Award show season kicked off with a bang last night in Los Angeles with the People’s Choice Awards, the only awards show where the fans vote instead of some frumpy panel. And the show did not disappoint, as the evening became a night of unexpected surprises and pure unadulterated popular entertainment.
Last night proved it was a show for the people, by the people, and watched by the people…and the stage was occasionally even rushed by the people as well. Sharon Osbourne literally kicked a heckling stage-crasher in the rear end as she forcefully prompted him to leave the stage.
It was a moment that might have even made Kanye West blush.
Jane Lynch was dynamite as the master of ceremonies, while memorable appearances by Ellen DeGeneres, funnyman Jack Black, and reclusive movie star Johnny Depp all added star power and humor to an unpredictable evening.
Actor Vin Diesel held back tears during his emotional tribute to his late friend and Furious 7 c0-star Paul Walker. It was a genuinely moving moment, as Diesel accepted the award for “Favorite Movie” on behalf of all those involved in the making of the popular film franchise. Diesel then began serenading the audience with the ‘Furious 7’ anthem, “See You Again,” as a final public farewell to his fallen friend.
Music super star Taylor Swift was triumphant, picking up “Favorite Female Artist” and even beating out her old pal Ed Sheeran for the title of “Favorite Pop Artist.” Don’t cry for Sheeran though, the colorful singer was the people’s choice for “Favorite Male Artist.”
Veteran pop divas were not to be forgotten either, as Britney Spears flexed her muscles as a social media maven, lording over all the other nominees to win the coveted new People’s Choice Awards category, “Favorite Social Media Celebrity.”
All in all it was a star laden night, full of red carpet celebrities, loud screaming fans, and meaningful recognition to we, the little people, who did the award choosing.
