NEWS IN BRIEF - Culture: Four MTV Awards for Lady Gaga

(dpa) From the awards gala straight to the Madison Square Garden stage: Lady Gaga delivered a truly superstar performance at this year's MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The 39-year-old was honored as Artist of the Year at the beginning of the gala on Sunday evening (September 7th local time) on Long Island near the metropolis of New York – and then moved directly on to Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, about 30 kilometers away, to perform a concert as part of her "The Mayhem Ball" tour.

"I wish I could stay and watch all these great performances, but I have to go back to Madison Square Garden," said the singer, dressed in a frilly black dress with a matching headpiece.

Lady Gaga entered the awards gala with a total of twelve nominations—the most of any in the field. She ultimately won four—also the most. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each won three. Busta Rhymes, Ricky Martin, and Mariah Carey, among others, also received honorary awards. "I can't believe I'm getting my first Video Music Award today," said Carey. "What have you been waiting for?" Martin dedicated the award to his children and confessed that he is "addicted to applause." "That's why I keep coming back."

Also performing on stage were Alex Warren and Tate McRae, among others. Musicians Post Malone and Jelly Roll, currently on tour in Germany, joined the event from Hanover. A tribute was also paid to metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July. The gala was hosted by rapper LL Cool J, who made it clear right from the start that the event would be solely about music. "Music is the force that brings us all together, and we leave everything else outside. This is our night off."

The MTV Video Music Awards have been presented since 1984. Fans can vote for their favorites online. Last year, Taylor Swift was the big winner at the MTV awards ceremony, taking home seven of the coveted trophies.