Watch the VMAs' opening performance with Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Jessie J

They performed the series of infectious hits "Break Free," "Anaconda" and "Bang Bang"

Published August 25, 2014 2:00AM (EDT)

     (Chris Pizzello/invision/ap)
(Chris Pizzello/invision/ap)

Pop trifecta Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Jessie J kicked off the 2014 VMAs, each appearing for a solo performance and then uniting at the end to perform their collaboration "Bang Bang." Grande performed her single "Break Free" for the first time live, which was pretty neat until Nicki Minaj upstaged her with "Anaconda," and then we forgot about everything that came before Minaj's booty-shaking. Minaj bowed out to Jessie J, who carried "Bang Bang" until Grande and Minaj changed costumes and joined in.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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Ariana Grande Jessie J Mtv Music Nicki Minaj Video Vmas