1. Madonna Performs at the First VMAs
In 1984, a then 26-year-old Madonna rocked the first-ever VMAs with a performance of her hit “Like a Virgin.”
Madonna’s racy wedding dress costume and bizarre stage presence set the tone for decades of “OMG” moments at the VMAs.
2. Michael Jackson 1995 VMAs, 15 min performance, Best VMA Pop Performance and Most Iconic VMA Performance
King of Pop, Michael Jackson, made many VMA appearances during his career, but none compare to his explosive performance in 1995.
The 15-minute performance consisted of a medley of Jackson’s hits from “The Way You Make Me Feel” to “Black and White” featuring guitarist Slash.
The VMAs have even named the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award after the singer because he is credited for transforming music videos into the artistic short films we see today.
3. Lil Kim’s Fashion Faux Pas
Rapper Lil Kim decided it was perfectly okay to show up to the 1999 VMAs wearing a bright purple pantsuit made out of indeterminate material. Unfortunately, it seems like the designer ran out of fabric while making the dress.
In a completely impromptu moment, Diana Ross, who was presenting an award with Lil Kim, decided to cup and jiggle Kim’s exposed breast.
(credit: MTV)
4. Britney Spears’ Wild Performance
In 2001, pre-shaved head and mental breakdown Britney Spears was undoubtedly in her prime.
At the VMAs that year, Spears rocked the house with fierce choreography and even fiercer performers by her side as she performed “Slave 4 U.” Those performers included a stage full of dancers as well as a live tiger and an albino Burmese Python. You know, the usual.
(credit: MTV)
5. P!NK Gets The Party Started Too Early
P!NK took home the award for Best Female Video in 2002 for her song “Get This Party Started” and admitted during her acceptance speech that she was drunk.
The 23-year-old was even carried onstage by a member of her entourage; piggy-back, of course.
Stay classy, P!NK.
6. Madonna Kisses Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera Onstage
Almost 20 years after her first performance at the VMAs, Madonna returned to the show’s stage in 2003 to prove she still had it.
Pop princesses Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera were also a part of the performance and paid tribute to Madonna’s 1984 performance with their sexed up costumes.
To everyone’s surprise, Madonna planted a kiss on the lips of both Spears and Aguilera.
Can we take a moment to watch Justin Timberlake’s reaction after witnessing his ex-girlfriend share a passionate kiss with one of the queens of pop music?
7. Kanye Steals Taylor Swift’s Spotlight
One of the most memorable outrageous moments in recent years goes to Kanye West (featuring Taylor Swift).
While Swift was onstage accepting her award for Best Female Video, Kanye decided that it was the perfect time to share his opinions about who he thought should have actually won.
Kanye stormed the stage, took the mic out of Swift’s hand, and drunkenly told the world that Beyoncé should have won the award.
Naturally, a Kanye shrug followed the completely ridiculous moment.
When he learned that we were doing this blog post, Kanye reached out to comment.
“Yo, other artists in VMAs history. You’re really great and Imma let you finish, but I HAD THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS VMA MOMENT OF ALL TIME!” – Yeezus
8. Lil Mama’s Empire State of Mind
Apparently 2009 was the year of the stage-bomb.
While Jay Z and Alicia Keys were performing their song “Empire State of Mind,” forgotten rapper Lil Mama felt left out and ran up to the stage to join the performance.
Despite the fact that Beyoncé grabbed Lil Mama’s hand to try and prevent her from rushing the stage; she awkwardly climbed up the stairs and finished the performance with Jay Z and Alicia Keys.
After the show, Lil Mama apologized and stated that her pride as a native New Yorker took over and she was simply caught up in the moment.
9. Jo Calderone Opens The VMAs
“Jo Calderone,” Lady Gaga’s male alter ego, opened up the 2011 to a shocked, and slightly confused, crowd.
Calderone performed a 3 minute dramatic monologue about his rocky relationship with Gaga before finally singing “You and I.”
Gaga was dressed as Jo Calderone through the whole show and even presented the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award to Britney Spears. While presenting the award, Gaga and Spears teased a kiss, but Spears held back saying, “I’ve done that already.”
10. Beyoncé Announces Pregnancy
In 2011, Beyoncé, who is usually very private, chose the VMAs as the perfect occasion to publicly announce that she had a single lady growing in her anointed womb.
At the end of the performance, Bey lovingly rubbed her baby bump and the camera panned to Jay Z who was obviously overjoyed.
With those kinds of genes, it wouldn’t be surprising if Blue Ivy opens up the 2033 VMAs with a performance of her own.
The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards will feature performances by Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and Drake, just to name a few. Also, Justin Timberlake will be receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
There are even rumblings on the Twittersphere that N’SYNC may be reuniting at the show.
The best way to experience all of the outrageous moments that are bound to ensue is to watch the Video Music Awards live when it airs on Sunday, August 25 at 9pm/8c.
