During the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, Miley Cyrus was not held back by her recent breakup from Liam Hemsworth. She used her appearance to debut a new tattoo and perform her break-up song “Slide Away” with passion. It was her first public appearance since news of the separation became known. The tattoo on her arm read, “My head was feeling scared, but my heart was feeling free,” which perfectly encapsulated her current state of mind. Despite almost experiencing a wardrobe malfunction in her small black dress, she left the audience at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey awestruck. Following her emotional performance, Miley was spotted sharing a sweet kiss with Kaitlynn, Brody Jenner’s ex-wife.

Awkward! The Wrecking Ball hitmaker narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction her tiny black dress following her gig as she flashed sideboob with the garment's daring cut-out sides

Wow, looks like Miley Cyrus almost had a wardrobe malfunction in her little black dress after her performance. The sides of her dress with cut-outs were quite daring and almost revealed more than she intended with some sideboob showing. Even though she is known for her bold fashion choices, on this occasion Miley chose to keep it simple with a sleek black dress paired with wet hair. To add some sparkle to her look, she accessorized with multiple chains, rings, and bracelets. As a surprise addition to the show, Miley definitely made an impression with her outfit.

All in the details: The songstress debuted her fresh inking on her upper arm

Miley Cyrus proudly revealed a new tattoo on her upper arm, which represents her Malibu roots and tenacious nature. She displayed her impressive array of body art in a black dress that showcased her latest break-up tattoo on the inner left arm. The delicate, flowing cursive script features lines from The Pixies’ 1990 song “The Thing,” encapsulating her emotions of fear and freedom. The musician delivered a compelling performance accompanied by a group of string musicians. Her powerful voice resonated throughout the venue, accentuated by striking black and white lighting. In the lyrics, she acknowledges the inevitability of change as one matures and emphasizes the value of moving forward.

Intricate: Miley's latest tattoo piece read: 'My head was feeling scared, but My heart was feeling free', from Pixies' 1990 track The Thing

Miley Cyrus has added a new tattoo to her collection. The design features a line from the song “The Thing” by Pixies, which was released in 1990. The tattoo reads “My head was feeling scared, but My heart was feeling free.” Cyrus seems to be bold with her tattoo choices as the design is quite detailed and intricate.

By her side: Moments after her emotional gig, her new girlfriend Kaitlynn Carter supported her with a 'sweet kiss' backstage, a source has claimed

Next to her was Kaitlynn Carter, who according to reports, gave Miley Cyrus a tender kiss behind the stage after her emotional performance as a show of encouragement. Carter is now known as Cyrus’ girlfriend.

Careful! The former child star risked spilling out of her tiny black dress as she displayed a hint of her chest in the perilously plunging number

Hi, there: She was pictured greeting another artist at the time

Wow! The former child star was quite daring with her wardrobe choice as she displayed a hint of décolletage in her LBD that had an incredibly plunging neckline.

Sing out: Miley appeared stripped down as she saddled up to the microphone wearing a slinky little black dress and wet tresses

As Miley Cyrus stepped towards the mic, her appearance was both elegant and effortless. She was clad in a chic black dress and her hair appeared to be still damp, yet she looked absolutely stunning.

Hear me roar! Cyrus proved her vocal prowess as she belted out the song

Strings and things: A group of string musicians backed her up as Miley sang bittersweet lyrics about moving on

Miley Cyrus displayed her impressive vocal range during a recent performance, while her new girlfriend Kaitlynn Carter tried to keep a low profile in a large blazer over a white t-shirt and blue jeans. Despite not appearing on the red carpet, the couple reportedly engaged in PDA backstage and were seen kissing before Miley’s performance. The two were later spotted enjoying a night out with Miley’s mother at a club in Manhattan. This follows their previous PDA-filled holiday in Italy earlier this month.

Tough cookie: Hinting at her Malibu roots and fighting spirit, Miley added a shark tooth necklace as she struck a bold pose at the event

All that glitters: Her makeup featured just a hint of shimmer on her lids, giving it the perfect amount a stage presence

Miley Cyrus displayed her resilience and strong connection to her roots in Malibu as she confidently posed for an event while wearing a unique shark tooth necklace.