Miami, August 29 – “Hot” was the word on everyone’s lips at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday. And a scorching scene it was, although not due to outrageous behavior. No, we’re talking 102 Fahrenheit, makeup sliding down sweaty faces. And even though Miami is renowned for well-built people running around half naked, the musicians on hand at the VMAs were mostly buttoned up, kind of like more stylish versions of the Republicans gathering up in New York City.

Big award winners included Usher, Outkast, Jay-Z and his lady Beyonce, Alicia Keys and No Doubt. The Olsen twins made an appearance, with Mary-Kate publicly thanking fans for support during her recent treatment for an eating disorder. Those other famous twins, Jenna and Barbara Bush, spoke via satellite from New York, reminding the audience to vote for their father. Vanessa and Alexandra Kerry were there in person, and also plugged their presidential-candidate father.

As was widely reported, Usher was the epitome of understatement, arriving on Biscayne Bay in an enormous yacht. But the heat must have made everyone too listless for the kind of over-the-top shenanigans – remember last year’s same-sex kisses - that often strikes the VMAs.

Photos by Jen Lowery