MTV Video Music Awards Wrap-Up: Britney Wins and Rihanna Shines

The biggest up side of the night was, with the return to Hollywood, the MTV Video Music Awards looked like an awards ceremony again not the confusing, convoluted lost weekend of last year's event in Las Vegas. The night's big winner with 3 awards, including Video of the Year, was Britney Spears. Her video for "Piece Of Me" remains an impressive kiss-off to critics and the paparazzi, and, to add an exclamation point to the wins, Britney did indeed look stunning in a resplendent silver dress.

However, if Britney Spears ruled the actual awards, it was Rihanna who ruled the stage. Kicking off the show's festivities with a stunning staging of "Disturbia", Rihanna wasn't finished. She returned later in the night with T.I. in another triumphant performance. There were other impressive performances, but Rihanna made it clear why she is at the top of the pop music game. She is a stunning solo performer while making it increasingly obvious she can be a valued supporting player for other artists as well.

The show closed with stunning satisfaction. Kanye West ruled the stage with the debut of his new single "Love Lockdown." In a grand departure, the song includes no rapping and makes use of T-Pain style vocal effects. Other impressive performances included an entertaining tour of the Paramount Pictures backlot by Pink performing "So What," the Jonas Brothers showing off all of their charm in a disarming performance of "Lovebug," and Kid Rock's fiery collaboration with Lil Wayne.

While little of the VMA's past penchant for controversy was present, it was a solid awards celebration featuring impressive performances by many of today's top pop artists. That is really all we can ask for.

Top winners:

• Video of the Year - Britney Spears - "Piece of Me"
• Best Male Video - Chris Brown - "With You"
• Best Female Video - Britney Spears - "Piece of Me"
• Best New Artist - Tokio Hotel - "Ready, Set, Go!"
• Best Pop Video - Britney Spears - "Piece of Me"

_{Photo by Kevin Winter / Getty Images}