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(Photo: REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)
Kanye West and Katy Perry embrace as they accept the award for best collaboration for "E.T." at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, August 28, 2011.
Several celebrities, including Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, used their acceptance speeches to not only thank producers and fans, but also God, on national television.
Upon receiving Best Collaboration for their sci-fi-inspired video, "E.T.," Kanye West and Katy Perry showed their gratitude to God on stage.
"Thank you to God," said West, when Perry chimed in "Yes, God!" in agreement.
West continued, "[and to] Katy Perry for being so brave to let me back on the record," only moments after he had performed "Otis" alongside Jay-Z.
"I just want to say thank you so much, not only to God but to Jesus," said 17-year-old Justin Bieber after receiving the award for Best Male Video for his song "You Smile."
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"Because I wouldn't be here without Him," continued Bieber. "He's really blessed me. He's put me in this position. So I want to say thank you so much."
Bieber is well-known for his faith, and has mentioned his love for God publicly on numerous occasions.
Winner of Best Hip-Hop Video, Nicki Minaj took the stage screaming, "Oh my God!" Then, her first thanks during her acceptance speech went to God, "I want to thank God, I want to thank my family…" and the pink-haired artist proceeded to name individuals that helped with her music video for the hit song "Super Bass."
Many Hollywood stars have deep roots in Christianity, and Katy Perry, raised in a strict evangelical home with both parents pastors, has stated that she "didn't have a childhood."
Perry told MTV News following the VMA's that her parents did not permit her to view the awards show. "I remember growing up seeing craziness ensued with the VMAs. I wasn't allowed to see it, but I done watched it!" said Perry.
On her Twitter account Sunday, following the awards show, Perry wrote, "Well… Didn't WE have a night to remember?! Thanks for making me feel the love tonight. CHEERS to us!"
She spent the evening celebrating her VMA wins with her husband, comedian Russell Brand.
