VMA recap: Winners, performances and blunders

Who could forget the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, where Madonna locked lips in a three-way kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera? I know I didn't. As I was sitting in the audience experiencing what would ultimately become a definitive VMA vault moment.
 
MTV extensively promoted the 2008 VMA's with an unforgettable Britney Spears opener. What we ended up getting was a misleading advertisement and a forgettable show. I'd like my money back! Jokes aside, a nicely, pulled-together Britney did kick off the show by introducing Rihanna performing a White Stripes inspired rendition of "Disturbia" wearing a feathered-leather corset, hot shorts and lace-up thigh-high boots. 
 
British comedian Russell Brand scored low points with presenters and audience as his on-going promise-ring Jonas Brothers shtick fell flat. Along with his bland political humor, the psychedelic host was far from impressive. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure he's a nice man. Presenter Jamie Foxx incited "Wake up, wake up!" as he walked out to present Britney with her first moon man for Best Female Video. Glitches included, Demi Moore walking down a crystal-clear revolving staircase without a mic to present Chris Brown with Best Male Video for "With You."
 
The winners reel included the Pussycat Dolls, who edged out Chris Brown, Danity Kane and Madonna for Best Dancing in a Video; Linkin Park for Best Rock Video, Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" for Best Hip Hop Video, and Tokio Hotel for Best New Artist.
 
The swim cap was left pool side as Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps strolled out with headphones to introduce New Orleans crooner Lil Wayne featuring T Pain and Leona Lewis. As Young Jeezy hyped the crowd with a bare chest and jeans sitting way below the suggested level, it could be said, that his performance was nostalgic of Nelly's "Country Grammar" 2000 VMA career-defining stage moment.
 
Surprises?... unfortunately, none to be found. Well...only one, if you count Jeezy joining Kid Rock on stage. But, that was sort-of expected, don't you think? The star power was a record VMA low, that, or I'm losing my MTV touch. Where were the rivalries, tabloid favorites, and the clashing chemistry between presenters that make the VMA's memorable? For a landmark anniversary, such as the 25th VMA's, the show was not as grandiose as previous years. Overall, the audience, performances, and presenters were tamed and non-controversial. It wouldn't be fair to blame it all on host Russell Brand, this year's VMA's seemed more like a boring, live-action music video.
 
Highlights?...only three. The crowd-pleasing second half of T.I.'s performance featuring Rihanna returning to the stage to premier "Live Your Life." For this special number, Rihanna rocked skin-tight black jeans and a bare chest covered with a cropped leather jacket. Highlight number two? Kanye West's tribal closer "Love Lockdown" and, of course, Britney Spears winning three moon men for the first-time ever. The comeback queen won Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Best Video of the Year for "Piece of Me." Looking better than ever, Britney kept her speeches short and directed to the people that mean most - her family and fans.
 
It seems as if, MTV awarded Britney three moon men for good behavior and to hurry-the-hell-up and get back in the game. As a veteran among the new pack of wannabe pop stars and manufactured groups, it was well deserved for a once fallen-star who rose to the occasion.