The 2016 MTV Video Music Awards were a hit, by all measures. All we really needed from the night was to witness Beyoncé and Rihanna owning the stage — and the ladies did just that. Everything else was just a bonus.
We got to see Britney Spears make her VMAs comeback. Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande pulled of an impressively athletic performance. Drake basically publicly confirmed his love for RiRi. Kanye gave the most Kanye speech, ever. Kim snapchatted, brilliantly. Also, a random girl tried to hop on the stage with Bey.
What we didn't see? The celebs in attendance — performers, guests, and presenters alike — documented the evening from their points of view via Instagram. Here are 16 of the best Instagram posts from the 2016 VMAs.
Nicki Minaj
How cute is this snap of Nicki and her boo Meek Mill?
Photo: Via Instagram.
Beyoncé
The proud mom shared this beautiful aerial shot of herself and Blue Ivy arriving at the VMAs looking like royalty.
Photo: Via Instagram.
Beyoncé, Again
Bey also shared this adorable picture of her 4-year-old princess Blue in a gorgeous dress, braids, and jeweled headpiece.
Photo: Via Instagram.
Britney Spears
"So ready for this night... #VMAs" Brit captioned her pre-performance picture.
Photo: Via Instagram.
Alicia Keys
The singer paired her gorgeous gown with her signature fresh-faced look (and a date in a dapper white tux).
Photo: Via Instagram.
Heidi Klum
The supermodel shared a silly backstage shot of her and America's Got Talent host Nick Cannon.
Photo: Via Instagram.
U.S. Olympic Gymnasts
While Gabby Douglas was resting after a stint in the hospital, the rest of the Final Five — Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian, Laurie Hernandez, and Simone Biles — took a glamorous group pic.
Photo: Via Instagram.
DJ Khaled
The red carpet MC took a cute picture with singers Alessia Cara and Troye Sivan.
Photo: Via Instagram.
Fifth Harmony
The ladies shared a celebratory shot after their single won Song of Summer before the telecast. "You guys!!! AIMH is OFFICIALLY the #VMAs Song Of Summer... thanks for voting babes, you killed it!!"
Photo: Via Instagram.
Ariana Grande
The singer shared this candid of herself performing "Side to Side" with Nicki Minaj.
Photo: Via Instagram.
Joe Jonas
The DNCE singer shared this pic with presenter Naomi Campbell and a (handsome) friend.
Photo: Via Instagram.
Lance Bass
"The #VMA red carpet has always been a great place to make a statement," Bass wrote of his "Love Trumps Hate" jacket. "Thank you @fashionbyreyortiz for helping me voice mine!"
Photo: Via Instagram.
Winnie Harlow
Model and Lemonade star Harlow posted this group shot from the red carpet with Bey, Blue Ivy, and more. "Thank you @Beyonce for including me in your iconic #VMAs moment love u always," she wrote.
Photo: Via Instagram.
Rihanna
The Vanguard Award recipient shared this snap from one of her four performances.
Photo: Via Instagram.
Rita Ora
The Brit captioned this artsy shot,"vma's we did it again. Another year. Love you!! And @marcjacobs I live for you! F*$kin amazing!!"
Photo: Via Instagram.
Nick Jonas
Nick shared this photo with brother Joe, DNCE, and his backup dancers for his performance of "Bacon." He wrote, "awesome time performing Bacon with @tydollasign tonight. Shoutout to this crew for being a part of it all."
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