Britney Storms MTV

Spears scoops trio of awards as Russell Brand courts controversy

08 September 2008 - Britney Spears made a triumphant comeback at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, winning a trio of prizes including best video, best pop video and best female video.

Spears' Piece of Me won her awards in all the categories she was nominated for. She didn’t perform at the awards, instead she took part in a short comedy sketch alongside Superbad actor Jonah Hill and received a standing ovation.

The awards in Los Angeles had a better reception than last year's ceremony, which attracted controversy for appearing to be under-rehearsed and mimed.

Spears repeatedly thanked God, her family and her recently re-hired manager Larry Rudolph in her acceptance speeches.

"I’m speechless," Spears said on accepting her award for Best Pop Video, presented by Paris Hilton. "Firstly I want to thank God for blessing me like this, my beautiful family, Jive Records, Barry Wise, Larry Rudolph for always believing in me, and of course all of my fans. Thank you so much. This means a lot."

"After all this glory, for god's sake, don't die." Russell Brand congratulates Britney Spears

Host of the ceremony Russel Brand congratulated Britney saying: "You have conquered the whole of the VMA awards. You stand above it as a colossus. You’re certainly back, you look more beautiful than ever, it’s wonderful!"

He added, "After all this glory for God’s sake don’t die!"

Brand made some typically controversial statements during his opening speech at the awards. Brand openly endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama in a sexually charged monologue.

Brand said "Could I please ask of you, people of America, please elect Barack Obama. Some people, I think they’re called racists, say America is not ready for a black president."

The host went on to say, "I know America to be a forward-thinking country because, otherwise, you know, would you have let that retarded cowboy fella be president for eight years?”

Brand’s comments were met by nervous applause from the American audience.

Others to appear at the awards included Christina Aguilera who performed Then And Now dressed all in black. Last year’s big winner Rihanna sang Disturbia and Seven Nation Army and Pink’s performance of her new song So What was lit by a backdrop of pyrotechnic wizardry.

Earlier in the evening Paramore sang Sunset Strip and Whiskey A Go Go. Kid Rock, The Ting Tings, and teenage favourites the Jonas Brothers also performed.

Katie Perry sang her summer hit I Kissed A Girl with Travis Barker on accompanying on drums as well as covering Madonna’s Like A Virgin.

Chris Brown won Best Male Video for With You. Linkin Park won Best Rock Video for Shadow Of The Day and Lil Wayne won Best Hip Hop Video for Lollipop. Tokio Hotel won Best New Artist and Pussycat Dolls won Best Dancing In A Video for When I Grow Up.

Kanye West closed the ceremony with a debut performance of his new song. West vowed last year never to return to the MTV Video Music Awards after failing to win any awards but was welcomed back this year with his closing performance.

Juliette Burton