Britney at the MTV Music Video Awards

It was Britney's night!

The pop star made a triumphant return to MTV's Video Music Awards, winning three Moonmen, including the night's big honor, video of the year, for her hit "Piece of Me."

"I'm in shock," the grateful singer said after accepting her third award of the night from NBA star Kobe Bryant.

Happy Birthday MTV

Spears, of course, was the subject of much speculation and excitement after word spread that she would be opening the ceremony.

She looked a little nervous at first, but proved to be in fighting form in a vintage silver Versace minidress. After being escorted from her dressing room, Spears took center stage, clutched the microphone tightly and announced, "I'm here tonight to celebrate a very important birthday." Continued Spears: "This is the 25th Video Music Awards – and it starts right now."

Moments later, Spears was back to accept her first VMA ever.

Nominated for 16 Moonmen in the past, the pop star nabbed the first award of the night, best female video, for her song "Piece of Me." Spears gave a brief speech, thanking God for "just blessing me like this," calling out her two sons and dedicating the award to her fans. "This is for you," she said.

And her fans were everywhere Sunday night. Haley Williams from Paramore saw Spears backstage and was overheard remarking to a bandmate, "Man, Britney looks really pretty."

Spears later picked up her second award for best pop video, also for "Piece of Me." "I'm speechless," she chirped as she offered thanks to manager Larry Rudolph, who accompanied her to the show, and her fans.