7 Acting Pop Stars and Their Best Performances in Music Videos
Mariah Carey
Best Performance: "Honey"
Yes, Mariah is an unrepentant killer of ballads ("Vision of Love," "Love Takes Time," and "Always Be My Baby" remain unforgettable), but she was always at her best in the throes of fun and freedom. In "Honey," she plays a Ski-Doo-savvy James Bond type who evades the terrifying grasp of Eddie Griffin. Her beige bikini should've been nominated for Best Supporting Support at the '97 VMAs. If only Precious could've escaped her dour home situation on a Yamaha waverunner!
Runners-Up: "Fantasy," "We Belong Together"
Rihanna
Best Performance: "Hate That I Love You"
Controversial choice, but Rihanna's simple, sincere camera charisma elevates this video to an above-average breakup clip. And the song, a collaboration with Ne-Yo, remains one of two massively underrated songs in her oeuvre (along with "If It's Lovin' That You Want"). Hopefully she bring this level of subtlety to her upcoming role in Battleship.
Runners-Up: "Take a Bow," "Unfaithful"
Katy Perry
Best Performance: "Last Friday Night"
We're still waiting on her scintillating voiceover debut in The Smurfs, but Katy Perry already gives silly, even good comic performances in her music videos. In her newest video "Last Friday Night," she dons glasses, a denim monstrosity, and some major orthodontia to play the nerdy girl who accidentally threw the party of the year. Adorable.
Runners-Up: "Waking Up in Vegas"
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I wished you'd included the videos' directors.
I nominate Alanis Morrisette in "Ironic". Whatever you think of the song, she manages to play four slightly different characters quite well.
Movieline, I love you and I'mma let you finish, but how can you choose "Deja Vu" when "Single Ladies" was... Oh, forget it.
Allow me to second this, yell "holler," and add to it: Alanis was also fantastic in "You Learn," "Unsent," and the utterly underrated video for "Hand In My Pocket."
I like the first two picks. I forgot just what a perfect song "Cry Me A River" was, and I love how Justin can switch into vulnerable, heart-broken boy quicker than Puss in Boots can do the eye thing. As for Madonna, this was also an excellent choice.
But sticking with your dubious choice of "actors" (Rihanna and Katy Perry?), I would pick "Irreplaceable" for Beyoncé. Her performance in the video is perfect, starting out at as slightly unsure and quickly moving into F- You territory without ever overdoing it.
I agree with your choice for Jennifer Lopez too. I thought "All I Have" was a better performance, but I just rewatched it, and I think your choice is better.
I like "I Don't Wanna Cry" as Mariah Carey's best performance. I'm always a fan of Southern Gothic vs. Bond rip-offs. "Russian Roulette" is by far the best-acted and most intense Rihanna video. And as for Katy Perry, "Thinking of You" is by easily best acted video.
But that's just my opinion. 🙂
May I nominate Janet? In any number, but perhaps mostly for Scream? Also, Michael. Same.
hooray! we are all so gay
Each and every person on this list needs to stay away from my multiplex--forever!
I might go with "Alright." Zoot suit cred is serious cred.
Well played, Mr. Virtel. Hard to beat a video with Cyd Charisse and Cab Calloway. Also, I love "If." And "That's the Way Love Goes" to me contains the best acting job of JLo's in a video.
No Bowie? ML, you disappoint me.