Nicki Minaj understands that pants are entirely optional at the VMAs.

As ever, there were plenty of “big” moments at today’s VMAs.

That comes as no surprise as it seems that every year the biggest egos in the recording industry try and outdo one another with scene-stealing moments.

And there are plenty of tried ‘n’ true ways you can grab that attention.

You can take a leaf out of Britney Spears’ book and wear a python (or make out with Madonna):

... You can perform some super sexxxy choreography while you’re flinging your hair extensions around and wearing something tantamount to a Band-Aid.

Miley Cyrus opted for the hair-extensions and Band-Aid look last year.Source:Getty Images

You can wear some intricate couture that makes you look like an evil Disney ice princess ...

You can rush the stage and try to steal someone else’s trophy ...

Kanye West (L) jumps onstage after Taylor Swift (C) won the "Best Female Video" award during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awardson September 13, 2009. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images)Source:Getty Images

Or, as Alicia Keys showed today, you can fly in the face of all these look-at-me tactics and simply slay with your talent and a powerful message.

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys attend the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for MTV)Source:Getty Images

Keys was the definition of “stripped back” as she took to the stage to present the award for best male video at today’s ceremony.

First of all, she had a completely bare face. She made the decision to shun makeup earlier this year after she arrived for a photoshoot and the snapper insisted on taking photos of her without makeup. She wrote about her experience for Lena Dunham’s Lenny Letters newsletter.

“Instantly, I became a bit nervous and slightly uncomfortable,” she recalls.

“My face was totally raw. I had on a sweatshirt! As far as I was concerned, this was my quick run-to-the-shoot-so-I-can-get-ready look, not the actual photoshoot look.”

But it triggered something of an epiphany for Keys.

“I swear it is the strongest, most empowered, most free, and most honestly beautiful that I have ever felt,” she wrote.

“I hope to God it’s a revolution ... ‘Cause I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.”

As NY Mag wrote of Keys’ barefaced look at the VMAs, “Here’s to more of the naked face and fewer naked dresses”.

Speaking of which, Keys also opted out of the flesh-fest that is the VMAs (pants seem to be optional at this particular event) and instead chose a Just Cavalli dress that covered her from neck to toe.

Alicia Keys was an anomaly in her maxi dress. Picture: Jewel SamadSource:AFP

Then, she actually had something to say (unlike Kanye West. What was that?)

Keys took the opportunity to read a poem in honour of Martin Luther King Jr, who gave his “I Have a Dream” speech 53 years ago today.

She then broke into song, a cappella. No back-up dancers, no props, no lip-synching and no fanfare.

For her efforts she received a standing ovation, both in the Madison Square Gardens auditorium and on social media.

Proof that the combination of a powerful message and undeniable talent trumps a low-cut top any day.

Beyonce arrives for the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York. / AFP PHOTO / Angela WeissSource:AFP