Doja Cat (Photo credit: Bang Media)
On Sept. 12, the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards took place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The event celebrated 50 years of hip-hop and was hosted by the legendary rapper Nicki Minaj.
The evening featured a pink carpet that welcomed celebrities such as Diddy, Cardi B, Offset, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Ice Spice, Coco Jones, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, King Combs, and more.
Each attendee showcased their boldest, most abstract looks, revealing the unique inner personalities of the artists.
Here are 12 outfits from some of your favorite female artists, ranked from best to worst according to rolling out:
Nicki Minaj
Known as the “Queen of Rap,” Nicki Minaj arrived in an all-pink lace dress adorned with a corset and floral veil. Committed to the event, the renowned rapper had multiple dress changes throughout the live award show. She also performed an exclusive song, giving fans a taste of what to expect from Pink Friday 2.
The #VMAs pink carpet would not be complete without @NICKIMINAJ 💖
She’s nominated, performing (2x), AND emceeing TONIGHT on @MTV!! pic.twitter.com/byo6XyCdDd
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 13, 2023
Karol G
Karol G also opted for an all-pink ensemble on the red carpet, donning a sheer, floor-length dress paired with a matching train-length shawl. Her ombré pink hair added a creative flair to the look.
Pink is YOUR color, @karolg!! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/jAIG3BbhPJ
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
Doja Cat
Consistently surprising her fans, the rapper and pop artist donned a cobweb-like dress that left little to the imagination. However, the ensemble was harmoniously paired with her hair and makeup.
.@dojacat‘s #VMA outfit deserves your ATTENTION!! pic.twitter.com/6YtyLbG8dv
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
STILL processing how gorgeous @iamcardib looks tonight 🤩
Tune into @MTV at 8p to watch her perform “BONGOS” with @theestallion!! pic.twitter.com/x6HEGwbN7s
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
Shakira
The renowned Latin artist presented a classic look on the pink carpet, spiced up with some alluring back detail.
Whenever, wherever — @Shakira ALWAYS STUNS but especially now on the #VMAs carpet 🤩
Watch her #VMA Vanguard performance LIVE at 8p on @MTV!! pic.twitter.com/7NwIjBDqFO
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
Megan Thee Stallion
She’s back and better than ever. The Grammy Award-winning rapper turned heads on the pink carpet in a black, off-the-shoulder sheer corset dress. Never one to shy away from flaunting her figure, she looked both sleek and snatched.
.@theestallion is bringing thee HEAT to the #VMAs carpet 🔥🥵 pic.twitter.com/hkk9Ogjo2k
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
Coco Jones
The gifted R&B artist embraced the color black in a two-piece ensemble, featuring a leather-like texture and large buckles. The look felt like a nostalgic nod to the ’90s.
.@TheRealCocoJ’s face card NEVER DECLINES!!
She’s presenting at the #VMAs tonight at 8p on @MTV 🫶 pic.twitter.com/b5d0PQc1CD
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
Kaliii
The up-and-coming female rapper opted for a bold move in unfamiliar territory, sporting a bright orange, abstract ensemble complete with a plunging neckline.
.@kaliii looks FLAWLESS on the #VMAs pink carpet 🧡 pic.twitter.com/13Oi0Nm8Re
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
Anitta
The Latin singer struck a balance between classic and playful with her eclectic ensemble on the pink carpet. While the look had a slightly off-kilter vibe, her show-stopping earrings easily drew attention.
The FUNKSTAR herself has ARRIVED!!
Catch both of @Anitta‘s performances TONIGHT on @MTV 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NypK5Ntf8a
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
Chloe Bailey
Chloe exuded royalty in a velvet, multi-patterned dress. However, the collar seemed to slightly shorten her neck, detracting from the overall look.
.@ChloeBailey please HAVE MERCY ON US 🫠
Watch the show to see if she takes home a #VMA tonight! pic.twitter.com/js62xXBEFa
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
Saweetie
The “My Type” rapper looked gorgeous in pink; however, the dress’s features subtly evoked the popular show, “The Flintstones.”
.@Saweetie looks PERFECT in pink on the #VMAs pink carpet 💖 pic.twitter.com/JCZYrCVz27
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023
Yung Miami
The 305 rapper elevated the concept of hip bones with this look. Though it wasn’t the most flattering, her confidence was at 100.
.@YungMiami305 did NOT come to play at the #VMAs tonight ‼️ pic.twitter.com/zPfyUn42Um
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 12, 2023