MUMBAI: Just like last year, it was a performance that took centre stage at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum in Inglewood, California. However, Beyonce's epic almost 20-minute performance, was greeted with loud cheers and applause, instead of gasps of shock and horror that came with Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke's infamous 'Blurred Lines' act last year.

Post her performance which included a medley of her previous hits, Queen Bey was joined on stage by her rapper husband- Jay Z and their two year old Blue Ivy Carter before being presented with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award for her lifetime achievement. “I have nothing to say, but I am filled with so much gratitude," an emotional Beyonce said, and then thanked her fans and told her husband and daughter that she loved them.

Beyonce also took home three 'Moonman' gongs for Best Collaboration for 'Drunk in Love' with Jay Z, Best Video With a Social Message- 'Pretty Hurts' and Best Cinematography- 'Pretty Hurts'. Unfortunately, she lost the Moonman for Video of the Year for 'Drunk in Love' to pop star Miley Cyrus for her 2013 megahit 'Wrecking Ball'. Cyrus, meanwhile, did a complete u-turn of her usual self and allowed a young, former homeless man accept her award so that he could raise awareness about homeless and runaway youth.

Ed Sheeran won the award for Best Male for his single 'Sing' which features Pharrell Williams, beating out competition from John Legend, Eminem, Pharrell Williams and Sam Smith. In the Best Female category, Katy Perry's track 'Dark Horse' featuring Juicy J won the award amidst competition from Beyonce, Lorde, Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea.

Other winners on the night included Drake ft. Majid Jordan- 'Hold On (We're Going Home)' for Best Hip Hop, Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea- 'Problem' for Best Pop, Lorde- 'Royals' for Best Rock and Fifth Harmony- 'Miss Move On' for Best New Artist. Zedd ft. Haley Williams' 'Stay the Night' won the MTV Clubland Award, while Sia's 'Chandler' won Best Choreography. Eminem's 'Rap God' won Best Editing, Arcade Fire's 'Reflektor' won Best Art Direction, OK Go's 'The Writing's on the Wall' won Best Visual Effect and DJ Snake & Lil Jon's 'Turn Down for What' won Best Direction.The VMAs also saw other performances by Nicki Minaj who opened the night with her latest track 'Anaconda' and then 'Bang Bang' with Jessie J and Ariana Grande. There were also performances from Sam Smith, Rita Ora, Usher, Iggy Azalea, 5 Seconds of Summer and Taylor Swift who sang and performed to her most recent release 'Shake it Off'.