Ariana Grande kick-started Sunday’s 2014 MTV Video Music Awards by busting out of a spaceship onstage and singing her breakout hit “Break Free.”
Also read: MTV VMAs: TheWrap’s Live Blog
Next Nicki Minaj, who was dressed as conservatively as TheWrap predicted in its VMA preview, took the stage at The Forum and surprised audiences by singing a relatively subdued version of her hit song “Anaconda.”
See photos: MTV VMAs 2014 Red Carpet Arrivals
Things finally turned racy when Jessie J joined the two of them onstage to sing their collaborative hit, “Bang Bang.” While the trio was performing, a scantily-clad Minaj was unsurprisingly busting out of her dress.
Also read: MTV VMA Winners: The Complete List
As TheWrap previously reported, Minaj’s highly-anticipated and extremely sexual video for “Anaconda” earned 19.6 million views in the 24 hours following its midnight Aug. 19 Vevo premiere, the best-ever for the music video site, but Sunday’s performance was much more subdued.
MTV’s 2014 Video Music Awards were broadcast live from The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. Watch the performances below.
TheWrap’s MTV VMAs Complete Coverage:
MTV VMA Winners 2014: The Complete List
MTV VMAs 2014 Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos)
6 Things You Didn’t See on the MTV VMAs
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