Entertainmentwise takes a look back over 25 years of funny, controversial and cringeworthy moments at the MTV Video Music Awards. Our countdown features Kanye West, Eminem and Diana Ross, plus multiple appearances from Madonna, Britney Spears and Michael Jackson.
10. Nirvana’s Performance of Lithium Ends in Tears (1992)
Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic tops off a blinding performance of Lithium by chucking his bass in the air…and then knocking himself out when it lands on his head. Priceless.
9. Diana Ross Feels up Lil Kim (1999)
An excitable Diana Ross is so pleased to see Lil Kim that she can’t resist giving her partially-exposed boob a little friendly jiggle.
8. Madonna's Unchaste Performance of Like a Virgin (1984)
Where it all started. Madge humps the floor and flashes her knickers during a provocative performance of Like a Virgin at the very first ever VMAs. Some things never change (see number 2.).
7. Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie’s Awkward Smooch (1994)
Michael Jackson and then wife Lisa Marie Presley probably do little to convince anyone that their relationship is the real deal with this choreographed kiss.
6. Kid Rock and Tommy Lee Come to Blows (2007)
Pamela Anderson’s exes scrap it out over who is the biggest douche. Probably.
5. Britney Spears' Disastrous Comeback (2007)
Britney Spears’ stilted performance of ‘comeback’ single Gimme More only succeeded in showing that her meltdown was on-going. Painful.
4. Eminem is the Butt of Bruno’s Joke (2009)
Eminem stormed out after Bruno’s bare behind landed in his face from above, but it later turned out he was in on the joke.
3. Michael Jackson Accepts Imaginary Artist of the Millennium Award (2002)
Michael Jackson becomes confused during a celebration of his birthday (which happened to fall on the same day as the ceremony that year) and starts thanking people for an ‘Artist of the Millennium’ award he hasn’t been given.
2. Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera Pucker Up (2003)
The real star of this faux-lesbian performance is Justin Timberlake’s nonplussed face as he watches his ex-girlfriend get it on with Madge and Xtina.
1. Kanye West Hijack’s Taylor Swift’s Acceptance Speech (2009)
What else? Kanye West faced the mother-of-all backlashes when he interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech with the now immortal lines: “I'm really happy for you and I'ma Let you finish, but Beyonce has one of the best videos of all time!” How rude.
2010 MTV VMAs
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