The MTV VMAs annually turn up the volume on surprises and outrageous acts by the world's top singers and bands. Last year it was Lady Gaga's meat dress and the year before the Kanye West and Taylor Swift speech mishap. But nobody saw the Beyonce's pregnancy coming – except her husband Jay-Z.

Lady Gaga opened the VMAs singing her song “You and I” and dressed in drag as her male alter ego, Joe Calderone. She stayed in the fictional character throughout the program and accepted awards for best female video and best message video for her song, “Born This Way.” “I feel so blessed to be here,” Lady Gaga said onstage, holding the MTV moonman statuette for best female performer.

Highlights included a duet by Jay-Z and Kanye West, singing a song from their new album, “Watch the Throne,” and Lil Wayne closed the program in advance of his new album's release. Legendary soul singer Tony Bennett and pop star Bruno Mars took part in a tribute to the late soul singer Amy Winehouse, who recently died. Bennett said some people just have talent and others don't.