(antiMusic) Video killed the radio star and what helped kill the rock star? Some would say image driven pop and at the forefront of showcasing "style" over substance was MTV's Total Request Live. MTV is celebrating the demise of the program which may have played a part in the demise of the music business. Here is the info that we were sent about the special:For ten years and more than 2200 shows, "Total Request Live" has been the premier destination for first looks at new videos, amazing performances by chart topping musicians, appearances of established and up-and-coming actors, and exclusive music news. MTV will pay tribute to the legendary countdown show with a send off like no other on Sunday, November 16th beginning at 8:00pm ET/PT, with "TRL's" original host Carson Daly and current host Damien Fahey set to helm the finale. The celebration will feature top-billed performances, guest appearances from music and movie stars, and a look back at the best moments on afternoon TV.
"In retrospect, the name said it all: the total youth entertainment experience, shaped for the first time at the request of its audience, all going down live every day in Times Square and in homes across America," said Brian Graden, President of Entertainment, MTV & VH1. "While MTV programming continues to break new ground, we knew we couldn't rush ahead without pausing to celebrate this show, this experience, this daily thrill ride that became such a force in shaping the future web behaviors of millions of young people worldwide."
"TRL has been a major part of MTV - and the world of music - for the last decade, and we're pulling out all the stops for 'Total Finale Live,'" said Dave Sirulnick, MTV Executive Vice President, News and Production. "One of the aspects we're most proud of is TRL's impact on pop culture, whether it was through exposing hundreds of artists to fans on a daily basis or foreshadowing what goes on in today's online communities. Audience participation, the fans' desire to share comments, and how musicians were able to 'connect' on a personal basis with their fans was core to TRL, and is core to the digital music experience today."
From the days of "Bills, Bills, Bills" to the recent launch of two new videos on "TRL," we have watched Beyoncι flourish as a performer. Beyoncι will lead the way for the celebration, giving the live audience a glimpse into why she is one of the top selling artists of our time. Also picking up the microphone at "Total Finale Live" will be 50 Cent, whose new MTV series "The Money and the Power" will debut on November 6 (10PM ET/PT).
The Backstreet Boys, a band that exemplifies the impact that "TRL" has had on budding careers, will also perform once more on the "TRL" stage. Pete Wentz, who hosted video premiere show "FNMTV Premieres" this summer, will join his Fall Out Boy bandmates for a performance, three years after the band premiered their first single, "Sugar We're Going Down," live on "TRL" at the "Summer on the Strip Vegas Beach House" in 2005, leaving viewers captivated by their unique emo-brand of punk pop. More performances will be announced at a later date.
Aside from performers and countdowns, another "TRL" staple has always been the guest appearances and "Total Finale Live" will be no exception. Diddy, whose 36 appearances on "TRL" stands as the current record, will return to the studio once more, and Mariah Carey and her five octave voice will stop by to discuss the influence that "TRL" had on her mind-blowing career. Country music chart-topper Taylor Swift and pop starlet Hilary Duff will join rappers Ludacris, Nelly and Snoop Dogg along with rock music's Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, and Korn's Jonathan Davis to talk about their most memorable "TRL" moments.
Whether getting to the bottom of controversy or playing practical jokes on celebs, the "TRL" VJs have always been an essential part in setting the tone of the show. VJs from various years are coming back to bid adieu to the show that set a standard for music countdowns. In addition to co-hosts Carson Daly and Damien Fahey, we will also welcome back Lyndsey Rodrigues, Vanessa Minnillo, Dave Holmes, Jesse Camp, Hilarie Burton, La La Vasquez and Quddus.
