(MTV) LOS ANGELES — The VMAs always recognize the most important movements in pop culture. This year was no exception, with the unquestionably vital Electronic Dance Music scene taking center stage before the festivities even began. The VMA house DJ himself, Calvin Harris, nabbed the Best EDM Video Moonman for his "Feel So Close" during the pre-show leading into the main event.
When MTV News' James Montgomery announced his name, Harris was already inside, behind the DJ booth holding his Moonman in front of the crowd.
The brand-new category saw Harris squaring off against a who's-who of his peers: Swedish DJ Avicii, who was nominated for "Levels"; American/Canadian duo Duck Sauce and their "Big Bad Wolf"; Martin Solveig's "Night Out"; and Skrillex with "First of the Year (Equinox)."
EDM was on fire all year, and MTV created the Best Electronic Dance Music Video category in recognition of that fact. VMA producers set out to adopt the sound, spirit and energy of EDM in other ways, too. The audience/performer give-and-take helped inspire the open floor plan at Staples Center, allowing the 1,500 plenty of room to dance.
Earlier in the week, Harris gave three lucky Pepsi NOW contest winners a taste of his "epic" plans for the VMAs during closed-door backstage rehearsals.
The "Feel So Close" clip was directed by Harris' frequent collaborator Vincent Haycock, who has worked with Spiritualized and MSTRKRFT. "Feel So Close" was the second single from Harris' forthcoming album 18 Months, which is due in October and has spawned four singles thus far.
The video for Harris' collaboration with Rihanna, "We Found Love," is up against clips from Drake, Gotye, Katy Perry and M.I.A. for Video of the Year.
The 2012 MTV Video Music Awards are going live tonight from Staples Center in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. ET/PT. But before it all goes down, don't miss our pre-show with Demi Lovato at 7 p.m.! And head over to VMA.MTV.com to vote on Best New Artist and Most Share-Worthy Video!
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