Beyonce and Jay-Z's offspring doesn't even have a
name yet, but it was the indisputable breakout star of Sunday's MTV Video Music
Awards, upstaging everyone, even Katy Perry's win for video of the year.
Perry, who had the most nominations coming into the
show with 10, came away with three moonman trophies, including video of the
year for the inspirational clip "Firework."
"I feel like I'm doing something right when I
sing that song," said Perry, conservatively dressed in a cotton-candy pink
jacket, a skirt and something best described as a Green Bay Packers cheesehead
decoration.
But the night's big news came from Beyonce, who
stole the show before it even began when she announced on the black carpet that
after more than three years of marriage, the dazzling couple had produced the
ultimate all-star collaboration. Dressed in a loose-fitting, off-the-shoulder
red gown, she clutched the baby bump that so many celeb-watchers had been
predicting since the two wed.
Later, Beyonce performed "Love on Top,"
and if Twitter hadn't already spread the news, her outfit gave clues to her
impending motherhood; instead of her typical sexy outfits, she dressed in
conservative spangled tux — but still danced around in her signature stilettos.
Beyonce didn't utter a word about the pregnancy,
but ended the number by taking off her jacket and rubbing her swollen belly; in
the audience, an elated Jay-Z hooted and clapped for his wife as Kanye West
hugged him.
In an instant, Beyonce and her soon-to-be child
managed to overshadow the night's events. Lady Gaga's much-hyped opening
number, during which she performed as a greasy, leather-jacketed male alter-ego
during a performance of "You and I," became less interesting. So did
the evening's meticulously planned wild moments, from Nicki Minaj's
origami-like outfit to a dance-off between the members of Odd Future and Jack
Black, Will Ferrell and Seth Rogen.
There was one apparently unscripted moment during
Jay-Z's performance with Kanye West of "Otis," off their
chart-topping joint album "Watch the Throne." Near the end of the
song, someone tried to walk on the stage, but was quickly apprehended by a crew
member as a bemused Jay-Z looked on. It was the second time Jay-Z had someone
walk on unannounced during an MTV performance; two years ago, it was Lil Mama.
Britney Spears captured the night's first award,
for best pop video, and later was honored with an MTV Video Vanguard award for
her visual legacy. Lady Gaga, sticking to her gender-switch shtick, leered at
Spears as she paid tribute to her.
"She's a pop music legend, and the industry
would not be the same without her," Gaga said. "I used to hang
pictures of her on my wall and touch myself when I was in bed."
Later, Gaga fished for a kiss, but as Spears leaned
in, she quickly pulled back, reminding viewers, "I've done that
before."
The show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles had no
official host, though comedian Kevin Hart delivered an opening monologue and
was featured in a series of vignettes during the show.
Adele had perhaps the highlight of the night as the
seven-time nominee delivered a powerfully understated performance of
"Someone Like You," off her top-selling "21" album.
Chris Brown also wowed with an aerial number,
soaring above the crowd in between high-stepping choreography.
Russell Brand provided the evening's rare poignant
moment during a tribute to his late friend, Amy Winehouse, who died a month ago
after struggling for years with drug and alcohol abuse. Brand urged people to
remember the 27-year-old for her music, and urged others suffering to get help.
"A lot of people just get the disease, not
many people get the incredible talent that Amy was blessed with," said
Brand, who successfully battled drug addiction himself. "Let's remember
there is a solution ... that solution is available."
Tony Bennett, who joined Winehouse in what is
believed to be her last song on his upcoming "Duets II" album, showed
the audience a clip of the pair singing "Body and Soul."
Moments later, Bruno Mars sang one of her hits,
"Valerie," but closed the song out with the refrain, "Amy, we'll
miss you baby," as a somber-faced audience looked on.
AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen
(http://www.twitter.com/apsandy) in Los Angeles, AP Writer Mesfin Fekadu
(http://www.twitter.com/musicmesfin) in New York, and AP Global Entertainment
Editor Alicia Quarles in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
(AP
Photo/Matt Sayles)
