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 uncen... (more)sored 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.

Chelsea Handler