The ladies ruled the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, broadcast live this evening from Nokia Theater L.A. Live, as Katy Perry and Adele each took home three VMA Moonmen and Lady Gaga two, thefutoncritic.com reported.

Katy Perry won the biggest prize of the night, "Video of the Year," with her pop anthem, "Fireworks," as well as honors for "Best Collaboration" and "Best Special Effects" for "E.T." featuring Kanye West. Adding to her reign atop the album charts, Adele won VMAs for "Best Art Direction," "Best Cinematography," and "Best Editing."

Genre and gender-defying Lady Gaga kicked off the night as her alter ego Joe Calderone with a show-stopping performance of "You and I," and later walked away with two VMAs for "Best Female" and this year's new category, "Best Video with a Message."

Britney Spears was presented with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.