The 2009 MTV VMAs Performances and Highlights

The 2009 MTV VMAs' performances and highlights.

Scream For Janet - Janet Jackson opened the show with a special performance of "Scream."

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Scream For Janet - Janet Jackson opened the show with a special performance of "Scream."

Tribute - Dancers re-create some of Michael's magic on stage with performances of "Thriller," "I'm Bad" and "Smooth Criminal."

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Tribute - Dancers re-create some of Michael's magic on stage with performances of "Thriller," "I'm Bad" and "Smooth Criminal."

Beyonce - Beyonce performs "Single Ladies," the video that earned her a moon man for "Video Of The Year."

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Beyonce - Beyonce performs "Single Ladies," the video that earned her a moon man for "Video Of The Year."

New York Representers - Closing the show, Jay-Z is joined by Alicia Keys for "Empire State of Mind."

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New York Representers - Closing the show, Jay-Z is joined by Alicia Keys for "Empire State of Mind."

Lady Gaga - The singer wows the audience. Lady Gaga's weird, over-the-top performance was much talked about.

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Lady Gaga - The singer wows the audience. Lady Gaga's weird, over-the-top performance was much talked about.

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Pink In The Air - Pink takes her performance to new heights.

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Pink In The Air - Pink takes her performance to new heights.

Kanye Causes Stir - Mr. West became public enemy number one, even prompting the president to call him “a jackass” after he interrupted singer Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the Video Music Awards. He later delivered multiple apologies, but suffered criticism from countless celebrities and much of the general public.

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Awkward Moment - Kanye interrupts Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for another spazz moment.

Beyonce's Halo - Upon accepting her award for "Video Of the Year," Beyonce gives Taylor back her moment, allowing her to get the acceptance speech in that Kanye took from her.

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Beyonce's Halo - Upon accepting her award for "Video Of the Year," Beyonce gives Taylor back her moment, allowing her to get the acceptance speech in that Kanye took from her.

Man of the Hour - Jay-Z arrives to the Awards show only to perform. The rapper performed a 9/11 benefit concert just two days prior that aired live on the Fuse network.

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Man of the Hour - Jay-Z arrives to the Awards show only to perform. The rapper performed a 9/11 benefit concert just two days prior that aired live on the Fuse network.

1. Eminem: 128 Awards - Out the 128 awards received, Eminem's Best Original Song in a Motion Picture Oscar for "Lose Yourself" came as the most surprising trophy of his career.

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Eminem Wins - Eminem gets the VMA for Best Hip-Hop Video, beating out Jay-Z's "D.O.A."