Nicki Minaj brought the power of pink to the red carpet for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

On Tuesday night, Minaj arrived to Newark, N.J.’s Prudential Center for the awards ceremony — where she will perform later in the evening. For the occasion, the “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” singer slipped on a pair of towering high heels; though the footwear wasn’t fully seen beneath her outfit’s flowing hem, the set did include thin ankle straps and thick platform soles. Based on its height from the ground, the silhouette suggested a strappy pump or heeled sandal shape.

 
Nicki Minaj attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Sept. 12, 2023.JASON KEMPIN/GETTY IMAGES FOR MTV
Minaj’s towering footwear was the base for her ensemble’s main attraction, however: a light pink dress with a silky strapless bustier bodice, paneled in sheer floral lace. Layered atop high-waisted silk briefs, the piece flowed into a paneled floral and polka-dotted sheer lace skirt with a flowing dotted tiered hem. For added drama, Minaj draped a sheer pink floral lace-tipped veil over her face.

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A closer look at Minaj’s pumps.JASON KEMPIN/GETTY IMAGES FOR MTV
For a burst of added glamour, Minaj also opted to layer her outfit with sparkling pink and silver diamond rings — as well as a matching bracelet studded with diamonds and light pink pearls. Pink and silver diamond post earrings — plus a crystal-tipped manicure in similar pink and silver hues — finished the singer’s piece with a heavily bejeweled edge.
Nicki Minaj attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Sept. 12, 2023.NOAM GALAI/GETTY IMAGES FOR MTV
The musician’s outfit strongly paid homage to her musical career, in which the color pink has become a true signature. Minaj’s mainstream presence began in the 2010s with her trio of albums “Pink Friday,” “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” and “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded The Re-Up.” Numerous shades of the tone have been part of most of her red carpet and tour outfits over the years as well, and even appear on the cover and title of her new album “Pink Friday 2” (out Nov. 17).

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) celebrate the top music videos and performances in the music industry. This year’s awards show will honor Shakira with the Video Vanguard Award for her musical contributions to pop culture, and feature a range of performances by stars, including Doja Cat, Anitta, Cardi B, Meghan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj and Olivia Rodrigo.