'N Sync, Fatboy Slim Win at VMAs

ByABC News
September 7, 2001, 2:28 PM

September 7 -- (ABCNEWS.com) — The King of Pop returned to the stage and tried to recapture his youth with today's chart toppers, 'N Sync — one of the big winners at the MTV Video Music Awards. Michael Jackson burst out of a giant Etch A Sketch as 'N Sync finished performing "Pop." Jackson flashed a few of his signature dance moves. He looked a bit wobbly when he came out of some of his spins, but the surprise performance drove the crowd wild and earned Jackson a standing ovation.

"We want to thank Michael for coming out onstage with us — that was huge," said Justin Timberlake while accepting 'N Sync's award for Best Group Video. "He just made five fans very happy." The group picked up four awards, and will repay Jackson's favor by appearing at his tribute concert in New York this weekend.

The top award of the night, Video of the Year, went to the female powerhouse collaboration "Lady Marmalade," featuring Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, Pink, and Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott.

Fatboy Slim came out the big winner, earning six moon men statues for "Weapon of Choice." The DJ, who left the performing to Christopher Walken, does not appear in the video. Just one of his awards was broadcast during the live event, leaving 'N Sync to appear the most anointed during the show.

Big arrivals and oddball fashions rivaled the awards for attention during the show famous for its spectacle. Britney Slaves Over Her Performance Timberlake's girlfriend, Britney Spears, made an equally noticeable appearance, as America's most famous virgin again tried to prove that she's no little girl.

She capped off the night emerging from a cage in a green bikini. She later danced with a huge, light-yellow snake while performing her new song "I'm a Slave 4 U."

Host Jamie Foxx said the act gave him "jungle fever," and warned Timberlake "you better not wait too long."

Spears' skimpy outfit was rivaled for attention by Macy Gray's shameless self-promotion. She wore a dark purple dress boldly advertising the release date of her new album.