Rihanna won the top prize, video of the year, for her smash hit Umbrella. That tune also won for monster single of the year.

Rihanna performed the single at the awards ceremony, as well as dueting with rock act Fall Out Boy.

Justin Timberlake took home four statuettes, including male artist of the year.

Along with R&B singer Beyonce, he led the field with seven nominations. Beyonce won a single award – most earth-shattering collaboration – for her duet with Colombian pop singer Shakira on the tune Beautiful Liar.

Hip-hop singer Kanye West went home empty-handed after receiving five nominations. He was also not thrilled that Spears took the plum opening slot.

“I can’t believe she would perform. She hasn’t had a hit record in years,” the outspoken hip-hop star improvised during a performance the night before.

MTV brought the show to Las Vegas for the first time, hoping to reverse a sharp slide in viewership for its awards bash.

Last year’s ceremony in New York drew 5.8 million viewers, down from 8 million in 2005 and 10.3 million in 2004, according to Nielsen Media Research.

By contrast, the Grammys drew more than 20 million viewers in February.

Full list of winners:

Monster Single of the Year
Rihanna, “Umbrella”

Quadruple Threat of the Year
Justin Timberlake

Best Collaboration Winner
Beyoncé featuring Shakira, “Beautiful Liar”

Male Artist of the Year
Justin Timberlake

Female Artist of the Year
Fergie

Best Group
Fall Out Boy

Best New Artist
Gym Class Heroes

Video of the Year
Rihanna

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