Highlights of the show included a surprise appearance by Michael Jackson at the end of NSYNC's performance and an iconic performance from Britney Spears, in which she danced to "I'm a Slave 4 U" while utilizing a host of live animals, including an Albino python draped over her shoulders.

Macy Gray wore a dress with a promotional message, instructing viewers to buy her new album.

Fatboy Slim took home six Moonmen, the most of the evening, for his "Weapon of Choice" video, which featured the dancing talents of actor Christopher Walken.

The World Trade Center towers that featured in Limp Bizkit's winning rock video were destroyed in the September 11 attacks five days later.

MTV announced on July 23 that the 2001 Video Music Awards would be held on September 6 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.