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Britney Spears, Madonna and Christina Aguilera opened New York's MTV Video Music Awards.

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"Warming up" the audience took on a meaning of its own as Madonna and Spears kissed

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On to the ceremony, triple-award winner Eminem was at the podium with puppet Ed from the US musical Avenue Q.

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Missy Elliott celebrated her award for best video with as many of those who had taken part as she could fit on stage.

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Beyonce Knowles provided some stomach-churning entertainment during the ceremony.

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Knowles came down to earth to accept her award for best female video.

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Kelly Osbourne applauded Duran Duran's lifetime achievement award.

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Metallica were another long-established band to join the celebrations.

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Chris Martin accepted the award for best group video for his band Coldplay.

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Hollywood actors Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore were among the non-musical star guests.

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Actress Carmen Electra, of Scary Movie fame, was accompanied by her musician fiance Dave Navarro.

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Tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams were invited to present the award for best male video.