Kanye West and MTV – A Marketing Stunt?
September 15, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Marketing
At the recent MTV VMAs, hip hop artist Kanye West created a lot of controversy when he interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech. While most of the viewing audience was up in arms, the incident was too “perfect” for me to think it was anything but a marketing stunt.
First of all, MTV has been using similar marketing stunts for years. From Eminem getting Bruno’ed to Madonna’s kiss, they’ve been very inventive in their attempts to create controversy and draw attention.
Secondly, the participants are too perfect. Kanye has a rebel reputation, Swift is innocent and Beyonce was able to save the day. If that wasn’t a marketing stunt, it was a huge coincidence.
Finally, MTV has motive. Their award shows aren’t nearly as popular as they used to be. Without the Kanye West controversy, no one would be talking about the VMAs. Now? They are the number one talk at the water cooler.
Marketing stunt or real? Let us know what you think.
Kanye West, Taylor Swift and MTV controversy (Image: Zuma Press)
I heard Kanye West and Taylor Swift have the same talent agent. I have no idea if that is true, but if so, it makes me even more apt to believe the whole thing was a stunt.
You can bet it was staged. These are very savy business people and the publicity they have recieved is far greater than they could ever hoped or pay for. A well thought out business plan very well executed where everybody gets what they want, exposure, brand awareness and incresased market share for the future show. We call this a “Home Run” in the marketing world. Well Done!
Ok.. sure.. You are the same guy that started the rumor that said we didn’t really go to the moon.. right?
A sharply pointed hat is now in the mail – addressed to you.
Kanye West is an EPIC TOOL. Look at the history of his comments… Giving him and MTV credit for “planning” this spectacle is like saying your dog plans where his next piss will be…
As we say in the South, “Bless your heart!”
I personally feel that when Kanye West decided to get on stage and embarass the country singer, that he probably felt deep down inside that he should not embarass her let alone him self in the process.