Beyonce pregnancy announcement overshadows VMAs

Beyonce upstaged every performer at Sunday night’s MTV Video Music Awards before the show even began, announcing she and hubby Jay-Z are expecting a baby.

The soon-to-be-30 superstar arrived on the VMA black carpet holding her bulging belly while dressed in a loose-fitting, flowing red gown. MTV tweeted the news, and photos confirming her motherly status soon circulated. Her publicist later confirmed the pregnancy to The Associated Press.

In an instant, Beyonce and her soon-to-be child (Jayonce?) managed to overshadow the night’s events. Lady Gaga’s much-hyped opening number, during which she performed as a greasy, leather-jacketed male alter-ego, became less important. So did the evening’s meticulously planned wild moments, from Nicki Minaj’s origami-like outfit to a dance-off between the members of Odd Future and Jack Black, Will Ferrell and Seth Rogen.

There was one apparently unscripted moment during Jay-Z’s performance with Kanye West of "Otis," off their chart-topping joint album "Watch the Throne." Near the end of the song, someone tried to walk on the stage, but was quickly apprehended by a crew member as a bemused Jay-Z looked on. It was the second time Jay-Z had someone walk on unannounced during an MTV performance; two years ago, it was Lil Mama.

Britney Spears was the night’s first award winner; other winners included Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry, who won a trophy with Kanye West for her video "E.T."

"Now this is the time when you wanna interrupt me Kanye," joked Perry, referring to West’s infamous intrusion of Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech two years ago. Instead, West simply laughed and thanked God and "Katy Perry for being so brave for letting me on her record."

The show had no official host, though comedian Kevin Hart delivered an opening monologue and was featured in a series of vignettes during the show.

Adele had perhaps the highlight of the night as the seven-time nominee delivered a powerfully understated performance of "Someone Like You," off her top-selling "21" album.

Other performers scheduled on the show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles included Spears, Chris Brown and Lil Wayne. A tribute to Amy Winehouse by Tony Bennett was also planned. Winehouse’s last known recording was with the 85-year-old crooner on his upcoming "Duets II" album.