MTV VMAs: Winners, highlights and memorable moments

The MTV Video Music Awards got off and running Sunday with sparkly costumes and nary a snake in sight.

Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Jessie J kicked off the show with a rousing medley of their hits, including Minaj's 'Anaconda' and the trio's tune 'Bang Bang.'

'This year, the ladies are taking over,' Gwen Stefani told Snoop Dogg onstage as the night's first presenters. She's got a point -- women dominate this year's video of the year category. Pharrell Williams is the only male performer competing for that honor, with 'Happy' going up against Beyonce's 'Drunk in Love,' Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball,' Iggy Azalea's 'Fancy' and Sia's 'Chandelier.'

Katy Perry, wearing an all-denim outfit that paid homage to Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's ensemble from the VMAs of yore, took home the first moonman trophy of the evening, winning best female video for 'Dark Horse' with Juicy J.

This year, there was VMAs drama before the awards show even begun -- days before the big show, Iggy Azalea slipped offstage while performing 'Fancy' at a MTV benefit concert. A 6-foot-long boa constrictor bit a background dancer during a rehearsal for Minaj's performance of 'Anaconda' and rap mogul Suge Knight was injured in a shooting early Sunday at a West Hollywood nightclub for an unofficial pre-VMA party hosted by Chris Brown.

The back-to-back drama made the show a trending topic on social media even before any of the moonmen were handed out, though trophies often take a back seat at the VMAs, which are all about the moments.

Cyrus -- who stole the show at last year's VMAs -- is returning Sunday, this time as a nominee for video of the year with 'Wrecking Ball.' She isn't set to perform, but the outrageous singer, who has kept quiet recently, could surprise with another twerking moment that could own the night and steal the spotlight from the slew of A-list pop divas.

Beyonce will perform and receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award. She's the leading nominee, competing for eight awards, including video of the year for 'Drunk In Love.' Rappers Iggy Azalea and Eminem are each nominated for seven awards. Other nominees include OK Go, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams and Linkin Park.

Taylor Swift will sing her new song 'Shake It Off' for the first time. Usher is also set to perform, as are 5 Seconds of Summer, Maroon 5 and Sam Smith. Azeala will perform her single 'Black Widow' with Rita Ora.