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The 2016 MTV VMAs went all out to top last year’s show, and it delivered some major moments that could not be missed. But if you did, we have a few highlights from the show!

Work, Work, Work

Rihanna got the party started with a cotton-candy extravaganza, mashing up some of her biggest fun-loving hits. If she left you wanting more, great because it was simply the first of four sets she she performed throughout the evening. Each appearance offered up something different.

For her second act, she served up some dance hall for a medley of her tracks that had a little more island groove.

RiRi embraced her boss-ness for her third set, demanding b*tches have her money. She brought it all together for her powerhouse finale with “Stay,” “Diamonds,” and “Must Be Love On The Brain.”

It was absolutely amazing and she sang from her heart. Everyone could feel it, reminding everyone why she deserves the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Who’s Hosting? The Whole Crew

MTV learned its lesson after last year’s train wreck with Miley Cyrus at the helm, and they opted for a team of comedians to keep the ceremony moving. It was probably the best decision they could have made. That said, Key & Peele stars Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key got most of the transitional screen time.

Where’s Drake?

Diddy came out in a kimono-sleeve cardigan to present the award for Best Hip-Hop Video. The award ultimately went to Drake, who couldn’t make it to stage. The Canadian was apparently stuck in traffic. Of course, he made it just in time to present Rihanna with her Video Vanguard Award, looking sharp as ever in a tuxedo. And, of course, he used the time to gush over her because a billboard simply is not enough.

Oh, hey, Cassie!

So much for those rumors that Diddy and Cassie split for good. Cameras caught her right beside him in the audience.

Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj Get Physical

Ariana Grande got everyone in shape for her performance of “Side To Side,” and showed us all that she’s got a promising career as a Soul Cycle instructor should the music thing not work out. And if you wondered where Nicki Minaj has been hiding, she’s apparently been working out at Ariana’s gym. Guaranteed, this track will be making its way to everyone’s workout playlist.

Future Brings His Squad

Future looked like the frontman of the Hip-Hop Temptations for his performance of “F*ck Up Some Commas,” but the crowd was into it.

Kanye’s 4 Minutes Of Power Catches Everyone’s Attention

MTV gave Kanye West four minutes to do whatever he wanted during the 2016 MTV VMAs, and he decided to premiere a video. First, though, he wanted to share some thoughts and let it be known that he wouldn’t mind losing to Beyoncé — because he knows, like the rest of the Beyhive, that he should be so lucky.

Things got a little messy when gave a shout out to ex-girlfriend Amber Rose and his wife, Kim Kardashian. There was even mention of his phone call to Taylor Swift. However, he also used his voice to bring attention to the violence in his hometown of Chicago. Then, noting that his role models are “artist merchants,” he ranked himself among creators like Steve Jobs and Walt Disney.

After that he introduced the visual for “Fade.” Teyana Taylor gave a captivating solo in the video for the video, which ended with a steamy shower scene between her and fiancé Iman Shumpert. Kanye’s video took a hard left right there at the end, when Teyana was made to look like a lioness among sheep. It was very confusing, but Teyana is still body goals!

Beyoncé Drops The Mic!

Beyoncé’s performance was legendary from beginning to end. When they said she would be performing Lemonade, it sounded like a mistake. There’s no way Bey was performing the entire album. Oh, but we forgot. She’s Beyoncé, and she can do whatever the hell she wants — up to and including smashing a camera with a bat, which she did! Then she capped it all off with “Formation” and dropped her mic! She had to pull a quick change to get back to her seat in the audience so she could accept her award for Best Female Video.

The night, honestly, could have been over after that, but there were still awards to hand out. Did we mention Lemonade won several professional awards during the transition? Yep, Queen B reigned supreme, but her night was all about girl power as she brought her baby girl Blue Ivy as her date. Given the fact she was performing Lemonade it was probably best for Jay Z to stay home, but she did show him some love while accepting her Video of the Year Award. By the way, did you catch her final costume change?! She had an outfit for every award. Slay!

And Then There Was Britney

Britney Spears came out to perform some of her new material. It was okay, but Beyoncé is a tough act to follow.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

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