If you watched the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards last night, you're probably still recovering from all the pants-less performances, awkward dancing and comedic presenters trying — and failing — to bring the laughs. Performances took precedence over the awards, as usual, but that's just the way we like it. And the ladies ruled the night with strong, fierce and sexy performances. In case you missed all the fun, here's what went down during the VMAs, as told through GIFs.
Ariana Grande opened the show with a rendition of her single "Break Free."
Nicki Minaj did her "Anaconda" thing.
Then, they both joined Jessie J and attempted to out-diva each other while performing "Bang Bang."
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels presented the award for "Best Pop Video" but not before Carrey accidentally fell during his antics onstage.
Ariana Grande won the award for "Best Pop Video" for her song "Problem" and seemed genuinely excited and grateful to have won.
There was a whole lot of shakin' going on when Taylor Swift took the stage in what many saw as a "Chicago"-inspired performance to sing her latest single "Shake It Off."
Ed Sheeran won for "Best Male Video."
This happened when Usher performed with Nicki Minaj.
Fifth Harmony win the "Artist to Watch" award, and I am officially too old to be watching the VMAs.
Lorde, unsurprisingly, had the most awkward acceptance speech ever when she won the award for "Best Rock Video."
Sam Smith provided a much-needed simple and toned-down moment for the night with a beautiful rendition of "Stay With Me."
Katy Perry won "Best Female Video" dressed like Britney Spears at the 2001 American Music Awards.
We all have "Amnesia" because we don't even remember 5 Seconds of Summer performing at the VMAs.
Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora slayed us with the first live performance of "Black Widow" ever.
Besties Taylor Swift and Lorde awkwardly danced, and we thanked MTV so much for turning the camera on them.
Maroon 5 performed outside, for whatever reason.
Miley Cyrus stole the show at the VMAs once again this year when she used her acceptance speech for the "Video of the Year" award to raise awareness about youth homelessness.
Beyonce finally took the stage to close out the show. This is Beyonce's world, and we're all just living in it.
Blue Ivy Carter danced, and we all died.
Beyonce's 16-minute performance also included glittery booties...
...stripper poles...
...and lots and lots of feminism.
Blue Ivy said "Good job, Mommy" as she and Jay-Z handed Beyonce the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and that was just about all we could handle from the VMAs this year.
