Lady Gaga Wins First 2011 MTV VMA Before Show Begins

The VMA's hadn't even started before Lady Gaga was collecting awards for her hit song 'Born This Way.' The singer won the fan voted on Best Video With a Message award. The honor was presented on the Black Carpet before the show Sunday night in Los Angeles.

The song's popularity and positive message were enough to earn Gaga the night's first award. She preaches loving yourself no matter your race, gender, sexual orientation or physical differences. Other songs in the category were 'F---ing Perfect' by Pink, 'Firework' by Kate Perry, 'Love the Way You Lie' by Eminem and Rihanna, 'Make it Stop (September's Children)' by Rise Against and 'Mean' by Taylor Swift.

This is the first year the MTV VMA's have included a Best Video with a Message award. Lady Gaga is also expected to perform first and her 'Born This Way' video is nominated for Best Female Video.

Watch the Lady Gaga 'Born This Way' Video