In a sea of stars, celebrities like Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj and Pink managed to stand out on the red carpet at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in L.A. September 6.

Outside the Staples Center, Lovato, 20, performed her No. 1 smash "Give Your Heart a Break" during the MTV pre-show. Wearing a dress by TopShop, the X Factor judge also picked up the Moonman trophy for "Best Video With a Message" for her hit single "Skyscraper."

Best Female Video winner Minaj, 29, flaunted her famous figure in a skintight black body suit by Versace. Featuring red crystal details, the lacy look hugged the rapper's curves in all the right places. Pink also showed off her incredible physique -- 14 months after giving birth! -- in a form-fitting Stella McCartney dress. The 32-year-old "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" singer's 'do looked nearly identical to 20-year-old pop star Miley Cyrus, who turned heads in an Emilio Pucci gown.

Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj and Pink
Credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images; Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images; Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Other celebrities who made statements on the red carpet include Katy Perry (in Elie Saab), Taylor Swift (in J. Mendel), Alicia Keys (in Alexandre Vauthier) and Emma Watson (in Peter Pilotto).

To see the rest of the attendees -- and some of the night's big winners, including Drake and One Direction -- watch the video above now.

Via: 2012 MTV Video Music Awards: Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj and Pink Sparkle