Top MTV VMAs moments of all time: Iconic kisses, shocking speeches and surprise reunions

Over four decades of the MTV Video Music Awards, or VMAs, viewers have seen moments that stopped people in their tracks. These moments were made specifically for fans to discuss.

Some of these moments altered the way people saw this thing. Madonna's kiss with Britney and Christina was front-page news. Beyoncé’s pregnancy reveal had jaws dropping around the globe. And, finally, the fact that the *NSYNC reunion made fans feel young again. They are the biggest and hottest events.

After we cover those top events, we look at other standout moments. These are loud, fun, weird, or moving. They show why the VMAs keep being talked about. Every year, something happens that gets people talking.

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Most Iconic Moments of the VMAs

Madonna kisses Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera (2003)

In 2003, Madonna came on stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York. She performed a medley of her old hit "Like a Virgin" and her newer song "Hollywood." She was joined by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Then Madonna kissed them both. The kiss with Britney was shown on live TV, and then the camera cut away before Madonna kissed Christina. That second kiss was cut away to show Justin Timberlake’s face in the audience. Aguilera’s team later asked MTV to edit the video to show her kiss, too, but MTV did not agree.

Beyoncé reveals her pregnancy during “Love on Top” (2011)

At the VMAs in 2011, Beyoncé performed "Love on Top," after which she unbuttoned her jacket and rubbed her belly. She was announcing her first pregnancy. Beyoncé's reveal created a record for tweets per second and was maybe the most viewed moment in VMA history.

** NSYNC reunion and Taylor Swift’s reaction (2023)

During a presentation of Best Pop Video, five full members of *NSYNC, ending nearly 20 years of not doing anything together, walked out on stage in 2023. The audience went bananas. Taylor Swift, who was on stage, was smiling and looked as blown away as the fans at home. It was simply a moment of happiness.

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Other Memorable VMAs Moments

There have been many more moments that people still talk about. Some shocked people. Some made them gasp. Some made them laugh. Here are a few:

Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift (2009)

Kanye West crashed Taylor Swift's acceptance speech. He took the mic and, at the heart of it all, stated that Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time, even though Taylor was at the podium receiving her award! It is one of the most shocking interruptions pictured in sports History.

Miley Cyrus's raunchy performance (2013)

Although Miley Cyrus was viewed as shocking to audiences in 2013, she wore a nude-style bikini, which was not the surprising part. The surprising part was the way she danced with Robin Thicke in a manner that many called raunchy, plus she sang and danced the entire time, twerking, thrusting, and doing the like while in front of a live television show.

Lil’ Kim’s daring outfit (1999)

Lil’ Kim once wore an outfit so bold that it only covered one breast with a pastie. Diana Ross jokingly jiggled that side when they walked out together on stage. It became one of the VMAs’ most talked-about fashion moments.

Madonna’s tone-deaf tribute to Aretha Franklin (2018)

Madonna tried to pay tribute to Aretha Franklin. But many thought it backfired as she spoke about her own story instead of focusing on Franklin. Critics said it felt tone-deaf.

Lady Gaga’s bloody “Paparazzi” performance (2009)

Lady Gaga performed “Paparazzi.” She sang, fake-bled, collapsed, and was lifted above the crowd, tied to ropes. It was dramatic, bold, and shocking in a way only she could deliver.

Lady Gaga’s meat dress (2010)

The next year, Gaga wore a dress made of raw meat. She said it was a comment about rights for LGBTQ+ people. The look still gets talked about for its bold message and shock value.

Van Halen’s short-lived reunion (1996)

All original members of Van Halen appeared on stage after a long time apart to present an award. The fans cheered, but the reunion did not last. They had a fight backstage, and the moment ended quickly.

Michael Jackson’s imaginary award (2002)

On Michael Jackson's 44th birthday, Britney Spears brought out a cake and called him "the artist of the millennium," when Michael took to the stage to accept an award that wasn't really an award, with an acceptance speech that sounded like he had won an award - it was awkward but memorable.

Liam Gallagher's on-stage tantrum (1996)

Liam Gallagher cursed whilst making obscene gestures and threw beer all over the stage whilst cursing at rookie Los Angeles artist Beck, who just released an album called "Odelay," which made Liam look foolish and hilariously entitled. Liam left the show in typical chaotic and wild Liam Gallagher fashion.

Eminem and his lookalikes (2000)

Eminem live at the VMAs back in 2000 did "The Real Slim Shady" during this wacky performance; there were a lot of people dressed exactly like him on the stage marching with him; it was a great and clever performance that spoke to identity and fame.

Britney Spears with a live snake (2001)

Britney Spears performing "I'm a Slave 4 U." That was scary, shocking, but unforgettable. She joked later that she was now the mother of the snake for real.

Madonna's first VMAs performance (1984)

In the first VMAs, Madonna performed "Like a Virgin." She fell, rolled around on the stage with her dress up, exposing her backside, and that was the talk of the VMAs. Madonna pretended it was part of her performance. This moment made her a star and helped vault the VMAs' reputation for wild performances.

Prince’s see-through chaps (1991)

Prince performed in yellow see-through trousers that looked scandalous. But there was sheer fabric under the chaps. The performance was sexy and memorable for the look and his style.

Pee-Wee Herman’s comeback joke (1991)

Pee-Wee Herman made an awkward transition back into public life at the VMAs right after his arrest, simply asking the audience, "Heard any good jokes lately?" Herman caught the audience off guard, and it assisted in his revival.

Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston skit (1998)

They both opened the show in similar but slightly different matching Vera Wang dresses. This was a gag on rumors between the two high-profile women, but also illustrated that they were friends. It was stylish, fun, and a memorable part of the show.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Britney tribute (2024)

In 2024, Megan Thee Stallion paid tribute to Britney dressed in a bikini similar to Britney’s costume and a live albino (non) snake, like in 2001. It was a cool nod to the past, but still had a splash of contempt.

Over the years, the MTV VMAs have served endless drama, fashion, surprise, and emotion. From bold kisses to baby talks, from wild fashion to stage fights. Each moment shows why the VMAs remain a place where anything can happen. Fans still talk about them years later. The show is built to surprise, and surprise it does.