The 2018 MTV Video Music Awards went down in New York on Monday night and if you missed the 2 hour and 45 minute show, we’ve got all the highlights for you right here.
After Katy Perry hammed it up while hosting last year’s event, the star-studded show went host-less for 2018. Performances included Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Shawn Mendes, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Panic! At the Disco and Logic with Ryan Tedder. Jennifer Lopez was also getting honored with the Video Vanguard Award, which she accepted after a performance of her own.
Of course, some of the drama also started brewing before the event even began, after Minaj went in on fellow performer Travis Scott and baby mama Kylie Jenner on Twitter over album sales. While Stormi’s parents haven’t responded to her tweets, they did reportedly have their seats moved so they wouldn’t be behind Nicki during the show.
First, Cardi B shut it down in her first appearance since giving birth to daughter Kulture in early July. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper looked incredible, sporting a short new ‘do and killer curves in a velvet magenta dress that hugged every curve. Amber Rose also had all eyes on her as she donned a Catwoman-inspired look in red latex, all while brandishing a matching whip.
Ariana Grande and fiancé Pete Davidson stole the spotlight as they made their first red carpet appearance as a couple at the event. The two shared some PDA in front of photographers for their big debut, looking all kinds of adorable as they kissed for the cameras. Also swapping spit: Noah Cyrus, 18, and her boyfriend Lil Xan, 21.
Cardi B opened the show with a major fake-out for the audience, as she appeared on stage holding what appeared to be a swaddled up baby.
With no host, MTV brought out the two comedians to take aim at the entire audience. “This show is so big, they couldn’t bring one comedian. They needed two,” said Haddish.
Haddish then brought up Camila Cabello’s multiple nominations, after totally butchering her name. Then came this shade bomb: “Those of you watching at home … ‘Hi Fifth Harmony!” It should be noted that Camila wasn’t there for the diss, shaking her head at the joke.
Everyone was hoping Nicki would go in on a few members of the audience when she picked up the award for Best Hip Hop video. Sadly, for us, she didn’t.
When Ariana Grande picked up her award for Best Pop Video for “No Tears Left to Cry,” she first gave her man a few big kisses before hitting the stage.
She then thanked her fans, AKA her “friends on the Internet,” for their support of her new record. She went on to give thanks to her family, friends and management before ending with this: “Pete Davison, thanks for existing. Love you.”
Before accepting her Video Vanguard Award, Jennifer Lopez performed a medley of her greatest hits. She started with the green lasers, flying in to “Waiting for Tonight.” She then sang “On the Floor,” before ripping off her long dress to dance her infamous booty off to “Dance Again,” “I Ain’t Your Mama,” “Booty,” “My Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” “Get Right” and “All I Have.”
She then came on stage to collect her golden moon person and got a standing O from the crowd, where A-Rod and her own children were watching.
