Since its beginning in 1984, the MTV Video Music Awards have been a reliable source for classic, sometimes crazy, moments from the biggest names in pop music.
Tonight, the show takes Manhattan for its latest night of surprises.
But first, from Madonna’s wedding dress to Britney’s big comeback, Access Hollywood has tallied up 10 of the ceremony’s most memorable moments through the years.
10. Andrew Dice Clay’s Foul Mouth
Comedian Andrew Dice Clay earned a lifetime ban from MTV in 1989, when he revealed a too-foul-for-TV mouth on the awards show.
9. Lil’ Kim’s Little Outfit
Lil’ Kim made a splash at the 1999 awards when she wore an outfit that left one of her breasts exposed, covered only be a small piece of fabric over her nipple. When she took the stage with Mary J. Blige and Diana Ross to present, the legendary former Surpremes singer jiggled Lil’ Kim’s breast.
8. Howard Stern’s “Fartman”
Radio shock jock Howard Stern may be a hero to his listeners, but he appeared as a real-life action figure at the 1992 VMAs, dressed up as “Fartman” – a costume that revealed his backside. He got up close and personal with Metallica, lowering from the rafters to interrupt the band’s acceptance speech.
7. Fiona Apple Calls ‘Bulls**t’:
Newcomer Fiona Apple surprised fans in 1997, when she took the stage to accept the award for Best New Artist Video. “This world is bull***t,” she told the crowd, then quoting Maya Angelou to say, “Go with yourself.”
6. Krist Novoselic’s Bass Blunder
During a performance at the 1992 awards, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic threw his bass into the air in a rock ‘n’ roll move – only to have it come crashing down on his head. Still conscious, but a bit wobbly, he then stumbled off the stage.
5. Michael Jackson’s *NSYNC Surprise:
Michael Jackson wowed the crowd in 2001, when he took the stage with *NSYNC for a surprise performance during the boy band’s song, “Pop.” The King of Pop showcased a number of his signature dance moves as *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake beat-boxed.
4. Michael Jackson & Lisa Marie Presley’s Kiss
In 1994, Michael Jackson made an appearance with then-wife Lisa Marie Presley – and put rumors about their marriage to rest by kissing her on stage.
3. Madonna’s Sexy “Virgin”
The first-ever Video Music Awards got off to a hot start in 1984, when Madonna took the stage in a wedding dress and bustier ensemble to perform “Like a Virgin,” shocking the audience when she began rolling around the stage.
2. Britney & Madonna’s Kiss
Madonna had one of her many memorable moments at the VMAs in 2003 when she was joined by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to perform a medley of “Like a Virgin” and “Hollywood.” But instead of dressing as a bride, Madonna was a groom – and stopped during the song to lock lips with both Britney and Christina.
1. Britney’s Bomb — And Her Comeback
In 2007, just months before being forcibly taken to the hospital under a 5150 psychiatric hold, Britney reached a low point at the VMAs with a disappointing performance of “Gimme More.” Struggling with her dance moves and her lip-syncing, it was a far cry from her best VMA moments – but just a year later, a re-energized Britney took home her first Moonmen awards ever at the 2008 ceremony, including Video of the Year.
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