Spears wins 3 as VMAs turn 25

By: Drew Choiniere

Posted: 9/18/08

After the numerous discombobulated fiascos at last year's show, MTV decided to make its 25th anniversary Video Music Awards attempted to dial back the concept in favor of a good ole fashioned award show, complete with Britney Spears winning her first three Moonmen (including the coveted video of the year for her clip "Piece of Me").

Hosted by British comedian Russell Brand (co-star of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall") and held at Paramount Picture's back lots, the show tried to integrate the massive staging areas with some of today's most popular performers.

Brand's unorthodox comedy was peppered with quips about the Jonas Brothers' virginity, Sarah Palin's pregnant teenage daughter, and a plea to the American people to vote Barack Obama president.

Despite numerous rumors of her unavailability for the show (and last year's much-maligned and badly lip-synched performance) Spears seemed to have her personal life in order and was the picture of professionalism and beauty in two different sparkling cocktail dresses. She also too home awards for the best pop video, as well as best female video.

Chris Brown won best male video for "With You"; The Pussycat Dolls' clip "When I Grow Up" won best dance video; and Linkin Park won best rock video for "Shadow of the Day."

Lil' Wayne won best hip-hop video for "Lollipop" and also performed a medley of his hits, including "Get Money," with guest appearances by Leona Lewis and T-Pain. He later came out to rap alongside Kid Rock for his performance of "All Summer Long." Upstart German group Tokio Hotel beat out heavy favorites Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Jordin Sparks, to win the best new artist award.

The show was not only about awards though, as many of the performers employed elaborate sets and costumes to add a touch of cinematic drama to their performances.

Rihanna, decked out in an elaborate mohawk and costume to match, was joined by a bevy of dancers straight out of "Dawn of the Dead" to perform her latest hit "Disturbia."

Pink and the Jonas Brothers performed their newest hits "So What" and "Love Bug," respectively, on the New York City set with hundreds of fans cheering them on.

The soon-to-be-incarcerated T.I. performed his huge number one hit "Whatever U Like," and then was later joined by Rihanna who accompanied him on the new song "Live Your Life," from his new album "Paper Trail" due in stores September 30.

In her first performance since her self-imposed maternity leave, Christina Aguilera performed her brand new single "Keeps Gettin' Better," along with a remixed version of her first hit "Genie in a Bottle."

To close the show, Kanye West, with a simple gray suit, unveiled his brand new song "Love Lockdown," expected to be heard on his album due this Christmas. Gone are the complex soul samples and the showy rapping, but in its place a simple jazzy piano, throbbing bass, and a pensive-sounding West singing the entire song.

Ultimately it was Spears' night, with her three wins and seemingly calm personality, she made her way back into the spotlight and the public conscience without having to crash and burn