by Wilfred Okiche

So Katy Perry won three awards, Lady Gaga came in drag, Kanye West behaved himself and there was a touching tribute to the late Amy Winehouse. But the biggest and juciest piece of news coming out of the Nokia Theatre L.A, venue of the 2011 MTV  video music awards on Sunday night was that pop diva Beyonce is pregnant. It is certainly what will be topping headlines across the world.

Beyonce clutched her belly in dramatic fashion as she strutted the red carpet and disclosed to eager reporters “I have a surprise”. Her rep was later to confirm to People Magazine “I’m happy to say it’s true”.

Not done with the theatrics, as she began her musical performance of  the ballad “Love on Top” from her new album “4”, she asked the obviously elated audience to  “feel the love that is growing inside of me.” At the end of the song, she dropped the microphone, popped open her tuxedo jacket to reveal her stomach, then rubbed it and smiled knowingly.

The audience, which included her hubby Jay-Z was delirious with excitement at this point.

MTV could not have asked for more as the show certainly lived up to the mad fests of previous years.

This brings to a close numerous pregnancy rumours that have trailed the “Run the World” singer since her 2008 wedding to rapper Jay-Z. It is also in line with her declaration some months back on talk show “Piers Morgan Tonight” that she would have a baby at 30. Her 30th birthday is on 4, September.

In other VMA news (that isn’t Beyonce related), Katy Perry tied British soulstress Adele for the highest number of awards for the night. They both took home three moonman trophies, with Katy Perry getting the edge as she won “video of the year” for “Firework”. Adele had to make do with the more technical categories for her “Rolling in the deep” video, in between a rousing performance of “Someone like you”

Amy Winehouse received a thoughtful tribute that started with Ms Perry’s husband, comedian Russell Brand, continued with Tony Bennett and blew up when Bruno Mars took the stage singing “Valerie’, one of Winehouses’ popular hits.

Britney Spears received a lifetime achievement award or at least it’s equivalent for her contributions to music videos. Too soon? Apparently not for MTV.

And the Lady? Topping the meat dress was always going to be a tough one but Lady Gaga sure would still have made headlines with her heavily censored opening act dressed as a man.

If Beyonce hadn’t showed up.

Lil Wayne closed the show and wrapped up proceedings in another wild MTV party.

See the complete list of winners below

Video of the Year: Katy Perry — “Firework”

Best Male Video: Justin Bieber — “U Smile”

Best Female Video: Lady Gaga — “Born This Way”

Best New Artist: Tyler, the Creator — “Yonkers”

Best Pop Video: Britney Spears — “Till the World Ends”

Best Rock Video: Foo Fighters — “Walk”

Best Hip-Hop Video: Nicki Minaj — “Super Bass”

Best Collaboration: Katy Perry (featuring Kanye West) — “E.T.”

Best Choreography in a Video: Beyoncé — “Run the World (Girls)” (Choreographer: Frank Gatson)

Best Special Effects in a Video: Katy Perry (featuring Kanye West) — “E.T.” (Special Effects: Jeff Dotson for Dot & Effects)

Best Art Direction in a Video: Adele — “Rolling in the Deep” (Art Director: Nathan Parker)

Best Editing in a Video: Adele — “Rolling in the Deep” (Editor: Art Jones at Work)

Best Cinematography in a Video: Adele — “Rolling in the Deep” (Director of Photography: Tom Townend)

Best Video with a Message: Lady Gaga — “Born This Way”