And we thought she was only going to open the awards with a liddle speech / sketch... instead she goes on to "co-host" and land three gongs of her own. It almost brings a tear to the eye; especially since she's never won before despite having something in the region of 16 prior VMA nominations.
So, how did Russell's stint at presenting go? Well, the mockney geezah only made ribbing references to the Jonas Brothers' "purity rings" for most of the ceremony... and he took Chris Rock's advice about "going in hard" regarding his opening speech. He only went and said: "Some people, I think they're called racists, say America is not ready for a black president. But I know America to be a forward-thinking country because otherwise why would you have let that retard and cowboy fella be president for eight years. We were very impressed. We thought it was nice of you to let him have a go, because, in England, he wouldn't be trusted with a pair of scissors."
Russell was then obliged to apologise for his comments - regarding the Jonas Brothers - saying: "I've got to say sorry because I said them things about promise rings. That were bad of me, I didn't mean to take it lightly, or whatever. I love the Jonas Brothers, think it's really good. I don't want to p*** off teenage fans, all right. In fact, quite the opposite. So promise rings, I'm well up for it, well done everyone. It's just that, you know, a bit of sex occasionally never hurt anybody." Indeed, just ask Jamie Lynne Spears.
If anything, Russell Brand attempting to make sex alluring to teenagers is the best instigator of abstinence ever.
And here are your winners, thanks to The Sun:
BEST FEMALE VIDEO: Piece of Me by Britney Spears
BEST MALE VIDEO: With You by Chris Brown
BEST DANCING IN A VIDEO: When I Grow Up by Pussycat Dolls
BEST ROCK VIDEO: Shadow of The Day by Linkin Park
BEST HIP HOP VIDEO: Lollipop by Lil Wayne
BEST NEW ARTIST: Tokio Hotel
BEST POP VIDEO: Piece of Me by Britney Spears
VIDEO OF THE YEAR: Piece of Me by Britney Spears
Wile away a few minutes by checking out our gallery of the event - be mesmerised by Russell gurning; Paris posing with "the cast" of her new BFF show (I've a feeling the one in the socks and shorts ensemble mightn't make it to the next round); Mily Cyrus giving Disney bosses a hernia by putting the lunge in on Katy Perry - while her mother looks on proudly; Lindsay Lohan's trip back in time; Lauren Conrad taking flight; and Xtina's comeback breasts. Not to mention Ashlee hoisting her bump up the carpet alone, while Pete poses with Fall Out Boy.
