MTV VMAs 2010: The Resurrection Of Kanye West

Lady Gaga was nominated for a record-breaking 13 awards, Eminem was in contention for eight, and performances were promised from the likes of Paramore’s Hayley Williams, Florence & The Machine and 30 Seconds To Mars.

But heading into last night’s MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, only one thing was on everyone’s minds: Just what was Kanye West going to do?

After the rapper’s infamous outburst at last year’s ceremony, which saw him interrupt Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, his return was hugely anticipated. And it was never in doubt that he could expect a mixed reaction, even despite his lengthy Twitter apology last week.

Indeed, on his micro-blog just hours before the ceremony, even West - often painted as an individual detached from reality - was all too aware of what he was in for.

“GOD is working ... I feel so blessed on this day,” he told his Twitter followers. “It's funny. I can feel the positive energy. Each piece of the performance tonight is slowly falling into place... I get so excited to do new things ... new energy. I can't believe it's been a whole year but can't believe all that's happened within this year at the same time.”

And so it was hardly unsurprising when host Chelsea Handler referred to West in her opening monologue as “the black elephant in the room”, which felt about as uncomfortable as the rapper’s outburst twelve months ago. Or, indeed, when she offered other award winners advice on how to best protect themselves from a West-like outburst.

Even Swift couldn’t help herself from bringing up the incident, performing her new - and evidently West-inspired song - ‘Innocent’. Dressed like a character from Mad Men, the country singer delivered lyrics like "Who you are is not what you did” and “Thirty-two and still growing” with no emotion. It was either her way of accepting an apology, or her long-awaited revenge.

But still, despite being the butt of all jokes (and songs), it was West who came out on top - again. Choosing to remain backstage for the duration of the ceremony, he appeared only at the end to close proceedings with a performance of new song ‘Runaway’.

Standing alone, accompanied only by an 808 drum machine, ballerinas and, the rapper delivered an impassioned performance of the track, which included the telling lyric: "Let's have a toast for the scumbags.” As a spectacle, it wasn’t matched by anything other artist at the ceremony. In fact, no one even came close.

Whether or not it was autobiographical was unclear, but for West the 2010 VMAs were a resurrection, not only from the debacle of last year, but also for his career going forward. Ye is back, so we better let him finish.

What did you think of West's performance last night? Is he back? Post your thoughts in the comment form below.

MTV VMAs 2010 - Performances