Longoria ready to host MTVs EMAs

By Han Sang-hee

Actress Eva Longoria may seem like she’s all about glamour, but the 35-year-old actress is also all about music as well.

Longoria has been chosen to host the 2010 MTV European Music Awards (EMAs), one of MTV’s and the world’s biggest music events. Taking place at Caja Magica in Madrid, the 17th annual EMAs will be broadcast live to about 600 million viewers around the world on Sunday.

“I am so excited to host the 2010 EMAs in the beautiful and sexy city of Madrid,” Longoria told The Korea Times in an email interview.

The Hollywood superstar may be used to strutting the red carpet in fabulous outfits, but the music event is big enough to make even Longoria a bit nervous.

“Any time I have to play myself is nerve wracking. Generally, I over-prepare. I want to know in detail everything that’s going to happen,” she said.

A promotional preview for the event was released early this week, with Longoria dressed in a sexy black bikini. Instead of showing off her pretty smile and rehearsed lines, the feisty Longoria surprised fans with her rapping skills.

“When I’m talking let me make it clear, Pay attention boys, yo my eyes are up here,” she rapped, moving her hands and body perfectly to the beat, complete with her flowing hair and dark smoky eye makeup.

“The whole point of the EMAs is that you expect the unexpected. I had so much fun doing the promo rap although I was absolutely terrified doing it. I was only given the script on the day and we had two hours to shoot it, so I didn’t have time either to get nervous or to back out,” Longoria said.

Numerous artists will be appearing at the event, including powerhouse rock stars Kings of Leon, hot new talent Ke$ha, famed artists Kate Perry, Linkin Park and also Kid Rock.

“I’m really excited to see Katy Perry; Shakira never disappoints and I love Kings of Leon and Linkin Park. The performers they have got lined up are amazing. I’m thrilled that Bon Jovi is receiving an award — because that’s probably my favorite band of all time. I’ve seen them in concert many times; I’ve met them and even had my picture taken with them. In fact my photo with Bon Jovi is such a prized possession that I have it hanging up in my office,” she said.

“I am also so proud that the two most nominated artists this year are two amazing women — Lady Gaga and Katy Perry — who are making some of the most exciting music in pop right now!” she added.

What is an event without glamorous outfits? The actress kept it simple with long, curly locks and a black bikini for the promo video, but much more is to come just for the event. She is planning to make six to eight changes throughout the show, with a bit of edginess in every one of them.

“Music awards are always pushing the limits of fashion, so anything goes, especially at the MTV EMAs. At this event there is a kind of a double license to wear what you want, normal rules don’t apply. So I’m going to try and see if I can pull off some way-out outfits. I’m still deciding exactly what to wear, but one thing is for sure, I will be wearing one of Victoria Beckham’s dresses,” she hinted.

Lady Gaga and Katy Perry are on the top list of nominations, with five each. MTV’s EMAs have been held annually since 1994 and has become a popular music celebration in not only Europe but also around the world. The awards are chosen by viewers throughout Europe.

Making her debut in 2000 as a guest in an episode of “Beverly Hills, 90210” she slowly made her way up in becoming an actress. She is best known for portraying Gabrielle Solis on the popular television series “Desperate Housewives.” Along with her acting career, Longoria also founded a charity that helps developmentally disabled children called Eva’s Heroes.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr