DALLAS, Sep 1, 2006/ FW/ --- The Video Music Awards is back in New York, transforming Radio City Music Hall into Video City Music Hall as imagery was projected all over the walls of the theater throughout Thursday night.

Jay Z, wearing a Versace black one-button tuxedo with a shawl collar, welcomed the VMA back to the Big Apple with a dramatic kick off atop the observation deck of The Top of the Rock.

And as announced, Justin Timberlake opened the show with a sizzling performance of his hit single, ‘Sexy Back.’

For the first time ever, VMA viewers were able to vote on all general awards categories reflecting and celebrating the most eclectic group of artists today. Panic! at the Disco nabbed "Best Video of the Year" for "I Write Sins Not Tragedies." Avenged Sevenfold won "Best New Artist Video" for their music video "Bat Country."

Beyoncé, wearing ice grey Versace silk Atelier evening dress with white and silver crystal embroidery and Swarovski metal mesh detail accepted her Moon Man for "Best R&B Video" for her music video "Check on It."

A.F.I. grabbed a Moon Man with "Miss Murder" winning for "Best Rock Video." Pink hauled in "Best Pop Video" for her music video "Stupid Girls."

While the VMAs aired live on MTV, MTV.com streamed "VMA Live: Backstage Uncensored," an unprecedented live simultaneous view of ALL the action behind the scenes and backstage that viewers have never gotten to see.

Still, it was what was happening front of house that took center stage with memorable performances from the who’s who of the music industry - Shakira, Wyclef Jean, Ludacris and Pharell, joined by the sultry Pussycat Dolls.

OK Go performed their treadmill dance while The All-American Rejects blew the roof off the house with a rocking rendition of their song "Move Along.”

Beyoncé’s literally did highflying performance of "Ring the Alarm," as she descended 65 feet to the stage from the ceiling in a flowing coat and ending her performance rising 20 feet into the air above the crowd.

And the biggest surprise of the evening, former Vice President Al Gore came on stage with a message about the environment.

Below are a partial list of winners for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" as announced by MTV:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR:

BEST MALE VIDEO:

BEST FEMALE VIDEO:

BEST GROUP VIDEO:

BEST RAP VIDEO:

BEST R&B VIDEO:

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO:

BEST DANCE VIDEO:

BEST ROCK VIDEO:

BEST POP VIDEO:

BEST NEW ARTIST IN A VIDEO:

VIEWER'S CHOICE:
The winner of the Viewer's Choice has not been announced as of press time.