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The Miley Cyrus-hosted MTV Video Music Awards were big on controversy - but low on ratings.



Sunday's (August 30) MTV gala attracted 5.03 million viewers overall, down a massive 39% from last year's ceremony.

MTV was clearly aiming for a ratings bonanza with the 2015 VMAs, hiring the controversial Miley as host and simulcasting the show on nine of its sister channels.

A major television ratings decline stands in stark contrast to its recording-breaking status as the most tweeted non-sports event ever. The VMAs also remained cable's top-rated awards show of the year in the key 18-34 demographic.

The night was filled with controversy and enticing social media talking points - from Miley Cyrus rowing on stage with Nicki Minaj to Kanye West announcing a presidential bid and Taylor Swift making up with a pair of rivals.

Sunday's ceremony was held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and featured on-air appearances from Rita Ora, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber and Demi Lovato.