At this week’s Kpop-star-studded Mnet Asian Music Awards, 2NE1′s Minzy, Dara and Bom freaked out in the audience like a bunch of fangirls. The reason? Fourth group member CL took the stage with Will.i.am and Apl.de.ap, killing it in “Where is the Love?”

Still in her intergalactic polic vixen getup from the earlier 2NE1 medley, CL took on Fergie’s vocal role with the sass we’d expect from “the baddest female Seoul City ever had.” As well as from the leader of the best new band in the world.

This kind of energy defined this year’s MAMAs, sparks of spontaneity that went beyond even the super-show production values.

Don’t get me wrong: insanely popular acts like the leggy Girls Generation, and hot boy troupe Super Junior chest-pumped their way through numbers jammed with dance formations, high-wire flight, and explosions. But there was bonus fun: seeing idols gettin’ crunk to Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg like a bunch of normal folks. Normal folks who happen to be freakishly gorgeous, that is.

Super Junior and Girls Generation, the multi-member shining lights of entertainment agency SM, took home album and artist of the year awards respectively. Not to be left out, 2NE1 won song of the year for “I Am the Best.” Some Blackjacks, or 2NE1 fans, were probably disappointed, but others might have been relieved — it saves something to look forward to for next year.

For more on the 2011 MAMAs, hit up our sister site MTV K’s comprehensive recaps.

2NE1′s CL, Will.i.am and Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas perform “Where is the Love?” at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Singapore:

Photo Credit: Chris McGrath/Getty Images