Tenacious D News

(8/29/03, 10 a.m. ET) -- The 2003 MTV Video Music Awards got off to a surprising start when Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera opened the show with a tribute to Madonna. In honor of MTV's 20th annual event, the two pop princesses sang "Like A Virgin" in white wedding dresses similar to what Madonna wore on the inaugural show in 1984. They danced and gyrated and rolled on the floor, just like Madonna did--and then they were joined by Madonna herself. The three sang Madonna's current hit, "Hollywood," and then startled the audience when Madonna open-mouth kissed both Aguilera and Spears.

Here are some highlights from the show.

There was no one big winner, though Missy Elliott's "Work It" won video of the year and best hip hop video, while Justin Timberlake, Coldplay and Beyonce Knowles each took home three "moon men."

After accepting the best female video award, Beyonce thanked Jay-Z for making the record a hit. "Well, I can't believe this," Beyonce said. "I have to thank Jay-Z because the song would not be what it is without you. Thank you so much."

Eminem, who won best video from a film for 8 Mile's "Lose Yourself," poked fun at himself and his argument with smart-mouthed puppet Triumph The Insult Comic Dog at last year's show. "I got into this little anger management program...and today I stand before you a changed man," said Eminem, before attacking an onstage puppet from the TV show Crank Yankers for being too talkative.

Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst and actor-comedian Jack Black reenacted last year's embarrassing moment for Michael Jackson, when Jackson thought he'd been given the artist of the millennium award, but was actually only given a trophy for his birthday.

One video that was expected to be a big winner came up a bit short. "Hurt" by 71-year-old Johnny Cash was nominated for six VMAs, but it only won one. Cash was unable to attend the show after he was hospitalized with a stomach ailment earlier this week.

Missy Elliott's "Work It" video had been nominated for eight awards.

Beyonce's "Crazy In Love," featuring her boyfriend Jay-Z, won three awards. She got a standing ovation after her performance, which began with her descending from the ceiling at Radio City Music Hall.

Justin Timberlake humbly paid tribute to Johnny Cash, saying, "My grandfather raised me on Johnny Cash--I'm from Tennessee (applause)--and I think he deserves this more than any of us in here tonight. So, I guess in some cool way, I share this award with him, and he deserves a round of applause."

Timberlake also demanded a recount after beating Cash, Eminem, 50 Cent, and John Mayer to win the Best male Video award for "Cry Me A River." "This is a travesty," Timberlake said. "I demand a re-count. It's an honor to be in a category with people like Eminem and 50 Cent. People I admire, John Mayer as well."

Following the show, host Chris Rock shared his memorable moments. "The highlight of tonight, I really liked the Beyonce performance," Rock said. "I thought that was pretty much the hottest thing going. The Madonna kiss thing was pretty cool. When Snoop came down with all the pimps, that was pretty fly too. Metallica, everybody was pretty good."

Jack Black, the star of the movie Shallow Hal and member the rock band Tenacious D, was in rare form backstage. Black said his favorite moment of the evening was the opening number when Madonna planted a kiss on Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. "Britney, Madonna--that was the hot one," Black said. "And if you notice, when she turned to kiss the other chick, not as much tongue--afraid of the skanky sores on the side of her mouth. I calls 'em like I sees 'em and she was holding back on the kiss on the other chick."

For our full report on the VMAs, click here.

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