She’s carved a career out of courting controversy and always delights in shocking her fans.

And Miley Cyrus surpassed herself at the 2015 MTV VMAs on Sunday night, stealing the show in a rainbow array of 11 jaw-dropping looks that reflected her wild child nature as she hosted the star-studded event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The 22-year-old singer was chameleon like in her theatrical, barely-there ensembles, which ranged from the more demure like a 70s style spangled jumpsuit to a daring, pink latex number that threatened to expose her modesty.

Putting on a show: Miley Cyrus left all her inhibitions behind when she hosted the 2015 MTV VMAs in a panoply of eccentric costumes, including chandelier embellished suspenders (L), a more conservative spangled jumpsuit (C) and a cut-out pom-pom dress (R)

The fearless starlet first rocked up on the red carpet in a space warrior-inspired piece teamed with thigh-high boots, with silver suspender straps concealing her breasts and a glittering chandelier style skirt that left very little to the imagination.

Fans might have been fooled into thinking the Wrecking Ball hit-maker was playing it safe when she emerged on stage for her opening monologue in a multicoloured flared jumpsuit, completing the flower power look with a jacket made of bright blooms.

But Miley soon upped the sex appeal in a seriously skimpy, pom-pom embellished dress with large cut-outs, revealing her penchant for not wearing underwear in the buttocks-grazing outfit. 

Barely there: The 22-year-old pop princess lived up to her reputation by flashing the flesh in an array of skimpy looks, including an art deco lip skirt (L), a drug pastille plastic dress (C) and a bold pink latex ‘bra’ (R)

The playful pop princess then gave a nod to art deco in a structured, lip-shaped skirt and an eye design bra, paired with a neon visor and white leather boots for a youthful feel.

The next time Miley took to the stage, fans audibly gasped when they witnessed her see-through plastic garment, embellished with strategically-placed, brightly hued drug pastilles.

Emerging a little later, she was rocking 90s style pink latex trousers and a matching bralet, which included black nipple pasties holding the skimpy top together.

Miley went back to her Bangerz roots in a seriously high-cut, silver leotard paired with a tinsel cape, proving once again that she prefers to go commando.

Wild child: Miley’s poses got more eccentric to match her garish costumes as the evening wore on, and she changed into a seriously high-cut silver leotard (L) an LGBT flag inspired ensemble (C) and a mirror-embellished crop top (R)

Mingling behind-the-scenes, Miley – who recently came out as bisexual to her fans – took inspiration from the LGBT pride flag in her fun, square-shaped costume. 

Taking to the stage again, the fearless star donned her second more conservative ensemble of the night, wearing a mirror-embellished crop top and trousers.

For her explosive final performance – which saw the former child star announce she was dropping her new album, Miley Cyrus And Her Dead Petz, for free – Miley sported a playful leotard creation with some seriously eccentric accessories. 

Finally, the queen of controversy re-emerged in the press room in what might be her most bizarre outfit of the evening, treating the media to pink latex mini featuring the inflatable message, ‘Do It’, paired with a creepy pig snout headband.

Oink oink: The former Disney starlet put on an energetic performance in her quirky leotard (L), before arriving in the press room in a pig themed, inflatable pink dress (R)

And the star’s behaviour didn’t disappoint either, even managing to outdo her infamous 2013 twerking appearance on the MTV VMAs.

Playing host at the awards show two years after rubbing up against Robin Thicke, the 22-year-old found a way to be even more outrageous. 

Despite the live broadcast being on a delay, to censor language and lewd behavior, Miley still managed to get her bare breast on national television. 

Slipping past the censors: Despite the live broadcast being on a delay, to censor language and lewd behavior, Miley still managed to get her bare breast on national television during the MTV VMAs on Sunday night

The singer was shown changing backstage for the final performance of the night when suddenly she let a curtain slip open for a brief instant.

After flashing the camera, Miley could be heard through her headset: ‘Sorry, my tit’s out’.  

