MTV Video Music Awards

MTV brought the VMAs back to the west coast for a live, star-studded show in Los Angeles, packing a powerful punch of side-splittingly funny entertainment, awe-inducing performances, and twitter trend-worthy moments. Host Chelsea Handler was uncensored and all-out hilarious as she riffed on everyone from Justin Bieber to Jersey Shore. But the night truly belonged to another lady—Lady Gaga. Gaga dominated, winning in eight categories and wowing in wardrobe changes, which included a gown made of meat. Yes, meat. Handing out Moonmen and marvelling at outrageous celebrity fashion moments is a part of the VMAs, but the night is really about the music. Eminem opened the show with surprise special guest Rihanna for "Love The Way You Lie." Usher KILLED it with a mash-up of "DJ Got Us Falling In Love" and "OMG" that had everyone, Jersey Shore included, wanting to beat the beat. Justin Bieber earned his place as Best New Artist during his outdoor set (with drum solo!), and fellow performers Florence + the Machine, Drake, Mary J. Blige and Swizz Beatz, B.o.B, Bruno Mars and Hayley Williams, deadmau5, Jason Derulo, Robyn, Travie McCoy and Linkin Park (phew!) all nailed it on stage. The most talked about performances of the night went to Taylor Swift and Kanye West who each settled their infamous 2009 VMA Beef through song. The VMAs have etched their place in pop culture as the go-to source for an unforgettable night that EVERYONE will be talking about. That is, until next year's show. « read less

As if the lineup wasn't knock-your-socks-off good already, superstar Rihanna and ground-breaking singer/songwriter Frank Ocean will all be joining the outstanding list of VMA performers. With an impressive 8 nominations between the two of them, these A-listers each have a shot at leaving Los Angeles with a Moonman in hand. They'll be joining chart-topper Taylor Swift, VMA vets Green Day and P!nk, songstress Alicia Keys and the Brit boys of One Direction as 2012 VMA performers. This year's performers aren't the only stars that will shine on the VMA stage. With a growing list of powerful presenters from all genres of fame, the Staples Center will house one of the most multi-talented stages ever. The rap game's VIP 2 Chainz, wild child Ke$ha, the handsome blokes of The Wanted, and the stars of "Celeste And Jesse Forever" Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg will join Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, and the Fab Five U.S. Gymnastics gals as presenters. What an eclectic and awesome crowd we'll have on hand to celebrate the best music vids of 2012. Following a hilarious appearance at the 2011 show, comedian Kevin Hart will take the lead as our host of the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. Known for his LOL-worthy original standup, as well as his reoccurring role in the Scary Movie franchise, Hart will bring the giggles to the golden coast when he takes the Staples Center stage. « read less