Eminem, Lady Gaga, M.I.A., & Odd Future Kick Off YouTube Music Awards

YouTube sensations and music superstars came together at the inaugural YouTube Music Awards at New York’s Pier 36 on Sunday.

The unscripted event, which was live streamed across the globe, featured performances from Eminem, Lady Gaga, M.I.A., Odd Future’s Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt, and Arcade Fire. All of the performances were conceived as music videos and directed by filmmakers selected by Spike Jonze.

After showing her teeth on the red carpet, Lady Gaga delivered an emotional performance of her new ballad “Dope” off ARTPOP, while M.I.A. lit up the stage with “Come Walk With Me” off her album Matangi.

She also struck up a friendship with Tyler, the Creator. “M.I.A MIGHT BE THE COOLEST FEMALE OF EVER,” tweeted the Odd Future frontman, who performed “Sasquatch” with Earl Sweatshirt.

Eminem was named Artist of the Year and closed out the show with a black-and-white performance of his MMLP2 cut “Rap God.”

T-Pain also hit the stage with some YouTube stars, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis were honored as YouTube Breakthrough.

Check out a photo gallery from the evening below.