The MTV Video Music Awards have a well-earned reputation as an occasionally out of control, but always interesting awards celebration. These are 10 of the top moments through the years.
10. 1995 – Courtney Love Disrupts Madonna Interview
Video Still courtesy MTV
First she threw things and then, after being invited up by MTV’s Kurt Loder, Courtney Love took over in inimitable fashion.
9. 1988 – Guns ‘n Roses – “Welcome to the Jungle”
Video Still courtesy MTV
For many years, this performance defined rock at the MTV Video Music Awards. This is the glory that was Guns ‘n Roses.
8. 1990 – MC Hammer – “U Can’t Touch This”
Video Still courtesy MTV
I’m not sure if there have ever been more people onstage in a single performance before or since at the MTV Video Music Awards. Few performers did dance spectacle better than MC Hammer.
7. 1993 – Neil Young and Pearl Jam – “Keep Rockin’ in the Free World”
Video Still courtesy MTV
One of the more serious music moments at the MTV Video Music Awards: two generations rock together in a singularly intense fashion.
6. 1994 – Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley Kiss
Photo by Frank Micelotta / Getty Images
It was really not that big of a surprise to see the newlyweds together, but the kiss was a bit of a shocker. The biggest kiss in MTV Video Music Award history until another pair of kisses almost 10 years later.
5. 2000 – Eminem – “The Real Slim Shady”
Photo by Frank Micelotta / Getty Images
It was a whole sea of Slim Shadys who started out in the open air and then followed Eminem into the theater to take over the stage.
4. 2001 – *NSYNC with Michael Jackson – “Pop”
Photo by Frank Micelotta / Getty Images
What better way to close out a performance of the song “Pop” than with the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Justin Timberlakebeatboxing while MJ dances is a moment to treasure.
3. 2009 – Taylor Swift Wins Best Female Video and Is Interrupted by Kanye West
Photo by Christopher Polk / Getty Images
Everyone was a little surprised that Taylor Swift, country singer, won the award for Best Female Video, but what Kanye West did next was an even bigger surprise.
2. 1992 – Nirvana – “Lithium”
Photo by Frank Micelotta / Getty Images
One of the moments when everything seemed a little out of control. Krist Novoselic tosses his guitar into the air. It lands whacking him in the head and he stumbles offstage. Kurt Cobain starts tearing into the amps and everything descends to chaos.
1. 2003 – Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera
Photo by Scott Gries / Getty Images
