2018 VMAs: Nicki Minaj Owns The Night, Shawn Mendes Makes It Rain & More

vmas

This year's MTV Video Music Awards were full of amazing moments and surprises. From all of the incredible live performances to touching awards acceptance speeches and tributes, it was an epic night. 

Taking home Video of the Year this year, was Camila Cabello for her "Havana" music video, presented to her by Madonna. And before presenting the award to Camila, the Queen of Pop paid tribute to the Queen of Soul, the late Aretha Franklin, who passed away earlier this week. 

On top of that, a few of the artists to perform live included Shawn Mendes, Ariana Grande, a "rockstar" performance featuring Post Malone, 21 Savage, and .... Aerosmith, and so much more!

Take a look at some of the best moments from the 2018 MTV VMAs below.

Post Malone & 21 Savage are Joined by Aerosmith for "Rockstar" performance

The "Congratulations" rapper got to close out the show alongside rock legends Aerosmith. After performing his hit single "Rockstar" with 21 Savage, which was already a pretty epic VMA performance in and of itself, the "Psycho" rapper joined the legendary rockstars for an unforgettable performance of "Dream On," and "Toys In The Attic." (It was the collaboration you didn't know you needed!) 

Post Malone & Aerosmith

Madonna's Tribute to Aretha Franklin

Madonna celebrated the Queen of Soul with a touching tribute. The pop phenom memorialized the legacy of Aretha Franklin with a beautiful speech and anecdote dedicated to the late luminary during MTV's annual event. "Aretha Louise Franklin changed the course of my life," she began, before sharing how singing the soul legend's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" during an audition helped jumpstart her career as a musician.

Madonna

Ariana Grande brought her mom and Nonna on stage for "God Is A Woman" 

For her "God Is A Woman" performance, Ariana Grande was surrounded by a diverse group of over 50 female dancers for her new female empowerment anthem. But there were a few more women who joined the pop star on stage at the end of the song, including her mother, Joan Grande, and her adorable grandmother — aka Nonna!

Jennifer Lopez's Fiery Genre-Spanning Video Vanguard Award Performance

Jennifer Lopez proved just why she's been a show-stopping force for the last two decades when she performed a medley of hits and receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. For the nine-minute medley, the Las Vegas performer took the stage in the middle of the ceremony to offer Radio City Music Hall with a pop spectacle from beginning to end. Kicking off the number with the Hex Hector remix of "Waiting For Tonight," the industry vet ventured into a string of hits, including "On the Floor," "Let's Get Loud," "Ain't Your Mama," as well as "My Love Don’t Cost a Thing," "All I Have," and of course, "Jenny From the Block." To make things extra special, Lopez also brought out Ja Rule for "I'm Real" and DJ Khaled, who helped turn up the audience with his usual hypeman energy.

Jennifer Lopez

Logic & Ryan Tedder's Powerful Message During "One Day" Performance

Logic delivered another moving performance. For the second year in a row, the "Everyday" rapper used the VMA stage to shed light on an important an issue impacting the world today. Alongside OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, Logic addressed immigrant family separations at the U.S. border while performing his new single "One Day."

Logic, Ryan Tedder VMAs Performance

Shawn Mendes Made It Rain On Stage

Shawn Mendes did something he's never done before, and literally made it rain on stage during his performance of "In My Blood."

Nicki Minaj Took over NYC's Oculus 

To cap off her celebratory week with Queen, Nicki Minaj reigned supreme when the rapper performed a medley of "Majesty," "Barbie Dreams" and "Fefe" from The Oculus in downtown New York City.

Nicki Minaj performs at 2018 VMAs

Travis Scott & Kylie Jenner couldn't help but have a little mid-VMA PDA 

Before Travis Scott delivered an out-of-this-world performance, he got in a little smooch with his girlfriend and baby mama, Kylie Jenner. The moment was captured during what looked a commercial break. #ParentsNightOut

Photos: Getty Images


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