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Blast From the Past: 56 Unforgettable MTV VMAs Moments

Celebrities at the MTV VMAs | Pictures

Blast From the Past: 56 Unforgettable MTV VMAs Moments

August 30, 2019 by Britt Stephens

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The 2019 VMAs are almost here, and we're celebrating by taking a look back at the most jaw-dropping moments from the unpredictable event in years past. From Kanye West's infamous mic-grab from Taylor Swift in 2009 to Beyoncé's baby bump reveal in 2011, there is always something exciting going on both on and off the stage at the VMAs. Plus, who could forget Drake declaring his love for Rihanna at the show a few years ago?

Slash played the guitar while Michael Jackson sang "Black or White" in 1995.

Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston made light of their alleged feud by wearing the same dress to present in 1998.

Madonna performed "Like a Virgin" in 1984 at Radio City Music Hall, at the first Video Music Awards.

Paula Abdul hitched a ride on the hands of her dancers during the 1991 show.

TLC won four awards for their "Waterfalls" video in 1995.

Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain brought their young daughter Frances Bean to the red carpet in 1993.

The Spice Girls won Best Video for "Wannabe" in 1997, and at the show all five members wore black arm bands as a symbol of their sadness over the passing of Princess Diana just days earlier.

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake cuddled close in their seats during the show in 2000.

Fred Durst came on stage to join Christina Aguilera during her 2000 performance.

"Let Me Blow Your Mind" collaborators Gwen Stefani and Eve presented with Moby in 2001.

Snoop and Tupac threw up their West Coast hand signs on Sept. 4, 1996, just nine days before Tupac was killed.

Green Day brought their punk style to the red carpet in 1998.

Gwyneth Paltrow's bra peeked out of her vest when she posed with Andre 3000 at the 2004 VMAs.

Drew Barrymore, Courtney Love, and her Hole bandmate Eric Erlandson were quite the sight in 1995.

Beyoncé revealed she was pregnant during her performance at the 2011 show.

Diddy, who went by Puff Daddy at the time, had the help of Sting, Faith Evans, and 112 to perform his hit "I'll Be Missing You," a tribute to his recently deceased best friend Biggie in 1997.

Pamela Anderson planted a kiss on Kid Rock backstage at the VMAs in 2001.

RuPaul met up with Nirvana backstage at the 1993 VMAs.

Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, and Kelly Rowland posed together backstage in 2000.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart walked the red carpet together in 2008, two months before Twilight came out and they skyrocketed to superstardom.

Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus gave a raunchy rendition of "Blurred Lines" at the 2013 show.

Kanye West famously interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the beginning of the 2009 show.

Kelly Clarkson wowed with a wet and wild rendition of "Since U Been Gone" in 2005.

Kevin Hart and Psy danced onstage at the 2012 VMAs.

Justin Timberlake reunited with his 'N Sync bandmates on stage in 2013.

Beyonce made her debut as a solo artist during the show in 2003 where she performed "Baby Boy" and, when Jay-Z joined her on stage, "Crazy in Love."

Eminem stripped down to show off his shirtless body in 2002.

Michael Jackson surprised the crowd by coming on stage at the end of the 'N Sync performance of their single "Pop" in 2001.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performed "Empire State of Mind" together in 2009.

Chace Crawford and Lauren Conrad presented together in 2008.

In 2010, Lady Gaga, in her infamous meat dress, accepted one of her many awards of the night from Cher.

Lady Gaga, dressed as her alter ego, presented Britney Spears with a Moonman at the 2011 show.

Chris Martin's piano spread his fair trade message during a performance in 2003.

Adele belted out a memorable performance at the 2011 VMAs after receiving surgery on her vocal chords.

Pink showed off her acrobatic skills during a 2009 performance.

In 2009, Kristen Stewart sported a short bob when she took the stage with Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

Usher and Justin Bieber got together on the red carpet in 2010.

Rebel Wilson wore a cheeky t-shirt at the 2012 VMAs when she took to the stage with The Wanted.

In 2011, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were coupled up on the red carpet.

In 2014, Jennifer Lopez linked up with Taylor Swift backstage.

In 2014, the Kardashian-Jenner sisters turned the show into a family affair.

Amber Rose left little to the imagination when she showed up to the VMAs in 2014.

In 2016, Beyoncé walked the red carpet with daughter Blue Ivy.

In 2015, Nicki Minaj brought Taylor Swift into her opening number and put an end to their feud.

In 2014, Miley had My Friend's Place representative and former homeless man, Jesse Helt, accept her award.

Katy Perry and Riff Raff paid homage to Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears in 2014.

Britney Spears made a dazzling appearance in 2015 and reminded us all of her icon status.

Chrissy Teigen and Kim Kardashian snapped selfies in the audience in 2015.

Nicki Minaj suffered a wardrobe malfunction during her performance in 2014, but managed to hold it together (literally).

Miley Cyrus got cheeky on the red carpet in 2015.

Justin Bieber returned to the VMAs after five years in 2015 and got emotional while performing his new single, "What Do You Mean?"

In 2014, Jay Z and Blue Ivy Carter presented Beyoncé with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Taylor Swift presented Kanye West with the Video Vanguard Award, and after her speech, the two shared a sweet hug on stage in 2015.

Madonna and Britney Spears shared a very famous kiss during a medley performance of "Like A Virgin" also with Christina Aguilera in 2003.

Drake and Rihanna shared a kiss after he presented her with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award in 2016.

Beyoncé performed part of her iconic Lemonade album in 2016.

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