Clearly the highlight of the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards was Beyonce’s shocking confirmation of her pregnant belly on the red carpet.

[READ: It’s Official! Beyonce Confirms Pregnancy on VMA “Black” Carpet ~ PHOTOS]

What came a close second to Bey’s awesome announcement was her hot performance of “Love on Top,” where she lovingly rubbed her pregnant belly as she belted out a song that declares undying love and affection…

“Tonight I want you to stand up on your feet, I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside of me.” ~ Beyonce

More photos + video of Bey’s “Love on Top” VMA performance below:

VIDEO: Beyonce Performs “Love on Top” at MTV VMAs

With a blinding light beaming out behind her, Beyoncé took the stage in a purple spangly tuxedo jacket, black pants and white tuxedo shirt, still rocking her fierce six-inch heels of old, pregnant or not.

Her blond hair blowing in the wind, and backed by six dancers wearing similar shimmering tuxes, the glowing diva gave new meaning to the lyrics, “Now everybody asks me why I’m smiling out from ear to ear.”

Beyonce’s performance had me dancing in front of my television! Bey exuded happiness on stage last night… and hands down was my FAVORITE performance of the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

At the end of her performance, Bey dropped the mic like Eddie Long and exited the stage, but not before she rubbed her pregnant belly while looking lovingly at her booski Jay-Z…

VIDEO: Beyonce Drops Mic & Rubs Her Baby Bump…

*sheds tear* Love is so beautiful!! 🙂

What was your favorite VMA performance this year?

Photos: WireImage / Video: MTV