Every award show has its pantheon of memorable moments, but the VMAs are in their own league. They are one evening of uninterrupted crazy. Anything can happen, and by anything, we mean Diana Ross fondling Lil' Kim’s almost-naked breast in front of a live TV audience.
But it’s also given airtime to some all-time great performances, like Michael Jackson’s epic 1995 medley or Britney’s I’m a Slave 4 U. Ahead of this year’s pop extravaganza – which, in case you haven’t heard, is rumored to possibly maybe feature an N’Sync reunion (go ahead and scream like a fangirl, we’ll wait) – we’re looking back at the most memorable moments from an award show that never fails to sear at least one moment onto your grey matter for the remainder of your existence.
We know you probably have some other suggestions for classic VMAs moments – and we’re gonna let you finish in the comments below – but here are 10 of the best VMAs moments of ALL TIME.
1995: Michael Jackson medley
In case you need reminding why Michael Jackson is and was the King of Pop, here’s his extraordinary 1995 performance. Jackson owned the stage for 15 minutes, running through greatest hits Billy Jean and The Way You Make Me Feel. The medley featured practically no set and few special effects, almost unthinkable in the Age of Gaga. It was just Jackson, showing everyone – even his backup dancers – how it was done. And in case this wasn’t badass enough, he got a major assist from Slash.
2003: Britney and Madonna make out
We don’t need to recap this one for you. You remember just fine.
2009: Kanye West stagebombs Taylor Swift
You know what happened, but watch it again. This will never get old.
2001: Britney dances with a snake
And so began the Golden Age of Britney Spears.
1994: Beastie Boys, Sabotage
Nobody knows how to make noise like the Beastie Boys. Watch this memorable moment from the 1994 VMAs and have a moment of anti-silence for Adam Yauch, aka MCA, who died in 2012 at the age of 47.
1999: Diana Ross fondles Lil’ Kim during a presentation
Be honest, would you have been able to resist?
1984: Madonna, Like a Virgin
The VMAs' maiden voyage in 1984 set an astronomically high bar for boundary-pushing moments, mostly thanks to Madonna’s provocative performance of one of her most provocative hits.
2000: Eminem introduces us to The Real Slim Shady
Eminem’s set might have featured a phalanx of doppelgangers, but this performance set him apart as the rapper of the moment.
2011: Beyonce has an announcement
Beyonce sang something but we honestly don’t remember what it was. We were kind of distracted by the bump that would later come to be known as Blue Ivy Carter.
BONUS BRITNEY: 1999: N’Sync + Britney Spears do …Baby One More Time/Tearin' Up My Heart
Millenials, this is bound to make you feel old. Here are your childhoods, encapsulated in one mega-performance featuring Spears and N’Sync.
