In pictures: MTV Awards

Stars from the world of music and showbiz turned out for the MTV Video Music Awards at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.

Britney took to the stage with a snake draped around her and a lion in the background

Fatboy Slim, Spike Jonze and Christopher Walken collected their gongs together

Destiny's Child added to their successful year by winning best R'nB video award for Survivor

U2 performed at the ceremony fresh from their European tour

Gwen Stefani picked up one of her awards from Will Smith, alongside singer Eve

Rock outfit Mudvayne made an impression on the crowd after collecting an MTV2 award

Michael Jackson briefly joined triple award winners N'Sync on stage

Pink, Mya, Lil' Kim and Christina Aguilera teamed up for Lady Marmalade from the film Moulin Rouge

AJ McClean rejoined the Backstreet Boys after his stay in rehab for alcohol abuse and depression

Jennifer Lopez turned up at the New York ceremony with fiance Cris Judd

Pamela Anderson and musician Kid Rock arrived arm-in-arm