A Recap of the Iconic VMA Performance Nominees

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The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards is bringing in some big names. This year, Taylor Swift leads the nominations, as she is up for 12 categories. Also nominated are Eminem, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, symbolizing exceptional full-circle moments.

For years — even decades — the aforementioned acts have wowed viewers with their stunning visuals and next-level performances, and their music has stood the test of time. And the 40th iteration of the awards will honor these historical music moments.

On Friday, August 30, MTV introduced four new social categories — including Song of The Summer, Best Group, and Best Trending Video, and Most Iconic VMAs performance — for which, fans can vote through MTV’s Instagram Story. Some of the nominees for the lattermost category date back over four decades.

Much of these performances prompted headlines, sparked controversy, or even brought the artist to new levels of fame. Learn more about the nominees as we revisit these classic performances.

Madonna – “Like a Virgin” (1984)

At the first-ever VMAs in 1984, Madonna set the standard. Emerging from a wedding cake in a bustier-and-tulle wedding dress, exposing her lacy lingerie as she retrieved a missing shoe, and flashing her backside to the audience, the performance sparked controversy. But little did viewers know that this would set the precedent for the VMAs, inspiring generations of theatrical performances.

Eminem – “The Real Slim Shady” & “The Way I Am” (2000)

Most pop stans might not remember that Eminem coined the term “Stan” on his 2000 album The Slim Shady LP. And during the 2000 VMAs, he showed us just how many stans he had. The rapper assembled a large group of look-alikes in the streets of New York City, before bursting into Radio City Music Hall. But make no mistake, the real Slim Shady stood out, front and center. Eminem then took to the stage in an explosive performance of “The Way I Am,” addressing critics and haters.

Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Madonna & Missy Elliott – “Like a Virgin” & “Hollywood” (2003)

Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliot came together at the 2003 VMAs, where they performed a medley of her universal hit “Like a Virgin” and her American Life cut “Hollywood.” Toward the end of the performance, Madonna shared a steamy three-way kiss, first smooching Aguilera, then kissing Spears. While the kiss proved controversial at the time, viewers can’t deny the impact it made on LGBTQ+ representation in pop music more than two decades later.

Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi” (2009)

Before meat dresses and drag alter egos, Lady Gaga stepped onto the scene with a mission to prove that she was an undeniable superstar. In her performance of “Paparazzi” from her debut album The Fame, Gaga stumbled across the stage as she lamented a lost love. She later bled from her ribcage and ascended into the air from a chandelier, as a golden halo projected on the background. She would only amp up the theatrics in future performances. But it was the “Paparazzi” performance that showed us she was here to stay.

Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me” (2009)

Though the 2009 VMAs are mostly remembered for Kanye West jacking the mic from Taylor Swift as she accepted the Best Female Video award, the pop hitmaker still delivered one of the biggest performances of her career that night. In the subway and outside of Radio City Music Hall, Swift was surrounded by hundreds of fans as she performed “You Belong With Me.” 15 years later, her fan base has grown exponentially.

Beyoncé – “Love on Top” (2011)

Beyoncé’s 4 era saw Queen Bey take her sounds and visuals to a new direction. While watching her nail multiple key changes at the 2011 VMAs and dance without missing a beat was impressive, viewers were amazed by the grand finale — in which, Beyoncé unbuttoned her coat, revealing a baby bump. Four months later, she would welcome her first child, daughter Blue Ivy Carter.

Katy Perry – “Roar” (2013)

During her Prism era, Katy Perry put her strength to the test. Amid a publicized divorce, as well as rumors of a feud with Lady Gaga, Perry came back with a bang, as she performed “Roar” at the 2013 VMAs. Underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, Perry entered a golden boxing ring, continued to sing while performing practice drills, and finished with a championship belt. This year, Perry will be honored with the coveted Video Vanguard Award.