But that was not all, as the Wrecking Ball singer also got into a verbal argument with Nicki Minaj on live television. 

Success never tasted so sweet: The singer celebrated after her drug-themed show by lighting up a joint backstage

Blowing kisses: Miley looked quite relaxed after celebrating her big night at the VMAs

She’s back! Miley made a triumphant return on Sunday night as host of the MTV VMAs

Firing away: During the final live performance of the night, Miley was certain to be as raunchy as possible

‘Stick your tongues out!’ The star then encouraged the audience to mimic her lewd behavior

While accepting the award for Best Hip-Hop video, Minaj made it a point to call out the emcee of the event for some comments she had made just days earlier.

The 32-year-old rapper hit out at Miley toward the end of her speech as she said: ‘And now back to this b**** that had a lot to say to me in the press. What’s good?’

The 22-year-old Party In The USA hitmaker, who was standing on a different platform on-stage replied by saying: ‘We are all in this industry, we all do interviews and we all know how the media manipulates things. 

She then added, ‘Nicki congratulations.’

 Battle: The Wrecking Ball singer also got into a verbal argument with Nicki Minaj on live television

How do you top yourself? Miley pushed the extremes on the fashion end in an obvious bid to outdo her previous appearances on the show

Grand entrance: Miley made sure to add a psychedelic touch to the show

While her microphone was cut off, Nicki could be seen still yelling at Miley, who responded by saying she had overcome losses in the past. 

The argument was over a recent interview Miley did with the New York Times, where she was quoted saying that she thought Minaj had acted selfishly in a recent Twitter feud with Taylor Swift.

The feud began after Nicki tweeted anger over not being nominated in more categories at the VMAs, which prompted Taylor to respond. 

However, Taylor and Nicki quashed the beef  by performing together at the VMAs on Sunday. Clearly Miley and Nicki still have a few things to workout.  

Pushing the limits: The exhibitionist set a new standard for skimpy fashion on TV

Eye see you! Another costume change showcased two peepers as a bra and lips as a bottom

All of the pretty colours: Miley appeared to have a role in the background display as it consistently featured psychedelic patterns

Meanwhile, earlier in the evening, Miley was joined onstage by Rita Ora and a group of costumed performers as she asked everyone present to say ‘marijuana!’ before snapping the picture with a selfie stick. 

Adding: ‘Ellen you ain’t got nothing on this!’ The reference was to Ellen DeGeneres’ Oscar selfie which was among the top Twitter posts of that year.

While Miley had Ora and Kim Kardashian in her snap, Ellen was joined by some of the biggest names in Hollywood – from Brad Pitt to Julia Roberts.

Outrageous is putting it lightly: The pop star barely maintained her modesty with a plastic balloon outfit

‘Say marijuana!’ Miley was joined onstage by Rita Ora, Kim Kardashian, and a group of costumed performers as she asked everyone present to say ‘marijuana!’ before snapping the picture with a selfie stick

Taking a backseat: As Kim posed for selfies with Miley, Kanye West could be seen lounging in the back

Finished product: Miley’s attempt to outdo Ellen DeGeneres’ Oscars selfie was not a total failure

Of course the pop star had to make a drug reference during her first few opening minutes during the family friendly show. 

However, this was just the beginning as Miley either talked about smoking or ingesting marijuana at every turn.

In one skit she and Tyga ate marijuana cookies as they had a sleepover at Billy Ray Cyrus’ house.

‘Coming up next!’ Miley teased one of her racier outfits with a belfie on Instagram after posting a fully nude selfie earlier in the day

‘Ya i smoke weed’: The star bragged about her marijuana use

Showing him something: Miley cried ‘Hey Justin, call me when you’re legal!’ before ripping open her trenchcoat to reveal her bodysuit

And in another she eats a brownie made with cannabis with none other than Snoop Dog, who claimed that the baked good was made by her ‘mamie’. 

