Nicki Minaj Shows Off Her Softer Side on the 2023 VMAs Stage

August 2024 · 2 minute read

The Pink Friday 2 era is upon us, and Nicki Minaj started things off by embracing her softer side at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

The rapper delivered a surprisingly sentimental performance for the cheering crowds at New Jersey’s Prudential Center, as she delivered two songs from the upcoming follow-up to her beloved 2010 debut album, Pink Friday. Minaj started the set with her latest single, “Last Time I Saw You,” standing with a bejeweled mic stand as she sang the rap ballad. The star was dressed in an oversize black ruffled coat, which she partly shed to reveal her jeweled black bodysuit underneath—which was completely sheer, showing off her black bra and underwear.

Following the slow song, Minaj performed a snippet of an unreleased track, as she broke into a traditional rap track reminiscent of her early mixtapes. The crowd broke into cheers as she asked if they were ready for the upcoming release.

newark, new jersey september 12 host nicki minaj performs onstage during the 2023 mtv video music awards at prudential center on september 12, 2023 in newark, new jersey photo by theo wargogetty images for mtv

Theo Wargo//Getty Images

Earlier tonight, Minaj made her return to the red carpet in a pale pink bridal Barbie look by Dolce & Gabbana, which featured a strapless satin bodysuit, a sheer lace mermaid skirt, and a matching see-through veil with lace trim. Further accessories included floral earrings and an array of diamond jewelry, and she completed the look with extra-long bejeweled pink nails.

newark, new jersey september 12 nicki minaj attends the 2023 mtv video music awards at the prudential center on september 12, 2023 in newark, new jersey photo by jamie mccarthywireimage

Jamie McCarthy//Getty Images

The “Moment 4 Life” rapper announced earlier this summer that her fifth studio album would arrive on November 17. In her Instagram announcement, the star thanked her fans for their support and hinted at an upcoming tour, promising more details closer to Pink Friday 2’s release.

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Quinci LeGardye is an LA-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a Black feminist lens. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.

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