NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 12: Ashanti attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images) NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 12: Nicki Minaj performs onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV) NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 12: Saweetie attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
MTV pulled together some of the biggest stars for pink carpet slays, top-notch performances, and well-deserved recognition on Sept. 12. Here are a few top moments from the Video Music Awards (VMAs) that had folks gagged and giggling.
Ashanti and Nelly have been a hot topic this week after the “Hot In Herre” artist confirmed they’ve rekindled their romance. In a sit-down with Rasheeda and Kirk Frost, Nelly admitted their latest union “surprised” them both and wasn’t “planned.” He added that there’s “no pressure” or people in the middle like their first go-round in the early 2000s.
Then, on the VMAs pink carpet, Ashanti returned the love by rocking a clutch featuring a throwback selfie of her and Nelly. She paired the purse with a curve-hugging, floor-length, shimmery gold gown. The dress featured a deep V-cut down to her belly button and a bra made of two bejeweled turtles kissing. While sitting inside the show, the “Foolish” singer explained the clutch selfie.
“So….in this pic…we exchanged numbers as the VMAs in 2003 …20 years ago lol,” Ashanti shared on her Instagram Story.
Nicki Minaj took over for the second consecutive year as the show’s emcee. In addition to her electric personality and jokey jokes about Roman making an appearance, the 40-year-old rapper treated fans with a special release.
Minaj performed two tracks from her upcoming album “Pink Friday 2,” including her already-released smash “Last Time I Saw You” and another hardcore rap track. For the “Last Time I Saw You” performance, the Queens, New York artist wore a puffed, black gown. She stripped the gown to perform the surprise track, donning a transparent black, jeweled dress paired with a black bra and panty set.
“I’m on a whole ‘nother level this b*****s is outta they league,” Minaj rapped. “These b*****s ain’t batting like me, these b*****s ain’t better than me. These b*****s don’t count, these b*****s can’t count, I am not the one to a degree. You b*****s look up to me, you said you look up to her, but really you look up to me.”
Minaj also performed her fan-favorite “Itty Bitty Piggy” while wearing a red bodysuit. She was one of several hip hop legends, including Grandmaster Flash, The Furious Five, Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, Lil Wayne, LL Cool J, and DMC, to perform in honor of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary.
Nicki Minaj also took home the VMAs Best Hip Hop Award for “Super Freaky Girl,” marking her seventh win out of 25 nominations throughout her career. According to Entertainment Tonight, Minaj first appeared at the VMAs in 2012.
“This morning when I woke up I had this really strong sense of gratitude. That’s the truth,” Minaj said while accepting the award. “So I just want to say, I thank you guys, the people who go out and support. The people who never skip a beat on the internet holding us down, the people at the tours. MTV thank you for showcasing rap, thank you for showing me love.”
Saweetie stepped out, matching the VMAs carpet in a shimmery pink gown. According to Fashion Bomb Daily, she wore a piece from Area FW23 Couture, which featured a light pink bone accessory at the neck and waist.
And while her ‘fit inspired its own slew of reactions, much of the online commentary was about her pink carpet slip-up. It appears the Cali rapper was tapped to hype the show as the pink carpet welcomed guests. However, when it was her turn to deliver a transitional message, Saweetie was quiet for a moment before saying “oh” and continuing with her lines.
In a second clip, there was also a moment of confusion on Saweetie’s face as she read lines from a teleprompter. However, Saweetie later humorously addressed her slip-up while introducing a performance during the show.
“Hey y’all, it’s me again, and y’all better stop making my lil stutter video go viral. Anyways, let’s try it again,” she said before reading her lines without a hitch.
