NEWSKanye West Named MTV News' Man of the Year
Dec. 17 2010, Published 6:54 a.m. ET
Oh, what a year it’s been for Kanye West! Despite a hibernation-like hiatus in the early part of the year, he came back with a compelling force to earn the title of MTV News Man of the Year.
The year began as rumors swirled when Kanye told Jay Leno while holding back tears that he needed to “take time off.” And that he did! West canceled his highly anticipated tour with Lady Gaga and speculation began that he toured India or checked into rehab. After a short stint on stage in London with Beyoncé, it was back to hibernation status which included avoiding the Grammys in February.
As time marched on, Kanye began to creep back into the public spotlight. He appeared on the charity single, "We Are the World – 25 for Haiti," and then took to his blog for musings on fallen designer Alexander McQueen. Fast forward a few months after his single, "Power," mysteriously “leaked” onto the internet which was followed by a performance at the BET Awards.
Amping up to full throttle spotlight, Kanye officially premiered the 90-second clip for "Power." With a busy schedule lined up, he started working with Justin Bieber, appeared on Saturday Night Live, and started screening his directorial debut, Runaway, which later premiered on MTV.
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No stranger to making headlines in addition to music, Kanye started tweeting. A lot. In October he tweeted that the cover art featuring himself with a nude winged woman for My Beautiful Dark Twisted Family was banned in some stores. As George W. Bush promoted his book, Decision Points, Kanye’s name again took center stage as the former president alluded to Kanye’s comment as one of the lowest points of his presidency. Kanye semi-apologized while Matt Lauer interviewed him on Today, and then ranted on Twitter how it was unfair Today aired a clip from the 2009 MTV VMAs Taylor Swift incident as he was speaking.
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- North West Steals The Show At Paris Fashion Week Wearing Dad Kanye West's Vintage Jacket — Get The Look
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Meanwhile, as "Fantasy" shot up the Billboard albums chart, his singles "Runaway" and “Power" took the number two and number three slots in MTV News’ Top 25 Songs of 2010 countdown. As 2011 approaches with lighting speed, Kanye is previewing his "Monster" video, along with rumors that Kim Kardashian is his baby mama.
Wonder what 2011 will look like for Kanye, baby and all?
By Vicki Salemi
