Britney Spears wins at VMAs

Britney Spears scoops three MTV Video Music Awards

Britney Spears silenced her critics last night as she came away with no less than three MTV Video Music Awards.

The star – who’s recently been more famous for a series of personal problems than her music – picked up the first Moonman statuettes of her career for Video of the Year, Best Pop Video, and Best Female Video, all for the hit track Piece of Me.

And not only did 26-year-old Britney sweep the boards, she also looked fantastic in a glittery silver dress by Versace.

SEE ALL THE CELEBRITIES AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS 2008

After weeks of speculation over whether she would perform at the event, it transpired that she didn’t, but instead opened the bash with a few simple sentences: ‘I'm here tonight to celebrate a very important birthday. This is the 25th Video Music Awards – and it starts right now.’

With that, Britney gave the stage over to Rihanna, who gave an energetic, goth-inspired performance of her hit Disturbia, using glow sticks and leather props.

Moments later, Britney was back to accept her first award, saying: ‘Wow, thank you, I'm in shock right now. I was not expecting this.’ Britney thanked God, her fans, and her two sons, and kept her acceptance speeches short and sweet.

Other winners included R&B singer Chris Brown's With You for Best Male Video, Linkin Park's Shadow of the Day for Best Rock Video, and rapper Lil Wayne's Lollipop for Best Hip-Hop Video.

BRITNEY SPEARS PHOTOS