1984: Madonna’s Groundbreaking “Like a Virgin” Performance
Madonna made jaws drop at the very first VMAs with her racy performance of “Like a Virgin.” Clad in a wedding dress and writhing on the stage, she set the tone for future VMA shockers.
1985: Eddie Murphy’s Host Debut
Eddie Murphy brought his comedic chops to the VMAs as the host, making it a night to remember with his sharp humor and energetic presence.
1986: Whitney Houston’s Classy Act
Whitney Houston graced the stage with her powerful voice, performing “How Will I Know” and “Greatest Love of All,” solidifying her status as a pop icon.
1987: Bon Jovi Unplugged
Bon Jovi delivered a stripped-down, acoustic version of “Wanted Dead or Alive,” proving that rock could be raw and intimate.
1988: Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk
Michael Jackson wowed the audience with his moonwalk during “Bad,” leaving an indelible mark on VMA history.
1989: Paula Abdul’s Dance Extravaganza
Paula Abdul’s high-energy performance of “Straight Up” showcased her incredible dance skills and choreography.
1990: Madonna’s Marie Antoinette Moment
Madonna returned to the VMA stage with a lavish, French-inspired rendition of “Vogue,” complete with powdered wigs and corsets.
1991: Prince’s Risqué Outfit
Prince turned heads with his bold choice of a butt-baring yellow suit while performing “Gett Off,” pushing the boundaries of fashion and decency.
1992: Nirvana Rocks the House
Nirvana’s raw and rebellious performance of “Lithium” brought grunge to the mainstream and left the crowd in awe.
1993: Pearl Jam’s Emotional Tribute
Pearl Jam dedicated their performance of “Rockin’ in the Free World” to a fan who had tragically passed away, adding a heartfelt touch to the evening.
1994: Beastie Boys’ Intergalactic Performance
The Beastie Boys took the stage with their hit “Sabotage,” delivering a high-octane performance that had everyone on their feet.
1995: TLC’s Empowering Message
TLC used their platform to promote safe sex and self-respect with a powerful performance of “Waterfalls.”
1996: The Smashing Pumpkins’ Intense Set
The Smashing Pumpkins captivated the audience with their intense performance of “Tonight, Tonight,” complete with stunning visuals.
1997: Puff Daddy’s Tribute to Biggie
Puff Daddy honored his late friend Notorious B.I.G. with an emotional rendition of “I’ll Be Missing You,” bringing tears to many eyes.
1998: Marilyn Manson’s Shock Factor
Marilyn Manson shocked the audience with his theatrical performance of “The Dope Show,” cementing his reputation as a provocateur.
1999: Britney Spears’ Breakout Moment
Britney Spears burst onto the scene with her unforgettable performance of “…Baby One More Time,” instantly becoming a pop sensation.
2000: Eminem’s Army
Eminem made a grand entrance with an army of lookalikes, performing “The Real Slim Shady” and leaving a lasting impression.
2001: Britney and Justin’s Denim Duo
Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake made headlines with their matching denim outfits, becoming one of the most memorable couples in VMA history.
2002: Eminem vs. Moby
Eminem’s feud with Moby reached a peak when he called out the electronic musician during his acceptance speech, creating VMA drama.
2003: Madonna, Britney, and Christina’s Kiss
Madonna shocked the world again by sharing a kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during their performance, creating an iconic VMA moment.
2004: OutKast’s Funky Fresh Performance
OutKast brought the house down with their funky and vibrant performance of “Hey Ya!” and “The Way You Move,” electrifying the audience.
2005: R. Kelly’s Trapped in the Closet
R. Kelly performed a dramatic reenactment of his “Trapped in the Closet” series, captivating the audience with his storytelling.
2006: Shakira and Wyclef Jean’s Sizzling Duet
Shakira and Wyclef Jean set the stage on fire with their sizzling performance of “Hips Don’t Lie,” showcasing their chemistry and dance moves.
2007: Britney Spears’ Comeback
Britney Spears attempted a comeback with her performance of “Gimme More,” which, despite mixed reviews, remains a talked-about moment.
2008: Kanye West’s Glow in the Dark
Kanye West delivered a visually stunning performance with his “Glow in the Dark” set, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
2009: Taylor Swift’s Interrupted Speech
Kanye West infamously interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, sparking a media frenzy and a long-running feud.
2010: Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress
Lady Gaga made a bold statement by wearing a dress made entirely of raw meat, sparking conversations about fashion and animal rights.
2011: Beyoncé’s Baby Bump Reveal
Beyoncé announced her pregnancy in a spectacular way, revealing her baby bump after her performance of “Love on Top.”
2012: Miley Cyrus’ Twerk
Miley Cyrus caused a stir with her provocative performance featuring twerking and foam fingers, becoming a controversial VMA moment.
2013: Justin Timberlake’s Reunion with *NSYNC
Justin Timberlake reunited with *NSYNC for a nostalgic performance, delighting fans and bringing back memories of the early 2000s.
2014: Beyoncé’s Family Affair
Beyoncé closed the show with a stunning medley of her hits, ending with a touching moment with her family on stage.
2015: Nicki Minaj’s “Miley, What’s Good?”
Nicki Minaj called out Miley Cyrus during her acceptance speech, creating a memorable and tense moment on live TV.
2016: Rihanna’s Vanguard Award
Rihanna received the Video Vanguard Award and delivered a series of performances that showcased her versatility and talent.
2017: Kendrick Lamar’s Fiery Performance
Kendrick Lamar’s performance of “HUMBLE.” was a visual spectacle, featuring pyrotechnics and martial artists, leaving the audience in awe.
2018: Cardi B’s Debut
Cardi B made a splash with her debut VMA performance, proving she was a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
2019: Missy Elliott’s Return
Missy Elliott returned to the VMA stage with a show-stopping medley of her hits, reminding everyone why she’s a hip-hop legend.
2020: Lady Gaga’s Mask Fashion
Lady Gaga dominated the night with her multiple outfit changes, each featuring a unique and fashionable mask, setting a trend during the pandemic.
2021: Olivia Rodrigo’s Breakthrough
Olivia Rodrigo made her VMA debut with a powerful performance of “good 4 u,” cementing her status as a rising star in the music world.
2022: Doja Cat’s Aerial Acrobatics
Doja Cat wowed the audience with her aerial acrobatics during her performance, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
2023: Lizzo’s Empowering Message
Lizzo delivered a powerful and uplifting performance, spreading messages of self-love and body positivity to the audience.
