VMAs 2004 - Backstage News

The backstage area at the MTV Video Music Awards tends to have a strange effect on the stars. This year was no exception.

Will Smith was spotted at the sushi buffet, challenging his tongue; a woman bet Will $1 that he couldn't eat a large chunk of Wasabii. After tasting the sharp green stuff, Smith backed out.

Meanwhile, Chaka Khan was causing a stir in the VMA green room. Surrounded by a large entourage that combed her hair and dabbed on makeup, the diva fanned herself and sang the chorus of her hit "Through the Fire" out loud.

Christina Aguilera did some startling too. As she warmed up her pipes, the power of her vocal exercises caused people standing outside her dressing room to jump. Her performance partner Nelly lounged nearby, trying to decide which afterparties to attend.

P. Diddy, however, was already having it. He was dancing to the Terror Squad's performance of Lean Back with posse-mate Bruce Willis, who congratulated the newly mohawked rapper for persuading him to dance.

Nearby, Jay-Z was busy pressing flesh. He even brought the exiting crowd to a standstill as he posed for pictures with fans and shook hands with celebs he hadn't met yet, celebrating his just-won four awards.

Tune in to MTV UK at 9pm tonight (August 31) to see the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards in Miami.

Or if you miss that, catch the repeats through the week at 9pm - Wednesday on MTV UK, Wednesday on MTV Hits, Thursday on MTV2, Friday on MTV UK, Saturday on MTV Base and Sunday on MTV Hits.

HK

Images thanks to mtv.com