Pop's ladies lead MTV VMAs with raunchy moves and tears

Taylor Swift arrives at the 2014 MTV Music Video Awards in Inglewood, California August 24, 2014.[Photo/Agencies]

2014 MTV Video Music Award

2014 CMT Music Awards

Taylor Swift debuted her upbeat first single "Shake It Off" from her upcoming pop album "1989," while Azalea and British singer Rita Ora performed their sultry track "Black Widow."

In stark comparison to the over-the-top performances by the ladies of pop on the VMAs stage, British newcomer Sam Smith used a bare set to showcase his voice on his hit "Stay With Me," while rockers Maroon 5 performed "Maps" outside of the newly renovated Forum theater in Inglewood, with hundreds of fans.

The presenters also got in on the fun, with Jim Carrey tumbling on stage while announcing best pop video with Jeff Daniels. "Saturday Night Live" cast member Jay Pharoah impersonated Jay Z and Kanye West.

Other top winners of the fan-voted awards included Katy Perry landing the best female video Moonman for the Cleopatra-themed music video for "Dark Horse." British singer Ed Sheeran won best male video Moonman "Sing," Lorde won best rock video for "Royals," and Grande won best pop video for "Problem" featuring Azalea.

In the tightly contested Artist to Watch category girl group Fifth Harmony's "Miss Movin' On" beat out Australian boyband 5 Seconds of Summer, rapper Schoolboy Q and British singers Sam Smith and Charlie XCX.