The 'I Like It Rapper' officially kicked off the annual awards show, which is airing live from New York City.
The 2018 MTV Video Music Awards have officially begun!
Cardi B opened the live show at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on Monday by entertaining the audience with a funny intro.
"I am the empress, the liberals voted for me," she joked.
Cardi was holding what appeared to be her baby girl Kulture, wrapped in a pink blanket. But towards the end of her speech, she revealed it was just a Moon Person.
"I got a new surprise for you, you know what I'm saying,"'she teased, before introducing the first performer of the night, Shawn Mendes.
Ahead of the show, the Bronx native -- who is up for multiple accolades, including Best New Artist and Artist of the Year -- turned heads while posing for photographers on the red carpet.
This marked the rapper's first official red carpet appearance since giving birth to her first child, baby girl Kulture, with her husband, Offset, in July.
Other stars set to take the stage to perform tonight include Video Vanguard Award recipient Jennifer Lopez, as well as Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Shawn Mendes, Travis Scott and Panic! at the Disco. See the full list of performers and ET's predictions for who will take home the night's most prestigious awards here.
As we patiently wait to see what surprises they have up their sleeves, watch the video below for more on Cardi's new life as a mom.
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