Spears wins MTV awards

LOS ANGELES - It took a year, but Britney Spears' comeback on the MTV Video Music Awards is finally a reality.

Spears nabbed all three VMAs for which she was nominated, including video of the year, and also made a triumphant appearance at the beginning of the show in an attempt to erase the career-low of last year's ceremony.

Spears did not perform on the show this year. But she was on hand this time to help open the show, giving a perfunctory introduction of Rihanna's opening song.

Still, just being there was enough for a standing ovation from the star-studded crowd at Paramount Studios.

It was a far cry from last year, when her kickoff musical performance was widely panned.

"I first want to thank God for blessing me like this," Spears said after winning her first VMA on Sunday night.

The show's host for the evening was British comedian Russell Brand.

Award presenters included Olympic darling Michael Phelps and "High School Musical" stars Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu.