The 2012 MTV VMAs took place in Los Angeles earlier this evening (September 6) and it was a star-studded ceremony complete with some unforgettable performances.

Rihanna kicked off proceedings with a high-octane rendition of 'We Found Love' and 'Cockiness (I Love It)', which also featured A$AP Rocky, and she came away with 1 award for Video of the Year.

Former X Factor contestants One Direction stole the show with an incredible 3 wins, namely for Best New Artist, Best Pop Video and Most Shareworthy Video, and treated the live audience and viewers at home to a performance of 'One Thing'.

Other notable sets came from Taylor Swift, who crowd-surfed after singing her new hit 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together', and P!nk, who performed above the arena on a pair of oversized lips during her single 'Blow Me (One Last Kiss)'. Olympic champion Gabby Douglas also displayed her talents while Alicia Keys sang 'Girl On Fire'.

X Factor USA panelist Demi Lovato won Best Video With A Message for 'Skyscraper', Coldplay's 'Paradise' won Best Rock Video' and Chris Brown's 'Turn Up The Music' won Best Male Video.

Nicki Minaj was awarded Best Female Video for 'Starships' and Best Hip-Hop Video went to Drake for 'HYFR'.