Every year brings the much buzzed-about ceremony that calls to mind some of the most outrageous moments of pop culture in recent history, and to say that Lady Gaga has been the primary contributor annually is about accurate. This year was no exception. We give you a summary of the 10 key moments from this year’s VMAs.

1) The Lady is a Man

Appearing as her male alter ego Jo Calderone, Gaga opened the show by delivering an intense monologue that gave us hilariously stunned facial reactions from Justin Bieber and Britney Spears. “Mister” Monster followed with a relatively toned-down performance of latest single “Yoü and I”. Decked in a basic white tee and black pants ensemble – a stark difference from the Meat Dress last year – you still had to hand it to Gaga for knowing how to still create a stir without relying on outrageous fashion. Or as some wittily quipped, Gaga’s wardrobe might’ve been raided by exaggeratedly dressed, reigning pop divas Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry.

2) Britney keeps it classy

After winning Best Pop Video for “Till The World Ends”, Britney Spears was honored with the Video Vanguard Award, which was somewhat an honorary nod to her 12-year career and iconic music videos. I was very much let down by the dismal “tribute” to the pop princess, by merely having young girls dressed in Spears’ most memorable outfits and dancing along to a medley of her hits. Britney did take it upon herself to almost pay tribute to one of her most shocking moments where she kissed Madonna on stage in 2003’s ceremony by inching close to Gaga’s Jo Calderone, but stopping herself before the actual smooch, saying “I’ve done this before”.

3) Beyonce’s Destiny Child

Another big winner of the night had to be Beyonce and Jay-Z for Urban Music’s ruling couple made an announcement they were expecting their first child. But rather than verbally announcing the news, Beyonce sweetly told the world by removing her jacket after a performance of  “Love On Top” and tenderly stroking her belly, which sported a hint of a baby bump. Aww.

4) Bieber is very religious

Who knew Justin Bieber was such a pious boy? Already raising eyebrows for his scarlet-red pants and spectacles that made him look double his age, he caused more confusion while accepting his award for Best Male Video by saying “I just want to say thank you so much, not only to God but to Jesus” which started the Trending Topic “God and Jesus”. Maybe we can expect a Gospel Hymn album from him next?

5) Remembering Amy Winehouse

So the Britney Spears tribute was a grave disappointment but thankfully the Amy Winehouse tribute was much better. A video clip of legendary Tony Bennet and Winehouse herself singing a duet for a recording session first reminded viewers of why Amy was a true artist. Her soulful voice was pitch perfection and she looked fresh and healthy, unlike rumors of her losing an addiction battle. Bruno Mars then paid tribute to the late soul prodigy by giving a smooth performance of “Valerie”, a song made famous by Winehouse. Dear Amy, you shall be missed.

6) Don’t tell Jessie J to put her foot in her mouth

A broken foot did not stop Jessie J from flying all the way from the UK, look stunning in a bedazzled cast and entertain the crowd during every commercial break. The lass performed her own hits seamlessly but things got a tad bit awkward when she started covering Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” and TLC’s “No Crubs” and even Katy Perry’s “Firework”. Which begs the question: Why didn’t they ask Katy to sing her song herself? Strange.

7) Adele gets standing ovation

Fellow British Adele may not have won the coveted Video of the Year, but she definitely won the crowd over. Put her voice and a piano together performing one of this year’s biggest heartbreak songs and you get a stunning performance that could easily rival the similar one she did earlier this year for the BRIT Awards. Thankfully she didn’t cry this time!

8) What is Nicki Minaj wearing??

One of life’s biggest mysteries that will never be solved.

9) It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Chris Brown!

Say what you may about the man but there’s no ignoring his talent. Chris Brown’s spectacular dance moves during “Yeah x3” literally propelled him to the sky, as suspension wires lifted him from stage to stage and he did acrobatics in the air. He flew through a medley of Wu Tang Clan’s “Protect Ya Neck”, Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and dance-number “Beautiful People” and I dare say the performance was the real highlight of the night.

10) Katy Perry wins big

At one point, Katy Perry wore a yellow cube on her head, which just might be her very own version of a crown, as she was the overall queen of the night by sweeping 3 awards she was nominated for, including Video of the Year for “Firework”. Thanking her fans and her husband in her speech, the California Gurl was gleaming with pride and joy when she also scooped up Best Collaboration with Kanye West for E.T.

Until next year!

Check out the full list of winners:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR: Katy Perry - Firework

BEST NEW ARTIST: Tyler The Creator - Yonkers

BEST MALE VIDEO: Justin Bieber – U Smile

BEST FEMALE VIDEO: Lady Gaga – Born This Way

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO: Nicki Minaj – Super Bass

BEST POP VIDEO: Britney Spears – Till The World Ends

BEST ROCK VIDEO: Foo Fighters - Walk

BEST COLLABORATION: Katy Perry feat. Kanye West - E.T

BEST VIDEO WITH A MESSAGE: Lady Gaga - Born This Way

Much thanks to Cammie and the MTV Asia team for organizing the lovely live screening!