MTV VMAs 2018: Rita Ora, Ariana Grande and Cardi B among huge names to hit red carpet for star-studded awards night

Some of music’s biggest stars have hit the red carpet for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).

Massive industry names including Ariana Grande, Rita Ora and Cardi B were among celebrities to attend the show on Monday night.

Cardi B made her first public appearance as mum at the awards. She is a top contender with 10 nominations.

The 25-year-old dazzled in a velvet gown as she arrived alongside fellow stars such as Grande, who is set to perform at the glamorous event.

Grande was pictured smooching her fiancé Pete Davidson as they arrived on the red carpet for the star-studded night of awards.

She stunned in a metallic mini dress and knee-high boots. Davidson kept it casual in a white sweater and Adidas trainers.

Also pictured arriving for the event in New York was pop sensation Rita Ora.

The star posted for photos as she arrived wearing a black lacy ensemble ahead of the awards, which kicked off at 9pm (local time).

Cardi B, who gave birth to Kulture Kiari Cephus last month, is up for video of the year with "Finesse," her collaboration with Bruno Mars.

The song's video, inspired by the 1990s sketch comedy series "In Living Color," is also nominated for four other honours.

For the top prize, Cardi B and Mars will compete with Childish Gambino's "This Is America," Drake's "God's Plan," Beyonce and Jay-Z's "Apes-t," Camila Cabello's "Havana" and Ariana Grande's "No Tears Left to Cry."

Most of the top nominees - including Drake, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Mars and Gambino - won't attend the VMAs.

Grande, who released a new album last week, is set to perform.

Other performers include Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Shawn Mendes, the Backstreet Boys, Post Malone, Panic! At the Disco, Logic and Ryan Tedder.

Jennifer Lopez, who will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for lifetime achievement, will also hit the stage.

MTV also plans on honoring Aretha Franklin, who died last week from pancreatic cancer at age 76.