Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
MTV VMA Photos/Videos: Gaga Goes Drag, Beastie Boys In The Future, And Proud Papa Jay-Z
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Aug 29, 2011
Modified Aug 29, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Gothamist
View all 5
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Aug 29, 2011
Modified Aug 29, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Yes, the MTV VMAs happened again this year, despite having no host. The show was relatively tame (at least compared to years past)—as the Times notes, perhaps the most shocking aspect was how quickly the network's censors hit the bleep button during potty-mouthed scenes with Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne and... Cloris Leachman.
Still, there were a few surprises—Gaga did the entire show (and got dissed by Britney Spears) as her Noo Yawk Guy alter-ego Jo Calderone; Will Ferrell, Seth Rogen and Jack Black appeared as the "Beastie Boys of the Future;" and Beyonce announced her pregnancy with husband Jay-Z.
Big winners included the controversial frontman of Odd Future, Tyler, the Creator (Best New Artist), Katy Perry (Video of the Year) and Britney Spears (The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award). Here's a look at some of the more noteworthy moments (and outfits—Nicki Minaj, what the hell is...that?). For a full list of winners, see here.
Tagged
beastie boys
gallery
jay-z
lady gaga
mtv
photos
video
vma
vmas
Jamie Feldmar
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 23, 2026
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .