2011 MTV Video Music Awards Highlights

Beyonce stole the show by announcing exciting news at the 2011 VMAs. - Wikimedia Commons

The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards was filled with plenty of interesting performances and shocking moments.

Here is a recap of the 2011 VMAs, which took place Sunday, August 28:

The Performances That Stood Out

Lady Gaga opened the show with a very bizarre performance in which she was dressed as a man. She began with an introduction that was similar to a theatrical monologue. This strange opening seemed to confuse audience members. After the monologue and while still in character as a man, she sang her new song, "You and I." The vocals were strong, as usual, and the audience applauded wildly. Why did Gaga choose to open the show this way? Even die-hard fans may not know why. However, before the 2011 Video Music Awards aired, Lady Gaga was asked about the performance in an interview with MTV News. Gaga said, "Right now, I'm obsessed with the archetypes of our psychology and all the different people we can become or have become in the past." Perhaps this slightly explains the unusual performance. It appears that the character Gaga was playing is her alter-ego.
Adele gave a flawless performance of her new hit, "Someone Like You." Adele simply stood behind the microphone, singing in a way that was intimate and stripped down, allowing her soulful voice to shine through.
Chris Brown performed a tribute to Wu-Tang Clan. His dancing was spot-on, and he flew above the crowd, doing flips in the air as the crowd cheered.

Britney Spears won Best Pop Video for "Til the World Ends."
The Foo Fighters won Best Rock Video for "Walk."
The award for Best Hip Hop Video went to Nicki Minaj for "Super Bass."
Best Collaboration was awarded to Katie Perry, featuring Kanye West for "ET."
Justin Bieber won Best Male Video for "U Smile."
Lady Gaga won the award for Best Video with a Message for "Born This Way."
Katy Perry took home Video of the Year for "Firework."
Adele won three awards for "Rolling in the Deep," including Best Art Direction, Best Editing and Best Cinematography.
Best New Artist was awarded to Tyler, the Creator for "Yonkers."

After Lady Gaga, who was still in character as a man, paid tribute to Britney Spears, she then proceeded to hit on Britney. They stared into each others eyes, and leaned in for a kiss. Finally, Britney backed away and said, "I've done that already."
Beyonce gave an outstanding performance, but the highlight came at the end of the performance when Beyonce unbuttoned her blazer and revealed that she's pregnant. Jay-Z stood and applauded proudly while Kanye West gave him a pat on the back.