The singer then performed the real thing once the TV cameras were off, as she was pictured backstage smoking a joint to celebrate her drug-themed show. 

Miley, however, was also a bit introspective as she discussed her history at the awards show during her opening monologue.

‘Now everybody, this is a show that hasn’t had a host for the last two years – a tradition that they will probably go back to after tonight,’ she said self-deprecatingly.

Playing coy: The self-proclaimed hippie stood tall in platforms as she flirted with Justin Bieber

 She’s got some front! The singer is certainly body confident

Backstage: Miley had quite a few costume changes throughout the night

‘Now I have done everything on the VMA stage, none of which qualified me to host,’ she admitted. ‘Maybe MTV thought this was the best way to not have me perform.’ 

There was another surprise of the evening as Kanye West announced his desire to run for president in 2020.

After his long-winded speech, where he admitted to smoking marijuana ‘to take the edge off’ before going onstage, Miley got back to her hosting duties.

Crushing it: Jared Leto stole a snap with the young pop star

She can’t help it! The pair got up close and personal with each other

Flashback: The singer referenced her most provocative appearance on the show, which took place in 2013 with Robin Thicke

‘Whoa,’ Miley began, ‘Now we know what Kanye is like on weed!’

‘Kanye and I have something else in common – we both love Kim Kardashian,’ she said. ‘Man, have you guys seen those nipples? I envy that baby in her stomach!’ 

Though, she also had a few inadvertently awkward moments (not just the scripted ones). 

Strip tease: The emcee was quick on the draw when it came to taking her clothes off

Shimmy: Miley shook off her festive coat

Loving the attention: MTV shared a backstage snap of the scantily clad emcee

After Justin Bieber made a triumphant return to the VMAs as a performer, he broke down in tears.

Breaking the ice, Miley – dressed in a shiny metallic coat with a bodysuit underneath – said: ‘I was gonna keep this jacket on, but now that I know Justin can fly…’

Showing a much deeper side to himself, the star bent over double overwhelmed by emotion as the crowd erupted following his performance.

The 21-year-old is often pop’s biggest brat, but it was hard to not be touched as he tried to cover his face as he teared up before breaking into sobs on stage. 

By the skin of her teeth: Prior to her purposeful bare breasted flashing, Miley barely maintained her modesty

Sequinned: The star rocked a Seventies style

Sliding in: At the opening, she rode a psychedelic slide onto the stage

Flower power: Miley wore a multi-coloured coat as she greeted the audience

That is unless you are host Miley, who decided it best not to break with her script and awkwardly flirted with the still crying star telling him to call her ‘when he’s legal’.before ripping open her trenchcoat to reveal her bodysuit.

Arriving to the event she made sure to turn heads in a very revealing silver number which showed off her chest and other assets while strutting down the red carpet for her hosting gig at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.  

As emcee of the event, she definitely had to outshine the rest of the stars arriving to the Microsoft Theater. For her arrival Miley channelled her inner Barbarella in a silver futuristic number.

Power! The star kept the crowd going in-between performances and awards

Burner: The pop sensation looked to have taken some fashion inspiration from Burning Man, which kicks off in the US on Monday

Living it up! The star showed off her penchant for keep her tongue wagging

Always grinding: The daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus put on her favourite dance moves while onstage

Cooing: Miley got up close and personal with her collaborator Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips

As the Wrecking Ball hitmaker has had several notable appearances at the same event in previous years, she was clearly primed and ready to top her rather outrageous outings as she shared a very revealing photo hours prior to hitting the red carpet.

The Party In The USA singer took to her Instagram page to share a completely nude photograph of herself on Sunday afternoon. 

Miley did do a bit of self-censorship as she had pink stars superimposed over her exposed breast and crotch area. 

She captioned the image to her 27.5million followers: ‘When yiew da host so you gotta get to the vmas early AF!!!!!’ 

