I always enjoy a Sunday-night awards show. First, it gives me another excuse to put off the homework I’ve been putting off all weekend. And secondly, there is always some sort of drama to gab about the next day. But when Madonna came out and started the show with her boring tribute to Michael Jackson I was worried the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards wouldn’t live up to its past jaw-dropping moments. Boy, was I wrong.

In the case of Sunday night’s show, arrogant Kanye West had a few too many swigs of that bottle of liquor he was sporting on the red carpet with bald girlfriend Amber Rose, and rushed the stage during Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video. West grabbed the microphone from 19-year-old Swift and said, “Yo Taylor, I’m really happy for you. I’m going to let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time!” The camera panned between an embarrassed Beyoncé and a speechless Swift, before producers cut to the next segment.

This is typical behavior for West who was caught on camera cursing backstage at the 2007 VMAs after he lost, saying he would never comeback. Unfortunately he did. Apparently MTV thinks it is a good idea to invite these rude musicians back to the award shows, armed with their drink of choice. But who can blame them. MTV’s history of award shows imitating three ring circuses caused 27 million viewers to tune in Sunday. But unlike stunts of the past, the Madonna-Britney kiss, or Bruno’s butt in Eminem’s face at this year’s MTV Movie Awards, West’s antic seems to be un-staged. And it cost him. For the rest of the night any mention of the rapper was followed with boo-ing.

Granted, West had a valid point. The innovative “Single Ladies” video became a cultural phenomenon. Hundreds of videos imitating the superstar have been uploaded onto the Internet and even the bridesmaids at my cousin’s wedding this summer did a surprise rendition at the reception. But West should have known that it was not the time or place.

I’m happy that a majority of the other artists thought he was out of line (Pink, who was nominated in the same category, ripped West a new butthole on the Today Show Monday). The exception was Russell Brand, the loud-mouthed British host that is tasteless and not even slightly funny. Brand brushed off the incident on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, defending West. In the future both West and Brand should shut up, and just watch these shows at home if they can’t control themselves.

The good thing is, even with these two gone MTV can produce their entertaining and wacky show. Lady Gaga contributed to the weirdness Sunday, rubbing fake blood over her body and then pretending to hang herself during her performance of “Paparazzi.” Not to mention her feathered neck brace, red-laced crown and mask, and abominable snowman headdress.

And Lil’ Mama also crashed Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” performance, posing with them at the end of the song.

But among all the craziness, thank God there was a bit of class in the show. After winning Video of the Year, Beyoncé invited Swift back out on stage to “have her moment.” By doing that Beyoncé put herself above all the petty and egocentric stars, showing how a true artists should act, like a classy role model. The Emmys are next Sunday, but I have a feeling they can’t live up to the craziness of the VMAs.

Steve Thompson is a junior journalism major and political science minor. He can be reached for comment at [email protected]