VMA RATINGS THROUGH THE ROOF

The 2010 numbers represent the fifth-highest-rated telecast in the MTVN history. With its average of 7.9 million P12-34 viewers, the show ties as MTV's most-watched in the demo ever—and that ain’t chopped liver, boys and girls.

More knockout stats: Among total viewers, the 2010 VMAs averaged an audience of 11.4 million, making it the third-most-watched telecast in MTV history. Ratings for Sunday night’s show are up across the board from last year, including a 33% jump for the network's key P12-34 audience. This is the fourth consecutive year of ratings growth for the annual event.

What’s more, the VMAs are now the #1 cable telecast of 2010, surpassing even the smash MTV series Jersey Shore.

Said an obviously delighted Van Toffler: "Every year, MTV celebrates the music and creative genius of artists we have the privilege of working with all year long. Last night's luminescent VMA setting provided the perfect backdrop to do just that, and we're thrilled the audience resoundingly agreed."

In related news, the post-VMAs sneak peek of World of Jenks drew a 4.6 P12-34 rating with 4.8 million total viewers, making it MTV's highest-rated MTV series launch of all time. All in all, it was a night to remember for Toffler and company.