NEW YORK — The MTV Video Music Awards kicked off Sunday with Lady Gaga winning artist of the year, setting up the night’s leading nominee for a big night.

Gaga is also set to perform on the show and ended her acceptance speech by saying she had to leave the UBS Arena where the VMAs are being held to get to Madison Square Garden.

“Being an artist is an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world,” she said. “Being an artist is a discipline and craft into reaching someone’s heart where it grows its roots, reminding them to dream. Being an artist is a responsibility to smile, dance, cry.”

She dedicated the award to her fans and paid homage to her partner, Michael Polansky. “Creating with you has been a beautiful thing,” she said.

The VMAs, hosted by LL Cool J, kicked off

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