The performers at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards in Madrid might have been somewhat demure on the red (er, purple) carpet, but when it came time to hit the stage, the skimpier ensembles came out to play.

For her turn in front of the flashbulbs, Rihanna channeled an Old Hollywood siren of sorts (or an extravagant bride) in a sheer, blush-hued, one-shoulder Marchesa gown that featured puffy swirls and cascades of hand-draped tulle paired with a beehive hairdo.

Miley Cyrus also wore a floor-length ruffled gown. Her version, by D&G, consisted of long white tiers of chiffon, a halter-top neckline, a black bow tie, and a sexy open back that revealed flashes of side boob (most likely on purpose).

Naturally, when the barely legal singer (Cyrus turns 18 on Nov. 23) took the stage for her performance, nearly naked was once again her sartorial theme thanks to a light-peach-colored silk jumpsuit with a corset top, silver beading, and nude mesh sleeves that left little to the imagination.

Fellow teen queen Taylor Momsen went a similar fleshy, pantless, and predictable route, donning black leather over-the-knee boots and a tuxedo jacket that hung open in the front to reveal a lacy bra with extreme push-up powers.

When Rihanna performed her new hit "Only Girl (In the World)," she also bared cleavage and thigh in a supershort white corset dress with an attached skirt made from clusters of colorful silk flowers.

Unlike Cyrus's more sexually overt ensemble, however, Rihanna's outfit, which she paired with combat boots, came off as playful and fun. (The always odd Ke$ha, who won Best New Artist, paired her own combat boots with a sparkly green bodysuit.)

Shakira gave all of these younger ladies a run for their money, baring her hard-earned body on the purple carpet in an extreme, deep-V, cap-sleeve Pamella Roland minidress covered in gold and black sequins before hitting the stage in a bikini top and low-slung beaded and fringed silver pants that highlighted her envy-inducing abs to perfection.

And check out Miley Cyrus performing in a panty-revealing sheer dress on German TV.

In related news, see what newlywed Katy Perry wore during her three costume changes at the EMAs.