{alltv} Lady Gaga Kicks off VMAs in High Style

Sunday, September 12, 2010

{alltv} Lady Gaga Kicks off VMAs in High Style

Lady Gaga Kicks off VMAs in High Style | Lady Gaga

It's already looking like Lady Gaga's night.

The pop star, nominated for a record-setting 13 trophies at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, walked off with three, including best female video, only minutes into the live telecast.

She wasn't walking too quickly though, thanks to some sky-high booties and her characteristically over-the-top Alexander McQueen ensemble and feathery mohawk headpiece.

But when she did make it to the stage, Gaga, close to tears, praised her fans. "It's such a dream come true to be here tonight," she said, as she picked up the award for her "Bad Romance" video.

Later, Gaga – in a second black, spiked mohawk – picked up the Moonman for best pop video.

Gaga got a lively welcome from show host Chelsea Handler, who poked fun of the pop star's penchant for outrageous outfits. Taking the stage to "Bad Romance" in a tattered, glittery skirt and face-obscuring hat that resembled an over-sized house, Handler earned laughs as she skewered celebrities in her monologue.

Joking About Drinking

Some, like Lindsay Lohan, were happy to poke fun at themselves. The starlet, who recently left jail and a court-ordered rehab, appeared at the start of the show in pre-recorded sketch.

Joshing about Handler's penchant for drinking – the E! host frequently jokes about her love of vodka – Lohan teased, "Pull it together! Do you think anyone wants to work with a drunk? Take it from me!"

Also not immune from Handler's barbed humor: Taylor Swift, who was the target of several raunchy jokes, and performer Kanye West, who famously stormed the stage during Swift's acceptance speech at last year's show.

Best male video winner Eminem kicked off the show with a medley of tunes, beginning with his meditative "Not Afraid," backed by a drum corps and string section. He was soon joined by a flame-haired Rihanna, who teamed up with him on "Love the Way You Lie."

And to the delight of screaming female fans, best new artist nominee Justin Bieber performed "Baby" outside the Nokia Theater, backed by a team of syncopated dancers.