Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for her best female video award at the VMAs Sunday night (Sept. 13) was interrupted by Kanye West's sudden appearance onstage -- from out of the audience. West said before a shocked audience, "Yo, Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I'll let you finish, but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!"

The camera showed an obviously stunned Beyoncé in her seat in the audience. She seemed to be as shocked as did the entire assemblage.

The screen cut back to Swift, who was too surprised to do anything other than to look down and then walk away. West went on his way, to some boos from the audience. Beyoncé was still in her seat.

The next reaction by the audience was to give a standing ovation for Swift. But by the time West handed the microphone back to Swift, her time slot was over and the show went to a video with Tracy Morgan and Eminem.

The next presenter, Justin Bieber, made a point of saying, "Taylor Swift deserved that award."

Later in the show, Beyoncé acknowledged her win for video of the year for "Single Ladies," saying she recalled her nomination for a VMA at age 17 with Destiny's Child. Beyoncé called Swift back to the stage and said, "I'd like Taylor to come out and have her moment."

When Swift walked onstage, she noted, "Maybe we could try this again," and the audience responded with hearty applause.

Swift won for her video "You Belong With Me." Beyoncé was nominated for "Single Ladies."

Swift -- before being interrupted by West -- had said, "I sing country music, so thank you so much for giving me a chance to win a VMA."

When Diddy later read West's name in the show when introducing the best male video nominees, the crowd booed. Diddy asked, "What happened?" -- as if he didn't know. Many in the audience responded by chanting Swift's name. Not too long after the show, Swift did a performance of "You Belong With Me" in a subway station.

Shortly after his rant, West was asked to leave Radio City Music Hall, the New York venue where the awards show took place.

West's remarks recalled his reaction in 2004 when Gretchen Wilson beat him for the best new artist award at the 2004 American Music Awards. He suffered a similar meltdown.

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