Moonman Magic For Britney at MTV VMAs

Britney Spears with her VMAs: Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Video of the Year.

It's Britney, bitch!

There was a lot about last night's VMAs that we didn't understand, like, say, half of Russell Brand's jokes, or why Demi Moore was there, or the small theater that made it seem more low-budget talent show than high-profile extravaganza.

What we do know is the night belonged to Britney Spears.

Last year's sequined disaster was this year's sequined darling, winning three awards (including Video of the Year), and pulling off a mildly funny but totally pro skit with Jonah Hill. Britney looked like she was battling crazy nerves during her opening--holding the mic for dear life and talking double time--but she pulled it off, inching closer to the comeback we're all hoping for.

Performances by Paramore, Pink, Lil Wayne and Kanye were strong, and Chris Brown dancing to Rihanna was pretty cute, but overall the awards show seemed to lack energy.

There was style--and some substance--but not the sharpness and surprises we expect from MTV, especially at 25. Katy Perry singing "Like A Virgin" on a side stage? You can do better than that, MTV!