Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Jessie J kick off the MTV VMAs

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off Sunday night with an explosive performance by Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Jessie J.

Grande started the show with an energetic performance of her grammatically incorrect single "Break Free," for which the 21-year-old star wore a silver body-suit, matching boots and her signature pony tail. She was followed by Minaj's rendition of her new track "Anaconda".

British singer Jessie J was the last to get on the stage, joining Grande and Minaj for a live performance of their single "Bang Bang."

Grande, who is nominated for three honors at the awards show -- including Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Best collaboration -- for her track "Problem," featuring Iggy Azalea, collected her first moonman of the night for Best Pop Video.