie Avalon to me from the '50s which was before my time but not by much and I felt that he honored Amy with this performance. I think they picked the perfect person to perform a tribute to her. Well done, Bruno.
Bruno's performance was perfect and he couldn't have done it any better. I never paid attention to Bruno Mars from ringtone commercials until I heard him on the VMA. While working, I was overhearing the tv and was captivated by his singing and then when I looked at the tv to see who it was and saw the performance I felt like I was transported back in time and thought how could I have never seen or heard of this performer. Since then, I keep watching his performance over and over and started googling for more of his songs which are surprisingly very nice songs. I say he was the best performer on the VMA and a true artist.