The 19 best performances at the MTV VMAs ever, ranked

Kirsten AcunaAug 27, 2020, 23:15 IST

Britney's 2001 performance of "I'm a Slave 4 U" is one of most memorable moments in MTV VMA history.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Some of the most memorable performances in pop culture history have taken place on the MTV Video Music Awards stage.
Insider has ranked all the best performances we've seen at the awards show, including performances by Prince, Madonna, and Britney Spears.
Beyoncé takes first place with her stunning 2016 "Lemonade" medley, with Missy Elliott's 2019 performance coming in at No. nine.

The MTV Video Music Awards have been a stage for unpredictable and iconic pop-music moments since the 1980s.

The show has given us over-the-top performances including a twerking Miley Cyrus, a blood-spattered Lady Gaga, and a serpent-carrying Britney Spears. But it has also given us some iconic medleys from Justin Timberlake, Diddy, and Beyoncé.

Take a look at the best performances since the show began in 1984.

Angélica Acevedo contributed to a previous version of this story.

19. *NSYNC's mini reunion at the 2013 VMAs.

Justin Timberlake reunited with the *NSYNC boy band members for a medley of their hits. Rick Diamond/Getty Images

18. Nirvana starts singing a song MTV forbade before singing "Lithium" and taunting Guns N' Roses.

Kurt Cobain at the 1992 VMAs. MTV, YouTube

17. Prince's 7-minute performance of "Gett Off" seemed normal until he turned around to reveal his butt to the crowd.

Prince proudly and boldly showed off his behind at the 1991 VMAs. AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

16. Kanye West's five-minute performance of "Runaway."

Kanye West played DJ at the start of his performance. MTV

15. Diddy's tribute to Notorious B.I.G. created a perfect blend of "I'll Be Missing You" and "Every Breath You Take."

Diddy, Sting, and Faith Evans got together in 1997 for an iconic tribute. It may move you to tears. AP Photo/Adam Nadel

14. Eminem showed up to the 2000 VMAs with a bunch of look-alikes.

Eminem singing on stage in a tank top and sweatpants. AP Photo/Suzanne Plunkett

13. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora performed an acoustic version of two of their hits.

Richie Sambora and Bon Jovi singing at the 1989 VMAs. hand90/YouTube

12. Jennifer Lopez took fans through her greatest hits in 2018.

Jennifer Lopez had a few outfit changes in 2018. She glittered in all of them. MTV

11. Madonna tried to up her first performance with an opera-like rendition of "Vogue" at the 1990 VMAs.

Madonna and her dancers perfected some mesmerizing fan work in sync. MTV, Madonna/YouTube

10. Missy Elliott gave a futuristic and visually stunning performance of all her dance-inducing hits at the 2019 VMAs.

Missy Elliott performs onstage during the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019, in Newark, New Jersey. John Shearer/Getty Images

9. Bruce Springsteen gave an emotional performance of "The Rising" in New York City the year after 9/11.

Springsteen at the 2002 VMAs. AP Photo/Stephen Chernin

8. Britney Spears' 2000 VMAs performance was the year the singer shed her school-girl image.

This is one of the most iconic outfits that Britney Spears has ever worn. Scott Gries/Getty Images

7. Beyoncé reveals her first pregnancy during her performance of "Love on Top."

Beyoncé performing "Love on Top" at the 2011 VMAs. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

6. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera's 2003 tribute to Madonna before she popped out of a cake and shared a kiss with both on stage.

It wasn't enough to just see the three women on stage. Madonna made it a moment everyone wouldn't forget. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson

5. Lady Gaga's first VMA appearance ended with her covered in fake blood.

Lady Gaga hangs above the crowd at the 2009 VMAs. AP Photo/Jason DeCrow

4. Michael Jackson danced his heart out at the 1995 VMAs.

Michael Jackson on the VMA stage with Slash. AP Photo/ Bebeto Matthews

3. Britney Spears stole the show when she danced with a snake to "I'm a Slave 4 U."

Britney Spears with a snake at the VMAs. AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser

2. Madonna danced on a cake and rolled around on the ground performing "Like a Virgin" at the first VMAs.

Madonna at the 1984 VMAs. She was wearing a belt with the words "Boy Toy." MTV/VH1, YouTube

1. Beyoncé performed a medley of songs from her album "Lemonade" in a stunning 16-minute set at the 2016 MTV VMAs.

Beyoncé performs onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Kevin Mazur/WireImage

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