The show's other top awards went to U.S. dance music star Lady Gaga, who won best new artist for "Poker Face." Rapper T.I. featuring Rihanna won best male video for "Live Your Life," and Britney Spears cemented her successful comeback winning best pop video for "Womanizer."

Eminem won best hip-hop video for "We Made You," and Green Day took the best rock video award for "21 Guns."

The show's performances included Pink, who wowed the audience singing while twirling on a trapeze high above the crowd. Lady Gaga performed her song "Paparazzi" while smeared with fake blood.

Some of the biggest cheers came after Beyonce performed her award-winning single surrounded by dozens of female dancers.

The night ended with a final reference to Swift, with the show's host, British comedian Russell Brand, joking he would give her "a shoulder to cry on."