MTV VMAs 2023: LGBTQ+ stars including Lil Nas X and Demi Lovato lead the way on the red carpet
Queer talent led the way when it came to red carpet looks at the MTV VMAs 2023. (Getty/PinkNews)
LGBTQ+ stars Lil Nas X and Cardi B joined celebs like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo in bringing the metaphorical ‘fire’ emojis to the MTV VMAs red carpet.
The MTV VMAs took place at the Prudential Centre in New Jersey on Tuesday (12 September), boasting a who’s who of music industry A-listers ready to watch an evening of show-stopping performances (and Taylor Swift sweeping up all the major awards).
The evening saw iconic moments such as Demi Lovato showing everyone up with an epic rock performance of major hits “Cool for the Summer”, “Sorry Not Sorry” and “Heart Attack”.
There was enough celebrity gossip to keep fans fed too, with Justin Timberlake and Megan Thee Stallion going viral after a clip seemingly showed them in the midst of a heated argument, and Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift putting feud rumours to bed.
The red carpet had plenty of moments to get people talking, too. Here are some of the best MTV VMAs 2023 looks:
Doja Cat
Ever wondered what it would look like if someone simply wore finely-spun spiderweb as a dress? Well, wonder no more as “Paint the Town Red” singer Doja Cat looked like she was fresh off a fight with Spider-Man in a revealing white floor-length dress.
Away from the red carpet, the rapper landed one award with from six nominations, for Best Art Direction for her hit single “Attention”.
Demi Lovato
If there’s one thing we learnt from Sam Smith’s absolutely wild BRIT Awards look earlier this year, it’s that nothing says queer like a pair of giant shoulder pads. “Cool for the Summer” singer Demi Lovato pulled off an eye-catching leather look with a perfect blend of power of elegance.
Lovato, who received two MTV VMA nominations this year, walked away empty-handed on the night but managed to get Taylor Swift jamming along to her live performance so, a win? Go off, queen.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X firmly held onto his crown asa queer fashion king after slaying in his MTV VMAs 2023 look. The “Old Town Road” hitmaker gave angelic bride in an all-white floral lacy corset dress, topped off with platform boots and a feathery hat.
It’s not Lil Nas X without some trolling of the haters, so, naturally, the gay icon was holding aloft a Bible. He may not have been up for any awards this year, but he still managed to live his best life.
Cardi B
Simply put, Cardi B is the moment. Her bejewelled, metallic gown consisting of hair-clips and matching arms cuffs gave modern-day gladiator. Later in the evening, the rapper debuted her new “Bongos” collab with Megan Thee Stallion live to a rave response.
Dove Cameron
LGBTQ+ icon Dove Cameron kept it classy with a sparkly Black ballgown complete with a flashing flare bottom. Alongside her elegant look, the “Boyfriend” singer also beat out tough competition to pick up the Video for Good award for her song “Breakfast”.
Billy Porter
Pose star Billy Porter made another mark on an awards show red carpet with a sweeping collared blazer, tucked in top and flared trousers, complete with a long blonde weave.
Sasha Colby
RuPaul’s Drag Race‘s most recent winner, Sasha Colby, kept it low-key but stunned nonetheless in a black cut-out bodycon dress.
Reneé Rapp
Reneé Rapp joined the all-black outfit girlies with a textured two-piece. It’s giving sexy Michelin man, and we’re here for it.
Although Rapp lost out in both categories she was nominated in, including Best New Artist, the 23-year-old rising star continues to thrive after dropping her recording-breaking debut studio album Snow Angel in August. We have no doubt she’s a name to watch in the coming months.
Kandy Muse
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Kandy Muse looked fresh off Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour in silver panelled mini-dress and dark up-do. Sadly, audiences couldn’t enjoy the look for long as Kandy has to nip off early to go to the loo. Yes, really.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion arrived on the carpet ready to serve in a sheer black dress. Although she lost out on all three of the categories she was nominated in, she did have the time of her life performing “Bongos” with Cardi B.
Whether she’ll shed any light on that apparent beef with Justin Timberlake remains to be seen…
Ts Madison
Grab your sunglasses because trans icon Ts Madison’s draping silvery dress is threatening to outshine everyone – the Sun included.
Taylor Swift
It wasn’t just LGBTQ+ stars who shone bright at the MTV VMAs this year. The night’s biggest winner, megastar Taylor Swift, swapped an old cardigan from under someone’s bed for something decidedly more bling with an asymmetric black gown paired with gold buttons and jewellery.
The “Anti-Hero” singer ensured all eyes in the room remained on her through the night, securing a personalised camera operator as well as also nine awards. The night took her her total VMAs up to 23, with wins including Video of the Year (for a history-making fourth time), Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.
Olivia Rodridgo
Right now it’s Disney teen turned pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo’s world and we are all just living in it. As her second studio album GUTS dominates the charts, she commanded the MTV VMAs red carpet with a disco ball-esque floor-length ballgown with plunging neckline.
While her “Vampire” music video scooped up the Best Editing award, the 20-year-old singer fought some seemingly staged technical difficulties as she performed her hits “Vampire” and “Get Him Back” live on stage.
Selena Gomez
Only Murders in the Building star Selena Gomez is emerging from her acting era and returning to music after dropping her latest song “Single Soon” at the end of August.
The multi-talented queen can pull of any look and, her red carpet outfit – a red flower-pattered Oscar de la Renta dress with flowing tassels – was no different. Oh, and she casually landed a joint award with REMA for their Afrobeats hit “Calm Down”.
Nicki Minaj
Although Nicki Minaj underwent several outfit changes over the course of the night, her first look was by far the most memorable. Matching the pink carpet, the “Super Bass” rapper delivered with a veiled floor-length lacy gown that was both parts bridal dress and lingerie.
Minaj may not have been getting married but she certainly had reason to celebrate as she picked up the award for Best Hip-Hop with her hit single “Super Freaky Girl”.
Shakira
Shakira, Shakira! Continuing the apparent theme of sparkly floor-length gowns, the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer offered a brilliant addition to the night’s line-up with her sparkling golden number. It may not be her most groundbreaking look but, frankly, Shakira could wear a bin bag and we would be raving.
