From lipstick snacking on the red carpet to celebrities battling towering microphones, this year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) were far from uneventful.

   The star-studded night took place at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, and hosted celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae and Ariana Grande. Before the event officially began, the nominees stepped out on the red carpet, showing off their award show attire.

   Doja Cat set the bar on the red carpet high after donning an 80s-style pastel mini dress by Balmain while rocking voluminous long blonde curls. But her look, which she wore to promote her upcoming retro-inspired fifth studio album “Vie,” was not the only thing that caught people’s attention. She also shocked photographers by taking a bite out of her lipstick.

   While the move shocked many, it was just a stunt to promote her new status as a MAC Cosmetics ambassador.

   “I’ve been a MAC girl forever, and now I get to take that love to the global stage,” Doja Cat said in a statement released to her Instagram on Sunday, Sept. 7.

   This year’s VMAs featured multiple performances from artists, including Alex Warren, who won Best New Artist; Sombr, who won Best Alternative song for his track “Back to Friends;” and Busta Rhymes, who was honored with the VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award. Global girl group KATSEYE – who won Push Performance of the Year – also took to the stage, performing “Gnarly” at the pre-show. 

   Mariah Carey also performed and was honored with her first VMA win, taking home the Video Vanguard Award. Grande presented the 56-year-old with the accolade, and the two shared a heartwarming moment when the “yes, and?” singer got on her knees and playfully bowed down after handing Carey her golden moon man.

   Carpenter took home three awards, including best album for “Short n’ Sweet,” but before her big wins, she delivered a standout performance of her single “Tears” alongside drag queens and transgender performers. Sharing the stage with RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Willam, Denali, Lexi Love, Symone and Laganja Estranja, as well as ballroom star Honey Balenciaga, the “Espresso” singer used the moment to defend the trans and queer community.

   Performers held signs with messages like “protect trans rights” and “support drag,” while Carpenter urged the LGBTQ+ community to remain true to themselves in the face of discrimination.

   “To my queens: this world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity,” Carpenter said. “So, to get to be part of something … more often than not, that can bring you light, make you smile, make you dance and make you feel like the world is yours … I’m so grateful. So grateful to do that.”

   Grande received the night’s final award for Video of the Year, which she was forced to accept on her tiptoes as the microphone stand was too high. But despite the mishap, the singer was able to deliver a heartfelt thank you to her fans.

   “Art has been a safe space for me since I was a kid,” Grande said. “I’m so grateful that I get to do this with my life and to have such fiercely loving and supportive fans. Thank you for growing with me and being so supportive of me as a human being navigating in real time, which creative itch needs to be scratched, whether it’s acting, music, musical theater or a little bit of tour.”