Cardi B and Cardi got audiences on their feet with their first-ever live performance of their new collaboration Bongos at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
The music icons put on a booty-shaking display as they delighted fans with their infectious new track with an army of festively-dressed dancers.
It all began with Cardi, 30, descending on a chandelier before she kicked off the track on her own. Megan, 28, then made her own dramatic entrance, strutting onto the stage as she rapped off her portion of the track.
The superstars, dressed in skimpy blue looks, danced upon a tropically decorated stage complete with palm trees and club lighting.
Cardi wore a tiny blue dress and bootie heels while Megan rocked a slightly more revealing look which showed off her trim waist.
Let’s get the party start! Cardi B and Cardi got audiences on their feet with their first-ever live performance of their new collaboration Bongos at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards
The star-studded crowd screamed their approval by the end of the high-energy dance routine as Megan showed her fans some love with a heart sign.
Shakira, the recipient of this year’s Video Vanguard Award, brought down the house with an epic medley of her classic hits including She Wolf and Hips Don’t Lie.
The performance began with Shakira inside a glowing tunnel as she gyrated against the walls in a glittering crop top, mini skirt, and boots.
Then, she emerged onto the stage for a robotic dance routine to her track Te Felicito before rocking out to Objection.
The performance was not without the use of knives – Shakira danced along with two daggers in her hand – and her classic hit Whenever, Wherever.
Like a true rock star, she even did some crowd surfing with her dancers to her track Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 5 before she was elevated onto a platform overlooking the entire crowd.
Demi Lovato wowed the crowd with a medley of their classic hits including Heart Attack, Cool For The Summer, and Sorry Not Sorry.
The hit-maker wowed in a slick leather look and her hair styled down with a dramatic side part.
Kicking things off! Cardi kicked off the fiery routine on her own
Working it! The duo put on a booty-shaking show for the crowd
Music makers! The show marked the first time they had performed the track live since releasing it last week
I like to move it! The superstars, dressed in skimpy blue looks, danced upon a tropically decorated stage complete with palm trees and club lighting
MTV VMAs: Winners at a glance
Video Of The Year: Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Artist Of The Year: Taylor Swift
Song Of The Year: Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Best New Artist: Ice Spice
Best Pop: Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
The crowd also went wild for Olivia Rodrigo, who treated fans to renditions of Vampire and Get Him Back.
The performance recreated the music video for Vampire, starting from Olivia singing inside a forest before the stage began to malfunction – just like in the original video.
Olivia, clad in a red crop top and pleated skirt, returned to the stage with an army of pink-clad backup dancers.
The audience rocked out to Olivia’s head-banging track Get Him Back.
Diddy, who received this year’s Global Icon Award, kept the party going with his iconic track Mo Money Mo Problems and more.
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is being held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The show is hosted by rap royalty Nicki Minaj, marking her second consecutive year in the role. It is the first time the ceremony has been held on a Tuesday.
Airing live in more than 150 countries, the global fan-filled spectacle honors the best music videos of the past year with unforgettable performances, epic tributes and show-stopping appearances from music’s biggest stars.
Making her entrance! It all began with Cardi, 30, descending on a chandelier before she kicked off the track on her own
Shake it! The duo delighted audiences with some fun dance moves
Making an impression! Cardi wore a tiny blue dress and bootie heels while Megan rocked a slightly more revealing look which showed off her trim waist
