As the host of the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Nicki Minaj knew it was her job to maintain the audience’s attention on Tuesday (Sept. 12) — and during her performance, she made sure to do just that.

Taking to a sparse stage after an introduction from a very enthusiastic Billy Porter, Minaj kicked things off with an emotional, stripped-down performance of her ballad “Last Time I Saw You.” Dressed in a massive black cloak and standing on a triangular platform in the center of the stage, Minaj let her gorgeous vocals shine through. “I wish I’da hugged you tighter the last time that I saw you,” she belted out on the song’s chorus. “I wish l didn’t waste precious time the night when I called you.”

As the number began to wind down, Minaj suddenly dropped her cloak to reveal a black sheer bodysuit underneath, eyeing the audience. “MTV,” she growled as the lights slowly changed from soft pink to dark red. “It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t give y’all a Pink Friday 2 exclusive.”

With a beat kicking in, Minaj launched into a brand new, unnamed single off of her hotly anticipated new album. Spitting bars about how “you b—hes look up to me,” Minaj made sure to flex her skills as the Queen of Rap before resuming her hosting duties for the evening. “It’s a big difference between me and you,” she rapped. “I ain’t nothing like you, you, you or you.”

Minaj was just one of a star-studded set of performers at the ceremony, which included Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and many more. The rapper was also nominated for six trophies, including both video and artist of the year.