In the heyday of MTV, Video Jockeys (VJs) were the original influencers. From the chaotic energy of TRL to the authoritative reporting of MTV News, personalities like Carson Daly, Ananda Lewis, and Kurt Loder defined how a generation discovered culture.
As we move through 2026, nostalgia for this “curated” era is at an all-time high. It reminds us of a time when we looked to TV hosts to guide us through music, fashion, and entertainment—much like how we look for the ultimate guides to movies and gaming today. Here is the definitive status report on the legends who shaped the culture.
The Pioneers: 80s & Early 90s Icons
Downtown Julie Brown
- Then: The high-energy British host of Club MTV (1987–1992) who made “Wubba Wubba Wubba” a global catchphrase. She brought dance music to the mainstream and was the face of MTV’s fashion in the late 80s.
- Now (2026): Julie remains the undisputed queen of nostalgia. She currently hosts the popular “90s on 9” show on SiriusXM and serves as a primary commentator for 80s/90s retrospective documentaries on platforms like CNN and VH1.
Kurt Loder
- Then: The former Rolling Stone editor who became the trusted, stoic face of MTV News (1987–2005). He was the voice of reason who delivered breaking news on the death of Kurt Cobain and the East Coast/West Coast hip-hop feud.
- Now: Though semi-retired, Loder remains a sharp cultural critic. He actively writes film reviews and provides political commentary on X (formerly Twitter), maintaining his status as the “gold standard” of music journalism.
Kennedy (Lisa Kennedy Montgomery)
- Then: The bespectacled, grunge-loving host of Alternative Nation (1992–1997). She was the face of the 90s alternative rock explosion, introducing bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden to a mainstream audience.
- Now: Kennedy made a massive pivot to political commentary. In 2026, she is a prominent host on the Fox Business Network and often appears as a panelist on news roundtables, proving that the rebellious 90s spirit can evolve into sharp political punditry.
The TRL Titans: Late 90s & 2000s Era
Carson Daly
- Then: The king of Times Square and host of Total Request Live (TRL) (1998–2003). He was responsible for breaking the careers of Britney Spears, Eminem, and Korn. TRL was the original battleground for youth culture, not unlike the NBA 2K26 vs 2K25 debates of today.
- Now: Carson is one of the most successful broadcasters on TV. In 2026, he is a daily anchor on NBC’s TODAY and the longtime host and producer of The Voice, proving the “VJ-to-Mainstream” pipeline is real.
Ananda Lewis (In Memoriam)
- Then: The intelligent, empathetic host of TRL, The Ananda Lewis Show, and MTV News. She was known for her ability to connect with artists on a deeper level, famously interviewing everyone from Aaliyah to Prince.
- Now: Tragically, Ananda passed away on June 11, 2025, at age 52, after a courageous six-year battle with stage IV breast cancer. In her final years, she became a powerful advocate for early detection and mammograms, urging women to prioritize their health. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and grace.
La La Anthony
- Then: The energetic host of Direct Effect and TRL who bridged the gap between hip-hop and pop culture. She was the voice of the 2000s urban music scene on MTV.
- Now: A full-fledged Hollywood mogul. In 2026, La La is a sought-after actress starring in hit dramas like The Chi and producing projects for Starz, while successfully running her global beauty and fashion lines.
Damien Fahey
- Then: The host who took the baton from Carson Daly, anchoring TRL from 2002 to 2008. He was the face of the mid-2000s era, interviewing stars like Rihanna and Justin Timberlake during their breakout years.
- Now: Damien found massive success behind the camera. He is currently a lead writer for “Family Guy” and a producer on several comedy podcasts, showcasing the comedic wit that he often flashed during his VJ days.
The MTV News Authority
Tabitha Soren & Serena Altschul
- Then: The journalists who brought gravitas to MTV’s political coverage (“Choose or Lose”) and deep-dive features. They covered presidential elections and counter-culture movements with a seriousness that respected the youth audience.
- Now: Tabitha Soren is now a highly acclaimed fine-art photographer whose work has appeared in museums across the country. Serena Altschul remains in top-tier journalism as a correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning, covering culture and design.
Sway Calloway
- Then: The reporter who gave hip-hop a credible voice on MTV News and Direct Effect. Famous for his iconic interviews with Tupac and Biggie.
- Now: Sway remains a dominant media force. His morning show, Sway in the Morning on SiriusXM Shade 45, is the premier destination for hip-hop interviews, famous for his “Five Fingers of Death” freestyle challenge.
The Cult Legends
Jesse Camp vs. Dave Holmes
- Then: Jesse was the eccentric winner of the first Wanna Be a VJ contest (1998); Dave was the “robbed” runner-up. Their rivalry was one of the first viral reality TV moments.
- Now: Jesse Camp remains an elusive, colorful figure who surfaces occasionally for nostalgia interviews. Dave Holmes has built a prolific career as an editor-at-large for Esquire and a podcast host, proving that coming in second can sometimes mean winning the long game.
Why MTV VJs Matter in 2026
With the recent shuttering of the MTV News archives, the “human element” of music discovery feels more valuable than ever. Today’s top creators—from podcasters to Twitch streamers—are essentially following the blueprint these VJs created: personality-driven curation in a noisy world.
When we ask “Where are they now?”, we aren’t just looking for career updates; we are looking for the last connection to a time when music was something we experienced together, live, at 3:30 PM in Times Square.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was the very first MTV VJ? The original five VJs who launched MTV on August 1, 1981, were Mark Goodman, Nina Blackwood, Alan Hunter, J.J. Jackson, and Martha Quinn.
Is MTV News still active? No, MTV News was officially shut down in 2023 as part of corporate restructuring by Paramount Global. The archives and online content have largely been removed, making the legacy of VJs like Kurt Loder and Tabitha Soren even more historically significant.
Who was the host of Headbangers Ball? The most iconic host of Headbangers Ball was Riki Rachtman, who hosted from 1990 to 1995. Before him, Adam Curry and VJs like Kevin Seal hosted segments, but Rachtman defined the heavy metal era.
