Images: MTV VMAs

Miley Cyrus shook a long, rock goddess ponytail and strutted in barely there silver straps Sunday on the arrivals carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, promising multiple costume changes as host.

Barely covered, Cyrus wore tight, over-the-thigh silver boots and shorty loops of baubles open at the sides and a hint of her bare behind.

Multiple nominee Taylor Swift showed up on the arrivals carpet with a lady posse that included Selena Gomez and Cara Delevingne. She wore a sparkly, midriff-baring trouser set with an oversize houndstooth design in bronze and silver.

The VMAs are known for outrageous fashion of both the couture and casual variety. FKA Twigs was in a black, spiderweb look and Nicki Minaj went for a sexy bronze illusion gown that made her look like a statuette herself.

Pregnant Kim Kardashian, fond of showing off her baby bump, walked with hubby Kanye West in a tight tan gown with open laces at the front. West was in bunched up and baggy gray sweats. His shirt had overlong sleeves that didn't stop him from cradling her belly.

Britney Spears smiled for the cameras in a short sparkly dress and high Barbie ponytail colored purple at the ends before she rushed off to take her seat.

Justin Bieber, his hair looking shaggy over one eye, had a good time on the carpet, mugging for cameras in ripped jeans.

"I like your swoop," Cyrus complimented Bieber on his hair as she kicked off the show in a fresh look, a flower shrug worn with a wide-legged, multicolored sparkle jumpsuit cut low at the front.