Katy Perry awarded for her take-home message

Katy Perry took home three MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) including Video of the Year.

The singer's empowering track Firework was given the biggest award of the evening, which she accepted wearing a multi-coloured dress and with a bright yellow cube on her head.

As she collected the trophy - nicknamed a Moonman - Katy said: "Oh my goodness! Thank you so much. This is my second Moonman. I'm very proud of the song it stands for, which is Firework.

"I feel like I am doing something right when I sing that song. So thanks to everyone who helped to create it."

Katy's track E.T. - which features Kanye West - later picked up two awards for Best Collaboration and Best Special Effects.

Adele was the biggest winner of the night, taking home four trophies for her single Rolling in the Deep: Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Direction and Best Editing.

Lady Gaga was the recipient of a new award, Best Video With A Message for Born This Way and she appeared at the ceremony - held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles - as her chain smoking male alter ego, Jo Calderone.

Accepting her award she said: "Earlier tonight they told me I got best video with a message. There are so many great artists in this room.

Every video they've got has a ... message."

Earlier Gaga had opened the show, performing You and I with Queen guitarist Brian May.

Other stars to appear on stage included Beyonce Knowles - who had earlier revealed her pregnancy - her husband Jay-Z, who performed new single Otis with Kanye West, and Chris Brown.

The show also featured a tribute to Amy Winehouse - who unexpectedly died last month at the age of 27 - led by Russell Brand and Tony Bennett.

MTV VMAS 2011 - full list of winners:

Video of the Year: Katy Perry - Firework

Best New Artist: Tyler, The Creator - Yonkers

Best Hip-Hop Video: Nicki Minaj - Super Bass

Best Male Video: Justin Bieber - U Smile

Best Female Video: Lady Gaga - Born This Way

Best Pop Video: Britney Spears - Till The World Ends

Best Rock Video: Foo Fighters - Walk

Best Collaboration: Katy Perry Featuring Kanye West - E.T.

Best Art Direction: Adele - Rolling in the Deep

Best Choreography: Beyonce - Run The World (Girls)

Best Cinematography: Adele - Rolling in the Deep

Best Direction: Adele - Rolling in the Deep

Best Editing: Adele - Rolling in the Deep

Best Special Effects: Katy Perry featuring Kanye West - E.T.

Best Video With A Message: Lady Gaga - Born This Way

- BANG! Showbiz