Radio regulars like Eminem and newcomers like Florence + the Machine charged L.A.'s Nokia Theatre stage with full-energy performances of their respective hits, earning their spots in the limelight on the night of the Moonman.
BoB rocked two of his singles, "Nothin' On You" and "Airplanes" with Bruno Mars and Hayley Williams, respectively. Decked out in a black-and-white suit combo, Drake brought the swank with fellow music makers Mary J. Blige and Swizz Beatz in a performance of his song, "Fancy." Eminem was joined on stage with his duet partner, Rihanna, who launched into summer anthem "Love the Way You Lie" after his powerhouse performance of "Not Afraid."
And then, of course, the band you might not have heard about were it not for the VMA nods: Florence + the Machine, the U.K. pop-rockers fronted by fiery redhead Florence Welch, 24, brought the theatrics with a performance of their breakout hit, "Dog Days Are Over."
If we had to give a Moonman of our own to the best performance of the night, it would be a close call.
See what other readers have to say about this story – or leave a comment of your own
