Kanye West’s presidency announcement is an impossible act to follow, but Pharrell pulled it off. He performed at the MTV Video Music Awards for the first time as a solo artist on Sunday, bringing his uplifting anthem “Freedom” to an outdoor stage in downtown Los Angeles.

The 42-year-old singer and producer performed alongside the Pussycat Dolls and Ludacris in 2006. He also joined Diddy, Usher, Busta Rhymes and Ginuwine for a medley in 2002.

Pharrell wasn’t a VMA nominee this year, but his smash hit “Happy” was up for three awards in 2014, including Video of the Year. “Freedom” is Pharrell’s first single to follow his most recent album, “Girl.”

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