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MTV Scores Highest-Ever 'VMA' Audience

This year's awards show is the most-watched broadcast in history of the network

August 30, 2011 9:10 AM ET
mtv vma record jay-z kanye west otis
Jay-Z and Kanye West perform at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The MTV Video Music Awards scored its highest-ever ratings on Sunday night, pulling in 12.4 million viewers for a show that featured Lady Gaga in drag, the revelation of Beyoncé's pregnancy and memorable performances by Kanye West and Jay-Z, Adele and Lil Wayne.

Not only was this year's show the most-watched in the history of the Video Music Awards' 27-year history, but it was also the highest-rated telecast in the 30-year history of the network.

Related
2011 Video Music Awards: A Toast to Gaga, Britney, Kanye, Jay-Z and Beyoncé's Baby Bump
• 2011 MTV Video Music Awards: Winners and Highlights 
• Photos: The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards: Best and Worst Dressed
• Live-Blogging the 2011 Video Music Awards
Backstage at the VMAs: Rebecca Black, Tyler the Creator, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj
• Photos: The Best Moments of the 2011 Video Music Awards
• Video: Lady Gaga Opens VMAs With 'Yoü and I'
 Video: Adele Performs 'Someone Like You' on the VMAs
 Video: Beyoncé Rocks 'Love on Top' on the VMAs
 Video: Bruno Mars Pays Tribute to Amy Winehouse at the VMAs
 Beyoncé Reveals She's Pregnant
 Watch the First Clip of 'The Hunger Games' Movie
• Lady Gaga as Jo Calderone: 'Britney Spears is Hot'
• Photos: Highlights of the 2010 Video Music Awards

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