These are the segments that breathed life into an otherwise mellow awards show

Known for tantalizing numbers (Britney Spears performing “I’m A Slave 4 U” with an albino Burmese python,) WTF moments (Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” fiasco) and iconic fashion (Lady GaGa in the controversial meat dress,) the VMA’s is the awards show on speed.

It seems though that MTV held back on the wow this year: no overproduced skits, no crazy choreo, no drama on stage. Awards show veterans weren’t present either. There was not a Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kanye or Grande in sight.

On the upside, the lack of theatrics and sparkle allowed music—the very essence of the show anyway—and heart to take centerstage. Here, the most talked about moments from the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards:

#1: Kendrick Lamar performs a “DNA” and “Humble” medley, sets a man on fire

#2: Lorde sings “Homemade Dynamite” and gets her interpretative dance on

#3: Fifth Harmony shades former member Camila Cabelo so hard during their segment

#4: Miley Cyrus cleans her act up, gets a lot of love for “Younger Now”

#5: Demi Lovato slays her soulful “Sorry Not Sorry” performance

#6: P!nk receives the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award (still cute as hell after all these years)

She goes on to give a heartwarming speech

#7: Logic moves the audience with "1-800-273-8255” featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid

#8: Kendrick Lamar wins Video of the Year

And that wraps up the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards. Next year, a new wave of artists, collaborations and contenders!