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Britney Wins First-Ever VMA Awards

Aside from her much-anticipated appearance opening the show—a brief Rihanna introduction that drew a standing ovation—Britney Spears won three Moon Men at MTV's Video Music Awards last night, including a video of the year nod for "Piece of Me." The pop star's 'comeback' was considerably subdued, as she unleashed one "thank you" after another and avoided the sex kitten behavior of last year's universally-mocked performance.

If any controversy happened last night, it'd be between the evening's host, British comedian Russell Brand, and the Jonas Brothers' propensity for promise rings. American Idol winner Jordin Sparks—another fan of chastity belt accessories—wasn't laughing at Brand's sexpot humor. In fact, she broke character during an award presentation to say, "It's not bad to wear a promise ring because not every guy and girl wants to be a slut, okay?"

Brand was quick to apologize/poke fun at the situation after the show, as he told the Associated Press, "I feel a bit bad that I kept talking about their vows to chastity and I'd like to take this opportunity to say no one ever have sex again. It's a mad idea. What a way to spend an evening."

Among the night's other winners were Chris Brown ("With You," best male video), Linkin Park ("Shadow of the Day," best rock video), The Pussycat Dolls ("When I Grow Up," best dancing in a video), and Tokio Hotel (best new artist). For full coverage of the VMAs, head over to http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2008/.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
09.08.08