The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards are just days away, and this year they’re bigger than ever. With live performances from music industry heavy hitters like Kanye West, Katy Perry, Drake, and so many more, we can hardly contain ourselves.
A-listers will not only be gracing the stage, but looking on from the audience. And with that many famous folks in one room, you know some crazy ish is bound to go down! In fact, the VMAs have a history of “Oh-Em-Gee! Did you see that?!” moments. What do you expect? It’s live!
We’ve rounded up the most epic moments in VMA history. Check it out!
Courtney Love & Madonna Nearly Come to Blows!
While everyone credits Kanye West with the best VMA interruption of all time, Courtney Love actually invented it. Sorry, Yeezus! In 1995, MTV Veejay Kurt Loder gave what may have been the most uncomfortable interview ever. While chatting with the Queen of Pop Madonna about her upcoming album of ballads, the duo was interrupted by a flying compact. Upon further investigation, the projectile had come from the purse of none other than Courtney Love. Loder invited Love to join in on the interview, much to Madge’s dismay, and things got weird. Don’t believe us? Watch for yourself.
Notorious B.I.G’s Mom Gives “Big Ups To Brooklyn” On His Behalf
In 1997, following the tragic passing of Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G., Biggie’s mother Violetta Wallace took the the stage to accept the moon man for Best Rap Video on his behalf. Violetta gave what may be the most epic acceptance speech ever given.
P.Diddy, Faith Evans And Sting Pay Tribute To B.I.G.
Also at the 1997 VMAs, Notorious B.I.G.’s close friend Sean “P.Diddy” Combs and Biggie’s former wife Faith Evans, as well as legendary musician Sting, performed “I’ll Be Missing You” in honor of their fallen friend.
The Boob Grab Seen ‘Round The World
In 1999, Lil Kim opted for shock value, rather than high fashion. She rolled into the VMAs in a violet one shouldered number that was missing a little something. As she took the stage to present an award with the legendary Diana Ross, Diana did what everyone at home wanted to do.
Rage Against The Machine Bassist’s Gravity Defying Protest
In 2000, rap-rock bands Limp Bizkit and Rage Against The Machine faced off against one another for an ever-coveted moonman. Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff” ultimately came out on top. In a public display of disappointment, Rage’s bassist Tom Commerford stormed the stage to climb the large decorative structure to interrupt Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst’s acceptance speech. While he was successful in causing a disruption, the entire plan was foiled when Commerford found himself under arrest.
Britney Spears Plays Snake Charmer
2001 was Britney’s year. The pop-starlet sealed the deal with an over-the-top sexy performance of her hit song “I’m A Slave 4 U.” During the performance, Spears turned things up a notch (& pissed PETA off) by bringing out an enormous albino python.
The Kiss
You know the one between Britney Spears, Madonna and Christina Aguilera at the 2003 VMAs.
Lil Mama Crashes Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ Performance
In 2009, “Empire State Of Mind” topped the charts – seriously! People couldn’t get enough of the song. Creators Jay Z and Alicia Keys hit the stage at that year’s VMAs to perform the hit and the crowd went wild. The performance drew unwanted attention from fellow musician Lil Mama, who hopped on stage and crashed the performance. Jay and Alicia kept it professional and went on performing as if she wasn’t even there.
Kanye West Interrupts Taylor Swift On Stage
Lil Mama wasn’t the only one interrupting the 2009 VMAs. As Taylor Swift prepared to accept her award for Best Female Video, Kanye West rushed the stage to give his two cents on who really should have won. Kanye later apologized, but the moment lives on as the most infamous interruption in VMA history.
Janet Jackson’s Epic Tribute To Her Brother Michael Jackson
The world was in shock after the sudden passing of Michael Jackson in June 2009. The music world was hit especially hard. Michael inspired so many of today’s most successful musicians, so it’s only fitting that just months after his death at the VMAs, many paid tribute to the late king of pop. But no tribute will ever be as great as the one put together by Janet Jackson.
Beyonce’s Pregnancy Announcement!
Beyonce headlined the 2011 VMAs and killed it. Mrs. Carter brought down the house with her performance of “Love On Top,” after which she shook things up by announcing that she and her man Jay Z were expecting. Kanye, I’ma let you finish, but Beyonce had the best pregnancy announcement of all time!
We can’t wait to see what this year brings…
