2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Print
Written by Staff   
Friday, 16 March 2012 05:16

mtvU, MTV's 24-hour college network, tonight named Mac Miller, Best Coast, MGK, Calvin Harris and Appalachian State University's WASU winners of the "2012 mtvU Woodie Awards," honoring the artists who are infiltrating the music landscape. Mac Miller was the night's big winner, taking home the "Performing Woodie," and the night's biggest honor, "Woodie of the Year," while also working in a crowd-rocking live rendition of his hit "Party on 5th Ave." MGK captured the coveted "Breaking Woodie," which honors the best emerging artist, and the show also paid homage to the artists breaking ground in the rising electronic dance music scene by awarding the first-ever "EDM Effect" Woodie to Calvin Harris for "We Found Love" (Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris). Additionally, California indie rockers Best Coast won "Best Video Woodie" for "'Our Deal (Extended Version)," directed by Drew Barrymore.

"Thanks to MTV. There is no venue or company like them," said Drew Barrymore. "I wanted to tell a story set to the dreamy sounds of Best Coast's music. I am lucky to have had this opportunity!!! I hope I get another!"

"I've worked so hard every day for the last five years and winning tonight means people recognize what I'm doing," said Mac Miller. "I'm really thankful. This is a huge win for my fans and me."

"Thanks to my fans ... This is an award the world didn't want us to win but we did it together. Congrats to the fans and f#*k me," said MGK.

MTV and mtvU will air the half-hour "2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Special" on Sunday, March 18 at 8pm ET/7pm CT, showcasing some of the best "Woodie Awards" performances by Santigold, Mac Miller and Steve Aoki, in addition to celebrating the night's winners. The special will also feature appearances from B.o.B, J.Cole, Cobra Starship, MGK, Vanessa Hudgens, Chiddy Bang, Kat Graham, and Mike Posner, with each sharing their love for the night's nominees.

Genre-defying sensation Santigold riled the crowd from the very start, returning triumphantly to the Woodies stage with a thrilling set of "Go!," "L.E.S. Artistes" and "Disparate Youth." Next, 20-year old Pittsburgh native Mac Miller, who is about to start his "Macadelic Tour," kept the night moving with "Smile Back," "Donald Trump," and then introduced the crowd to "Loud." Skrillex, Porter Robinson, Flux Pavilion and Zedd stopped by the event to support fellow EDM superstar Steve Aoki who treated the audience to a series of surprises. The producer and DJ first brought out Lil Jon for "Turbulence," then Dillion Francis took the stage with Aoki for "Steve Jobs" just before the two jumped in a raft to crowd-surf. Next, Chiddy and Lil Jon joined in for a stirring rendition of "Emergency," just before Aoki closed the show with flying cakes and champagne.

The marathon day of music began at 1pm locally with a host of live performances by up-and-coming artists including Dev, MGK, Chiddy Bang, Gary Clark, Jr., of Verona, Kimbra, Ed Sheeran, fun., A$AP Rocky, WALK THE MOON, Imagine Dragons and Wallpaper. during the first-ever, open-air "Woodie Awards Festival."

The winners of the "2012 mtvU Woodie Awards" are:

Woodie of the Year – (Artist of the Year)
Mac Miller (Rostrum Records)

The Breaking Woodie – (Best Emerging Artist)
MGK (Interscope Records)

Best Video Woodie – (Best Video of the Year)
Best Coast "'Our Deal' (Extended Version)" (Mexican Summer)

Performing Woodie – (Best Live Act)
Mac Miller (Rostrum Records)

EDM Effect Woodie – (For Bringing EDM to a New Fan-Base)
Calvin Harris for "We Found Love" (Rihanna feat Calvin Harris) – (Ultra Records/Island Def Jam)

College Radio Woodie – (Best Campus Radio Station)
WASU - Appalachian State University

Official sponsors of the "Woodie Awards Festival" and "2012 mtvU Woodie Awards" include Chevy Sonic, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and T-Mobile USA.

Eric Conte, Amy Doyle and Gina Esposito are the Executive Producers of the "2012 mtvU Woodie Awards." Joe Buoye is the Executive in Charge of Production. Tracy Hellerud is Supervising Producer.