HOLLYWOOD’S red carpets have been eerily quiet amid the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes, but the music industry was out in full force at this year’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) presented Tuesday. Since it was first broadcast almost four decades ago, MTV’s annual awards have become known for fun and eye-catching looks. And there were plenty of risqué outfits on show at New Jersey’s Prudential Center this year — from Doja Cat’s webbed Ap0cene gown to Bebe Rexha’s black leather dress with rear cut-outs, which evoked Prince’s butt-baring yellow lace suit from the 1991 VMAs. Elsewhere, there were daring sheer looks on display from the likes of Megan Thee Stallion in a Brandon Blackwood dress, while Artist of the Year nominee Karol G opted for a sparkling beige number by French label Ashi Studio. Anitta also impressed in a sheer, off-the-shoulder gown with key-hole shaped opening on the front from Schiaparelli’s latest fall-winter haute couture collection. With the red carpet turned pink for the night, some attendees went for complementary shades, including rapper NLE Choppa’s purple suede two-piece and preshow host Saweetie’s pink Flintstones look from the New York label Area. Others opted for something a little grungier though, with Jared Leto completing his-all black outfit with vampish eyeshadow and Demi Lovato wearing a dramatic rock star leather look from up-and-coming Chinese brand Buerlangma. Big winner Taylor Swift arrived at the VMAs in a slinky, high-slit black Versace dress with gold button embellishments and finished the graceful look with gold and diamond jewelry from Ariel Saidian, Anita Ko, ?T? and Maria Tash. She led the pack with a total of eight nominations, including artist of the year, video of the year and song of the year for her hit 2022 track “Anti-Hero.” She won all the categories in which she was nominated that were televised. Beyoncé, Doja, Karol G, Minaj and Shakira joined Swift as artist of the year nominees, marking the first time since the category was introduced in 2017 that all artist of the year nominees are women. Shakira received the Video Vanguard Award. The night also welcomed brand new category Best Afrobeats. Demi Lovato, Shakira, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B with Megan Thee Stallion, Diddy, Lil Wayne, Doja Cat and Fall Out Boy, among others, performed during the ceremony.(SD-Agencies) | 