2013 MTV VMAs Performances

With the highly anticipated MTV Video Music Awards coming to a close, we’ve lined up the night’s performances and highlights, which include Kanye West’s powerfully artistic DONDA rendition of “Blood on the Leaves” to Miley Cyrus twerking on stage with Robin Thicke. Check out all the live sets down below and let us know which were your favorites.

Lady Gaga

A powerful performance filled with audio and visual artistry, Lady Gaga‘s VMA opening performance of “Applause” was as theatrical and unconventional as one could expect from the New York native. With on stage costume consisting of a block-style headpiece to a dramatic sequined number and a series of wigs, Miss Gaga’s performance came to an end with a mermaid inspired two piece.

Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar 

Miley Cyrus, who first appeared on the stage to a back track dedicated to her “twerking out,” performed track “We Can’t Stop” on a set full of backup dancers dressed as teddy bears. Cyrus was then joined on stage with Robin Thicke as the two joined forces for a rendition of summer hit “Blurred Lines,” and the performance came to a close with 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar making a stage appearance for “Give It 2 U.”

Katy Perry

Currently rivaling Lady Gaga on the charts, Katy Perry brought the VMA’s to a close, choosing to perform the finale outside Barclays Center, opting instead for an open air performance of “Roar” at the Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Bruno Mars

Having pocketed the title of Best Male Video, Mars took to the stage to perform “Gorilla” on an awesome and powerful visual backdrop full of lasers, smoke machines, and mesmerising digital gorilla graphics.

Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Mary Lambert, Jennifer Hudson

Seattle-based Macklemore and Ryan Lewis made their on-stage appearance with vocalist Mary Lambert for a live performance of “Same Love,” and the trio were later by American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson for a surprise performance.

Drake

Bringing “Hold On We’re Going Home” and “Started From The Bottom” to the stage of the Brooklyn Barclays Center, Drake performed on a cloudy backdrop that was reflective of his recently revealed Nothing Was The Same album art.

Justin Timberlake, *NSync 

Having won the evening’s Video Vanguard Award, Justin Timberlake took to the stage with previous *NSync bandmates for a reunion performance – a first for the band in 10 years. Performing “Bye Bye Bye” and “Girlfriend” together, Timberlake also executed solo performances of “Rock Your Body” and “Sexy Back.”

Kanye West

Taking to the Barclays Center stage to perform “Blood on the Leaves,” West performed upon a dark and haunting backdrop designed by his DONDA creative agency collective.