INGLEWood, California: Beyonce not only stole the show at the MTV Video Music Awards, she used the moment to erase the cloud around her family with an adorable appearance by daughter Blue Ivy and one by doting husband Jay Z to finish off the night. “MTV, welcome to my world,” Beyonce said. Her performance was mesmerizing television, from the seemingly endless medley of hits to the public’s extended look at Blue Ivy. Jay Z presented her mother with MTV’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award.

Here’s a close up on the night’s most interesting moments:

Much of the focus prior to Beyonce’s arrival was on Nicki Minaj. She helped open the show with a snake-themed performance of “Anaconda”.

Usher dropped to his knee while playing the bass then banged his head.

You’ve got to feel bad for Riff Raff. The Houston rapper arrived on the red carpet in a Lamborghini with Katy Perry in the passenger seat.

Other unexpected pairs along the front row included Taylor Swift and Lorde, who celebrated their friendship by dancing the night away together.

Lorde even introduced Swift’s performance of “Shake It Off.”

Perry wasn’t the only attendee fixated on Smith. The VMAs have a reputation for over-the-top moments, and there were plenty. But the quiet, commanding performance of “Stay With Me” by the British singer drew the night’s first — and most sincere — standing ovation.

The VMAs aren’t known for political statements, but some of Sunday’s most memorable moments came with messages. Common asked for a moment of silence to remember 18-year-old Michael Brown, killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri: “The people in Ferguson and St. Louis and communities across the country have used their voices to call for justice and change to let everyone know that each and every one of our lives matters.” The camera showed members of the crowd with heads bowed, including Snoop Dogg.

Later, Miley Cyrus engineered her own powerful statement when she sent a homeless youth named Jesse to the stage to accept her video of the year award. He gave an impassioned speech asking viewers to help as Cyrus tearfully looked on. MTV also paid tribute to late actor-comedian Robin Williams with a short photo montage.