NEW YORK — Beyonce Knowles won three moonmen, including video of the year honors, to emerge as one of the top winners at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards held Sunday night in New York City.
Knowles won the coveted prize for her single “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It).” She was joined in the winners circle by Lady Gaga and Green Day, who also picked up three awards each. Lady Gaga’s honors including “best new artist,” while Green Day’s triumphant return to the VMAs featured honors for “best rock video” for “21 Guns.”
The show began with a tribute to Michael Jackson, who died on June 25 at the age of 50.
“Most of us had turned our backs on him,” said Madonna in her tribute speech to the King of Pop. “He was so unique, so original, so rare and there will never be anyone like him again. He was the king.”
Janet Jackson later emerged and danced in unison with her brother’s moves as the video for “Scream” played behind her.
The lowlight of the night would come moments later thanks to Kanye West, who jumped onstage as Taylor Swift accepted honors for “best female video” for “You Belong With Me.” West stole the mic from the young star and proceeded to protest Knowles not winning the honor. He was soon ejected from the show.
While picking up the night’s top prize later in the night, Knowles called Swift back onstage to finish her speech, drawing plenty of applause from the stars and fans at Radio City Music Hall.
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