These shows are so much less fun to watch on the west coast. With that statement out of the way, let's see how much of an old person I am; are the VMAs still relevant to me? Let's find out. That is some intense shoulder choreography! I am so confused by the butt flaps on the back of Rihanna's outfit. What are those random things hanging off of her? Also, what is the stage design here? What are those big, white puffy things? I love the dancers in all white and they are making some really cool shapes around her. Is she supposed to be singing live or are we suspending disbelief? Because sometimes she holds the microphone up and looks like she's singing and other times she ... doesn't. Man, Rihanna has a lot of hits! Her story is a cool one - the way she got discovered, etc. Or, at least the version in the book 'The Song Machine' is a really interesting "making of a star" story. No 'Umbrella'? Solid opening! ...