So long, 'TRL'

Lest people write off MTV's "TRL" as strictly the place that launched a thousand plays of 'N Sync videos to the sustained ear-splitting screams of thousands of pre-pubescent girls all over the country, don't forget that it became such a must-stop on any movie, TV or record launch plan that it brought out the Will Smiths, Tom Cruises, Brad Pitts and Madonnas of the world.

They were all there. (Michael Jackson, too!) So, of course, were Britney, Christina, Backstreet Boys and about a zillion others who used "TRL" as a springboard for million-selling CDs, major awards hardware and mini-moguldom.

Alas, "TRL" is gone, a victim of its low ratings. There's no such thing, really, as nostalgia on MTV anyway. If it's old, it's old. Get rid of it, says the network mantra. Room must be made for Paris Hilton's new excuse for a reality show and some returning incarnation of Tila Tequila's "search for a soulmate."

But it didn't go out without a party, complete with performances from Beyonce, Fall Out Boy and Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Nelly (pictured above) who did a hip hop medley. Gotta love those.

If you didn't catch it, here are some greatest hits. It's re-airing today at 1:30 and likely many more times in case you have a spare three hours lying around.