Lady Gaga, dressed as a man, performs "You and I" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, August 28, 2011.[CFP]

Pop star Lady Gaga opened the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday dressed as her male alter ego in her video "You and I," and Britney Spears took home the first award for best pop video at the widely-watched program.

Lady Gaga, who showed up last year at the MTV video awards in a dress made of raw meat, did an about face in a man's dark suit and T-shirt. She kicked off the program dressed as her counterpart Joe Calderon who gave the audience a lecture in just who Gaga is -- high heels, wild hair and crazy costumes.

"When she gets on stage, she holds nothing back," Calderon said.

Lady Gaga then launched into a version of "You and I," backed by a group of dancers and legendary rock guitarist Brian May of Queen. She danced on her piano and spewed beer from a bottle into the air in celebration.

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) annually give out honors for the top music videos and performances to singers and bands, and each year, audiences can count on at least one surprise.

Last year, it was Gaga in her dress made of raw meat, and the year before Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech. In 2003, a famous kiss shared by Spears and Madonna made headlines around the world.

But awards are the focus of the night and the first winner of the evening was given to Spears for best pop music video "Till the World Ends."

Spears took the stage and seemed surprised, saying she hadn't expected to win and thanking her family and fans.

TOP AWARDS, NOMINEES

British singer Adele with her chart-topping song "Rolling in the Deep" is vying for video of the year against Katy Perry ("Firework"), Bruno Mars ("Grenade"), the Beastie Boys ("Make Some Noise") and Tyler, The Creator ("Yonkers").

Another major award is best new artist, and Tyler, The Creator figures prominently in that race, too, alongside Wiz Khalifa with "Black and Yellow," Kreayshawn for "Gucci Gucci," Foster the People with "Pumped Up Kicks," and Big Sean (featuring Chris Brown) for "My Last."

Other awards will be given out for best rock and hip-hop videos. The MTV statuettes of a person in a space suit holding an MTV flag -- commonly referred to as "Moonman" -- will be given to best male and female artists, respectively, and for best artist collaboration.

The awards also pinpoint professional categories such as choreography, direction, cinematography and special effects.

Performers include Lil Wayne, Lady Gaga and Brown, among others, and there will be tributes to Spears and late soul singer Amy Winehouse.

On the show's red carpet, Briton Jessie J, who is running the VMAs house band for the night, told Reuters "I cried my eyes out" when watching the Winehouse tribute in rehearsal.

"Me and Adele very much feel like we're here carrying on the standard she set in America for British female" performers, said Jessie J.

Finally, there was widespread Web buzz on Sunday that rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West will put in a "surprise" performance and sing from their new album, "Watch the Throne."