Lady Gaga (still dressed as Jo Calderone) presented Britney Spears with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award at the 2011 VMAs, causing some honorific and near-shocking moments.

Gaga, who began her career as a struggling songwriter in New York's Lower East Side, told the crowd Spears was always an inspiration to her in her fledgling years. "She taught us all how to be fearless, and the industry wouldn't be the same without her," said Gaga, before sharing that posters of the pop star inspired her in numerous ways.

After bringing Spears on stage, Gaga and Spears began to emulate the iconic Spears-Madonna lip-lock from the 2003 VMAs, but backed off at the last minute. Even Britney knew we've seen that before (though if it's Jo Calderone, is that just hooking up with a guy?) Britney went on to thank her family, MTV, and most importantly, her fans.

Spears accepted the award the day before what would have been Jackson's 52nd birthday.