The 2014 VMAs Were Proof That Girls Really Do Run the World
The 2014 VMAs were bursting with girl power. The show was filled with strong acts from strong females. Onstage, there were powerhouse performances by Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora, Beyonce and other leading ladies. And in the audience, pop queens like Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus chatted each other up like true VMA baes.
The show kicked off with the girl-power triumvirate of Ariana, Nicki and Jessie J on "Bang Bang," and that performance set the tone for the night. The leading ladies were supportive and congratulatory of each other on and off social media. Here's a look at some of the best of those VMA moments from Sunday night:
After the performance, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande snapped an adorable pic together:
Nicki Minaj then took to the stage to unleash her "Anaconda." Her sexually charged, empowering performance was a game-changer lauded by just about everyone in attendance. And R&B star/reality TV diva K. Michelle took notice.
Three-time VMA winner Kelly Clarkson took to Twitter to praise Nicki and her incredible physique
To which Nicki responded:
Nicki tweeted a sweet message to collaborator Jessie J after the show that pretty much describes how we all feel about her:
Lots of history was made last night by the ladies of the VMAs.
Girl group Fifth Harmony performed their feminist anthem, "Bo$$," at the VMA pre-show, then won the award for "Artist to Watch." The ladies were the first girl group since 2008 to win a VMA.
Songstress Demi Lovato tweeted her love and support:
In another VMA first for females, Lorde took home the award for Best Rock Video.
Let me repeat: Lorde is the first female EVER to win the award in this category in the 30 YEARS OF VMAs, PEOPLE. Here's what she had to say:
Lorde got some love from her friend Taylor Swift:
In fact, Lorde introduced Taylor Swift before she performed her hit single, "Shake it Off."
Julianne Hough had some very high praise for T-Swift. She posted this pic with the caption: "Girl was awesome tonight! #vmas #shakeitoff #musicvideo you're video is the greatest video ever! Haven't loved a video as much as this one in a long time! #killedit!!!!":
Then there was the collaboration between Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora for their sexy, spider-y tune "Black Widow."
The performance was thoroughly enjoyed by Taylor and Lorde, who were spotted dancing together:
Finally, it wouldn't be a piece on how girls run the world if we didn't include Queen Bey.
In addition to winning four VMAs, including the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award, Bey's twenty-minute medley of her eponymous album closed the show and stole everyone's hearts.
Let's all observe this very important moment from Katy Perry, who was loving every minute of Bey:
In the backdrop of her "***Flawless" performance, the words "FEMINIST" boldly lit up the stage, like the beautiful declaration:
But Bey wasn't content to bask in the adoration. She gifted fellow VMA performer Nicki Minaj with a stunning, diamond "flawless" necklace.
"If Beyonce didn't walk into your dressing room and give you a diamond "flawless" necklace, then there's no way you could be having a better week than me. ... Thank u QUEEN," the rapper wrote.
The takeaway of the night? Ladies, go forth and be ***flawless.