Just the right fit: Miley was sure to act cheeky even when not on live TV

Read my lips: Miley sported many cartoonish costumes throughout the evening

Always playing for attention: Wearing a skintight dress she pushed her back out for a photo

The photo was no doubt taken in her bathroom shortly after waking up this morning as she had her hand on over her eye with a tired look on her face.

Her singer father Billy Ray Cyrus seemed to be quite proud of his daughter as he took to his Instagram account on the same day to share a few old pictures.

One of the snaps posted by the 54-year-old singer appeared to be from his heyday in the early Nineties coming off the success of his hit Achy Breaky Heart.

A very young Miley could be seen in a white dress as the proud papa poses behind her rocking a mullet and studded blue jacket.

Proud of her! Billy Ray hugged his daughter backstage after her rousing performance

Champion: At the end of the night Miley held up her very own Moon Man

Parting gift: The star appeared to hand out an avocado backstage from a reusable bag

He also shared a few snaps from their Disney Channel programme together called Hannah Montana, which aired from 2006 to 2011.

To hype fans up for the gig, Miley posted a few videos on Instagram of her hanging out with internet personality Baddiewinkle.

The 87-year-old internet meme – real name Ruth Van Winkle – known for her ridiculous social media personality could be seen wearing clothing similar to Miley’s usual looks as they have a little fun backstage.

Meanwhile, the blonde singer has made headlines two years in a row at the VMAs, the most famous being her 2013 performance alongside Robin Thicke – and a foam finger.

The following year in 2014 she invited homeless youth Jesse Helt – who was also her date for the evening – onto the stage to accept her Video of the Year award for Wrecking Ball on her behalf.

Space age: The 22-year-old shocked fans when arriving on the red carpet of her hosting gig at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday

Space age: The Party In The USA hitmaker was not afraid to show off a little bit of skin

Always on! The star appeared to have superhuman energy as even before the live telecast began she was already in full performance mode on the arrivals carpet

No turning this off! Miley strutted down the carpet as she was followed for a crew of photographers

Miley’s most memorable appearance, of course, was her dirty dancing with Thicke.

She was joined by the 38-year-old singer on stage for a rendition of his hit single Blurred Lines and wasted no time stripping down to a tiny gold bikini.

Miley then proceeded to shake her pert derrière in the star’s face and draped herself all over him during the family friendly show. 

Clearly enjoying herself, Miley’s couldn’t help her signature move of sticking out her tongue as she writhed and gyrated around the married father-of-one, who looked dapper in a black and white striped suit. 

Thicke’s then wife Paula Patton watched from the audience – the actress split from him the following year and the two finalized their divorce in 2015.

Family matters: Cyrus matriarch Tish – toting a Kotur clutch – joined her family, including actors Braison, Noah, recording artist Billy Ray, actress Brandi Glenn, and host Miley on the arrivals carpet

Arriving in style: Miley was chauffeured in a golf cart to the theater

Back in the day: The 22-year-old’s father Billy Ray Cyrus definitely seemed excited about the big day as he posted this old photo from his heyday in the Nineties

Dynamic duo: The 54-year-old singer also shared a few snaps from their Disney Channel show together called Hannah Montana, which aired from 2006 to 2011

Controversial: Miley is pictured with internet star Baddie Winkle ahead of tonight’s broadcast

Then in 2014 she decided to bring a message to the awards show, forgoing her antics from the year before. 

Sending up a homeless youth to accept her award for Wrecking Ball, Miley sat in the audience with rapt attention. 

Jimmy Fallon held the microphone as Jesse told viewers how they could donate to a charity called My Friend’s Place, a centre for homeless youth in Hollywood.

Miley could be seen weeping in the audience as the young man spoke. A reporter with the Daily Mail was there and overheard the crowd boo Miley for not accepting the award herself.

During the segment Miley’s Facebook page was updated with a video explaining to fans how to donate to My Friend’s Place. 

Having a blast: The Wrecking Ball singer hyped up fans by posting a few videos of herself hanging out with the 87-year-old internet personality