PUBLISHED
August 28, 2024
The MTV Video Music Awards have always been a showcase of unpredictable and daring moments. It all started in 1984 when Madonna set the tone with a provocative performance of 'Like a Virgin,' where she donned a white wedding dress and sensually rolled around the stage—a move that was considered both shocking and scandalous at the time. Nineteen years later, Madonna was back in the spotlight, this time sharing an iconic and controversial kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Madonna isn’t the only one to push boundaries at the MTV VMAs; each year outdoes the next - that is what keeps viewers on their toes. As we gear up for this year’s show on September 12, we’ve rounded up some of the most unforgettable moments in the event’s history.
Lady Gaga wears a meat dress in 2010
Madonna’s performance of ‘Like a Virgin’ in 1984 while rolling on stage and wearing a ‘boy-toy’ belt - it’s what made the VMA’s must see TV!
Madonna strikes again! Her 1990 performance of Vogue dressed as Marie Antoinette
In 2009, Lil Mama jumped on stage while Alicia Keys and Jay Z were performing
Madonna and Courtney Love’s shady encounter at the 1995 VMA’s. Love threw makeup compacts at Madonna
Britney Spears premiered her song ‘I’m a Slave 4 U’ in 2001 while performing with a python on her shoulders
Beyoncé revealing that she was pregnant with her first child (Blue Ivy) in 2011 while performing 'Love on Top'
In 2009, Shakira and P!nk showed up wearing the same dress!
Brandy and Monica performed ‘The Boy Is Mine’ in 1998 - but only after Monica had slapped Brandy backstage
The queen of the VMA’s Britney Spears’ 1999 performance was one for pop culture history books
Lil Kim’s 1999 outfit is so iconic it’s still serves as Halloween inspo for celebrities
Lady Gaga bleeds on stage when she performs ‘Paparazzi’ in 2009
In 1993, Snoop Dogg attended the VMA’s while he was wanted by the police, he turned himself in after the ceremony
Michael Jackson’s 1995 VMA performance
Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley share a kiss on stage
In 2006, Lil’ Kim used the VMAs as her first public appearance after finishing her year long jail sentence
Christina Aguilera presents an award to Eminem while they were beefing
Can the real Slim Shady please stand up? Eminem performs with clones of himself
Miley Cyrus’s 2013 performance - we all remember where we were
Miley, what’s good? - Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus have a confrontation on stage at the 2015 VMA’s
Michael Jackson’s surprise appearance during NSYNC’s performance in 2001
Beyoné’s 2016 Lemonade medley
Janet Jackson’s tribute to her beloved brother Michael Jackson at the 2009 VMA’s
Imma let you finish but…remember when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s speech in 2009 got booed off stage
Beyoncé lets Taylor Swift finish her speech after the infamous Kanye incident
Kelly Clarkson performing ‘Since U Been Gone’ while rain poured inside the venue
Last but certainly not the least - Madonna shares a kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on stage mid-performance
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