A Complete Breakdown of Rihanna's 4 Performances at MTV's Video Music Awards

Rihanna nabbed the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

ByABC News
August 29, 2016, 1:34 AM

— -- Rihanna emerged as the big winner at this year's VMAs.

The singer nabbed the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, the most coveted award handed out at the MTV Video Music Awards, held in New York City's Madison Square Garden.

    Rihanna, 28, is now in the company of musicians such as Madonna, U2, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and of course the late Michael Jackson, who have all previously been honored with the award.

    To accept her award, Rihanna didn't just treat the VIP-filled audience with one performance. Instead, she wowed spectators with five center-stage appearances throughout the night.

    Here's a rundown of the Bajan singer's historic night:

    Bubble Gum Dream

    Sadly for fashionistas, Rihanna skipped the white carpet. But it was for good reason, as the legendary live performer made a memorable entrance, opening the show with a pretty-in-pink performance. Rih Rih, along with dozens of dancers dressed in bubble-gum pink, swarmed the stage, performing sultry Carribean-inspired dance moves. The high-octane performance had Rihanna, who wore red sunglasses, singing her hits such as "Only Girl," "We Found Love" and "Where Have You Been."

    Da Bashment

    In Rih Rih's second performance, she tapped Naomi Campbell to introduce her. The iconic model praised the singer for sticking to her "Bajan roots." It was the perfect segue for Rihanna to perform her most Carribean-inspired hits, including "Rude Boy," "What's My Name" and "Work." By the time she performed her latest hit -- in a do-rag no less -- the stage was turned into a bashment with plenty of grinding and winding. Oh, and red cups!

    Psychedelic Performance

    Rihanna's third performance of the night relied heavily on visuals, with pulsating lights and a very interesting lightning effect. It was hard to keep our eyes on Rihanna with so much going on, but she still managed to keep our attention by performing her slowed-down jam, "Needed Me." She also performed "Pour It Up" and closed with "B--- Better Have My Money."

    Opera Time

    To close out her monumental night, Rihanna recreated her very own opera, complete with a bustling ball gown and live instruments. The singer, introduced this time by R&B legend Mary J. Blige, proved why she's winning the Vanguard Award by belting out ballads "Stay," "Diamonds" and a heart wrenching rendition of "Love on the Brain."