Nicki Minaj turned heads at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, not only for her impressive outfit changes but also for her powerful acceptance speech. The 39-year-old music sensation ended the evening in a striking figure-hugging brown and black patterned dress by Roberto Cavalli.

Throughout the night, Nicki showcased her style with multiple wardrobe changes. However, it was her final outfit—a skintight dress from Roberto Cavalli’s Resort 2023 Womenswear Collection—that truly stole the show. The sleeveless dress featured lace-up side cutouts, highlighting her curves and radiant skin, and it fell just below her knees.

Switching up her look, Nicki complemented the Cavalli dress with a long, jet black wig featuring blunt bangs, a departure from the bright pink hair she sported earlier in the night. The sleek, straight wig flowed down to her thighs, adding to her striking appearance.

During the event, Nicki was honored with the prestigious 2022 Video Vanguard Award. In an emotional speech, she emphasized the importance of mental health, stating, “I wish that people took mental health seriously.” She poignantly mentioned late icons Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, expressing her wish that they were still here and understood for what they went through.

Nicki continued to remember other artists who died prematurely, including Pop Smoke, Juice Wrld, and Nipsey Hussle. She also paid tribute to her late father, Robert Maraj, her cousin Richard, and her business manager Angela, who passed away unexpectedly.

Her heartfelt plea for mental health awareness resonated with many, as she urged the audience to take mental health seriously, even for those who seem to have perfect lives.

The rest of Nicki’s speech celebrated her musical influences and collaborators. She expressed gratitude to Lil Wayne, Foxy Brown, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Beyoncé, Madonna, Eminem, Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Drake. She also gave a sweet shoutout to her young son, affectionately known as Papa Bear.

Nicki’s night was filled with highlights, including presenting an award alongside co-host LL Cool J and sharing a heartfelt embrace with Taylor Swift, who won three Moonman trophies. Nicki and Taylor both dazzled in eye-catching dresses, showcasing their style and camaraderie.

In addition to her memorable speech, Nicki delivered a showstopping performance of her greatest hits, before accepting her career milestone award. She took the stage in a custom asymmetrical Dolce & Gabbana dress adorned with stone detailing on the bodice, paired with sparkly Christian Louboutin heels. Her look was styled by DiAndre Tristan, and she completed it with a bright pink wig styled in a high fountain ponytail.

Nicki Minaj, who often refers to herself as Barbie, truly embodied the Barbiecore trend in her hot pink look, stunning the audience with her style and grace.

Her appearance at the MTV VMAs was not only a testament to her fashion sense but also to her commitment to using her platform to advocate for important issues like mental health. Nicki Minaj’s night at the VMAs was a blend of glamour, emotional resonance, and celebration of her impactful career.