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Taylor Swift delivers epic performance of 'Lover' and other best moments from the VMAs

1:33
Looking back at a decade of Taylor Swift on 'GMA'
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
ByHayley FitzPatrick
August 27, 2019, 3:12 AM

Some of the most famous names in the music and entertainment industry attended the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards on Monday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

From Lizzo and Taylor Swift's captivating performances to the daring fashions that took over the carpet, the night certainly did not disappoint.

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Check out some of the biggest moments and most dazzling performances from the star-studded award show:

Missy Elliott receives major award: 'I promised I wouldn't cry'

The legendary singer gave a heartfelt speech while accepting MTV's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

She was introduced by Cardi B, who called her a "living legend" and said the artist's music was the first album she ever bought.

"I promised I wouldn't cry because I cry every awards, but this Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award means so much to me," Elliott shared upon taking the stage, overcome with emotion.

"I have worked diligently over two decades, and I never thought I would be up here receiving this award," she continued.

The singer dedicated her award to "the dance community all around the world."

Taylor delivers epic performance in honor of Equality Act

The singer opened the VMAs with an epic performance of her hit song, "You Need To Calm Down," which she coincidentally won two awards for later in the night: "Video For Good" and "Video of the Year."

At the end of the singer's first number, the screen behind Swift and her dancers showed the words "Equality Act," referencing her support of the legislation supporting the LGBTQ community.

She then slowed things down with another hit off her new album, "Lover."

Lizzo, Jonas Brothers and more performers bring the house down

The Jonas Brothers returned to the VMAs with a taped performance of their hits "Sucker” and "Only Human," filmed at the famous Asbury Park boardwalk in New Jersey.

The group later won the VMA award for "Best Pop."

Lizzo didn't fail to impress either -- the singer performed two numbers, "Truth Hurts” and "Good as Hell."

Check out her full performance here. J Balvin and Bad Bunny also delivered a memorable show, singing their hit "Qué Pretendes."

Queen Latifah closed the show with a powerhouse performance with a number of famous artists, including Naughty By Nature, Redman, Fetty Wap and Wyclef Jean, to celebrate their Jersey roots.

Miley Cyrus delivers heart-wrenching performance of new breakup anthem "Slide Away"

The upbeat mood of the show took a turn with Cyrus' emotional performance of her new song about her breakup with Liam Hemsworth, "Slide Away."

Miley Cyrus performs at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, New Jersey, Aug. 26, 2019.
Christopher Polk/Variety/REX

The singer was a last minute addition to the show's lineup but seemed more ready than ever to perform.

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Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X and more win big

Eilish couldn't make the award show because she's on tour in Russia but sent in a video message to express her gratitude for the "Best New Artist" award. She shared that she's always dreamed of winning big at the VMAs.

Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus also continued their "Old Town Road" takeover, winning "Song of the Year."

"I want to say thank you to this man for helping me take my career to the next level," X said to Cyrus during their acceptance speech.

"I'd like to thank you, the fans, this is your song. Y'all took this song and made it your own, so thank you, each and every one of you," Cyrus added.

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello deliver first live performance of "Señorita"

The duo performed their hit song "Señorita" for the first time at the award show. The song took home the award for "Best Collaboration."

Their steamy performance of the summer hit, which recently hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, drove fans wild and people couldn't stop reacting to it online.

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(MORE: Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes love this adorable video of father-daughter duo performing their hit 'Senorita')

Both Mendes and Cabello were nominated for several awards at the VMAs.

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  • MTV Movie Awards

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