LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award was bestowed on Britney Spears last night (video below). But when Spears took to the stage, she stated she was honored for the award, especially being bestowed one day before what would have been Michael Jackson’s 53rd birthday. When MTV announced that Spears would achieve the acclaimed award, many questioned if, at age thirty, Spears was too young to receive the honor. But with her own charming, modest and delightfully surprised demeanor, Spears showed last night why she was so deserving of the honor.

Just a few years ago, Spears’ own life was on downward spiral. But within one year, she turned her life around, and picked up her first VMA award. In 2007, news coverage of Spears’ VMAs appearances was more of mockery than praise. One year later, after the “Gimme More” trouble, Spears turned it around. She had never won a VMA until 2008. That year she won four.

Last night, Spears won again, picking up the huge award for Pop Video. In fact, Spears beat out one of the strongest groups of contenders  – Adele, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry and Pitbull.

When the tribute kicked off for the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, Spears was a delightful mix of shock, laughter, and applause as she saw a magnificent medley of her greatest dance moves. When Spears accepted the award, Lady Gaga as Jo Calderone attempted a Madonna-like kiss on stage. But it didn’t happen. “She taught us all how to be fearless, and the industry wouldn’t be the same without her.”