VMA 2019: Miley Cyrus performs Slide Away after Liam Hemsworth split

Miley Cyrus brushed aside her recent split from husband Liam Hemsworth as she unveiled a new tattoo when she performed her break-up track Slide Away at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards on Monday, just moments before she narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction her tiny black dress. Tough cookie: Hinting at her Malibu roots and fighting spirit, Miley added a shark tooth necklace as she struck a bold pose at the event Single ladies: Blogger Kaitlynn, 30, is in the midst of her own split with The Hills star Brody Jenner, 36 Simple: Carter tried to keep a low profile donning a big blazer over a white tee shirt and blue jeans as she escorted her new gal pal Hot and heavy: Miley and Kaitlynn were seen packing on the PDA during a vacation to Italy earlier this month, above Splits: Miley shocked fans when her separation from screen star Liam was announced earlier this month after just under a year of marriage, while Kaitlynn and reality star Brody, 36, called it quits after tying the knot in an intimate wedding last year The Tennessee native made a quick outfit change before leaving the star-studded industry event while holding hands with her new girlfriend and onto her Ralph Lauren Mini RL50 handbag. Keep calm and carry on: Taylor Swift kicked off the top of the show in technicolor style with a rendition of You Need To Calm Down Supporting cast: As Taylor performed, a diverse team of backup dancers shimmied and shook it off behind her Pop princess: The country-crossover was in full pop star attire as she teamed a gold lame bodysuit with a sparkling pair of hot pants and little silver ankle boots Loved up: Then she took the stage with her guitar to perform the lead track of her new album Lover Sending a message: T. Swift sent her point home as the words 'Equality Act' spanned across the screens as she closed the song T. Swift sent her point home as the words 'Equality Act' spanned across the screens as she closed the song. His first VMAs: Lil Nas X took the stage after a warm intro from songmate Billy Ray Cyrus Sandwich song: Instead of his summer ear worm Old Town Road, he performed new track Panini Surrounded by a robotic looking squad of dancers, Lil Nas X looked Power Ranger chic in an iridescent white suit with a chrome breast plate and shoulder pads. It's morphin' time: Surrounded by a robotic looking squad of dancers, Lil Nas X looked Power Ranger chic in an iridescent white suit with a chrome breast plate and shoulder pads Master mixer: Proving he could blend whatever genres he wants, Lil Nas X broke into full pop star choreography with his backup dancers Guest of honor: One of the evening's highlights was Missy Elliot's performance in honor of her Video Vanguard award Space case: The superstar rapper/producer slipped into an all silver look as she performed her new track Throw It Back surrounded by a space age looking group of dancers with platinum braids One of the evening's highlights was Missy Elliot's performance in honor of her Video Vanguard award.