MTV has always tried to pump up its annual Video Music Awards with momentous live performances. Because people can now watch concerts on their cell phones or on YouTube, it was harder for MTV to arrange a performance that would have people talking for days or would land in the top ten moments in VMA history. To meet the hype, Britney Spears got called in. Many fans around the world were ready to see a fallen star get back on the stage. Unfortunately, her performance was very disappointing. Visibly nervous, she didn’t live up to the hype that MTV was giving her. She didn’t sing well, and she didn’t dance very well either, making her opening performance a bad way to start off the awards. “I think she was just trying too hard,” said sophomore Amanda Koenig.

After suffering poor reviews and a decline in ratings over the last few years, MTV moved the show to Las Vegas’ Palms Casino, and shortened the show from the usual three hours to two hours. The producers also changed the shows setup to focus more on the performances than the awards. Cameras went to hotel parties to video tape the performances for the night. “I watch the VMAs every year, but I really liked the idea of the separate parties that they had this year,” said sophomore Salia Jordan.

Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, Kanye West, Fall Out Boy and Foo Fighters each hosted separate parties, and there were several guest performances by Rihanna, Lil Wayne, Gym Class Heroes, T-Pain, T.I., Cee-Lo, Mastadon and 50-Cent.

The big winner of the night was Justin Timberlake, who took home four trophies. Rihanna won the coveted Video Of The Year award plus Monster Single Of The Year for her song “Umbrella.” The Best Group was Fall Out Boy, and Gym Class Heroes won Best New Artist. Beyonce and Shakira won Most Earth-Shattering Collaboration for “Beautiful Liar.”

Besides the suite parties, there were other performances in the main auditorium. The most extravagant performance was given by Chris Brown, hopping from table to table in a dance spectacle. Nyountoe Henry really enjoyed Chris Brown. “His was my favorite performance,” he said.

Alicia Keys had the most inspiring performance debuting her new song “No One.” “I think Alicia Keys did really well because she came back from being out of the spotlight for a while,” said Sophomore Dana Gildea. Other than the performances given in the main auditorium, the TV audience never got to see the full view of the suite performances, although MTV posted them on its website.