(andPOP) -
Missy Elliott took home two awards including Best Video at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, but the news that will be making the water cooler conversations concerns the open-mouthed kisses that Madonna planted on Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
The awards started with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera performing Madonna's "Like A Virgin," dressed in white wedding dresses, similar to what the Material Girl wore at the awards 20 years ago. Madonna then joined the girls to perform her new song, "Hollywood." Right before Elliott performed her verses in the song, Madonna gave a "lesbian kiss" to Spears, and then to Aguilera.
Justin Timberlake, Coldplay, and Beyonce Knowles each won three awards, but there was no clear-cut big winner.
Chris Rock hosted the show, and his jokes were controversial at times. "(American Idol judge) Paula Abdul judging singers is like Christopher Reeve judging a dance contest. That ain't right," he said, receiving a mixed reaction of laughter and shock.
He poked fun at R. Kelly, who is being charged with sexual relations with an underage girl. Rock suggested they separate the teenaged Olsen Twins and Kelly as far as they can go. And when introducing basketball rookie LeBron James and Ashanti, he joked about Kobe Bryant, who has been charged with rape. "He's tying not to be the next Kobe and she's trying not be the next victim."
You can view photos from the awards in our
gallery.
