White Carpet Arrivals: 2016 MTV Video Music Awards

The most important time of the evening has begun, and the stars are shining bright at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. The night promises to be unforgettable with a performance by songstress Britney Spears after a decade away from the events. Taking to social media to promote and stream her newly released album, Glory, Spears also shared her excitement for the night and white carpet dress with fans.

So ready for this night ???#VMAs pic.twitter.com/Py2IOB2YxT

— Britney Spears ?? (@britneyspears) August 28, 2016

Taking a break from her “Anti World Tour,” Rihanna has been pegged by Billboard as the show opener. Fans are anticipating an on-stage connection between her and Drake after his monstrous congratulatory billboard in honor of the Barbadian singer’s Video Vanguard Award.

Said to be finishing the final touches on her performance, fans have been active on Twitter waiting for the style icon to strut her stuff on the white carpet.

Beyonce was one of the first to arrive with her daughter, Blue Ivy, in tow, dressed in an angelic, blue see-through dress with a feathered collar. The most nominated singer, with 11 possible wins including Best Video of the Year for “Formation,” was picture ready.

The singer also brought some special guests with her this year, the mothers of four unarmed men who were killed by members of law enforcement — Lezley McSpadden, mother of Mike Brown of Florissant, Missouri; Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin of Sanford, Florida; Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner of Staten Island, New York; and, Wanda Johnson, mother of Oscar Grant of Oakland, California.

Beyoncé brings mothers of Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Oscar Grant to the #VMAs https://t.co/qV8jr215a5 pic.twitter.com/18y6AddrBM

— Pitchfork (@pitchfork) August 29, 2016

Nick Jonas, who has been busy preparing for a show-stopping performance, made his debut as the sun began to set. Going for casual, the solo singer opted for a t-shirt and slacks with a patterned jacket. Taking notes from Blue Ivy, he also went for the sneaker look.

Nicki Minaj showed up on the carpet with beau, Meek Mill. Dressed in a form-fitting and sheer blue dress with a mermaid flair, the artist kept her hair and makeup simple.

Going for the gold on the way to the VMAs, the ladies from the 2016 U.S. Olympics Gymnastics team stunned. Noticeably absent was the fifth member of the squad, Gabby Douglas. The Olympian took to Instagram to let the world know she was recently released from the hospital and could not make the event — she was home “resting comfortably.” Although no comment has been made on why the 20-year old landed in care, she has been under stress after attacks on her in Rio.

Earlier this month, Us Magazine reported on the challenges and cyber-bullying Douglas endured during her second year at the Olympics.

“I tried to stay off the internet because there’s just so much negativity. Either it was about my hair or my hand not over my heart or I look depressed. It was hurtful. It was hurtful. It was. It’s been kind of a lot to deal with. I apologized if I offended anyone. I’ve always said it was an honor to represent the U.S. You always do this for your country, and then, like people say, for yourself and other people.”

No host has been announced for the show, but some fans are still hopeful Kanye West and his wife, Kim Kardashian, will take the lead.

Kim and Kanye should host the VMA's this year

— koidei ? ? (@MileysKoi) July 26, 2016

Stay tuned to the Inquisitr for more updates on MTV’s 2016 VMA white carpet arrivals, performances, and wins for the night. And, don’t forget to give us your thoughts about this year’s awards show in the comments.

[Photos by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Images]