One Direction a crowd-pleaser at MTV awards

One Direction quickly changed the focus of the MTV Video Music Awards, stealing the attention from Rihanna and her stunning show opening, The Associated Press reports.

Rihanna started the party last night sitting regally upon a throne as she performed her new song "Cockiness (I Love It)" with A$AP Rocky and two groups of dancers. She then made her way into the pit at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and launched into her hit "We Found Love" as she wove through the crowd, touching hands with dozens of fans.

But One Direction, the heartthrob British boy band, brought thunderous cheers from the crowd upon winning best pop video, the night's first televised award and one of five top-nominee Rihanna was up for.

The quintet, the first British act to debut atop the Billboard 200 album chart, seemed stunned as fans screamed upon announcement of their win.

"We've grown up watching this show and to even be here is an honor," Niall Horan said before the band made its way through the crowd.

Pink was up next, floating above the crowd on a pair of oversized lips as she performed her new song "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" before Chris Brown pulled off another upset in the best male video category.

Rihanna's former boyfriend won for his self-directed video "Turn Up The Music," beating out several top stars, including Drake, who tied Rihanna for most nominations.

Host Kevin Hart opened up old wounds between Brown and Drake in his opening monologue, spoofing the two for the bar brawl that took place between their entourages in June.