VMA Winners: Then And Now

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April 10, 2020 10:41AM EDT

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VMA Best New Artist Winners: Then & Now

VMA Best New Artist Winners: Then & Now — MTV’s Video Music Awards, commonly known as the “VMAs”, is a greatly anticipated award show that’s been around since the 80’s. In fact, the very first VMAs was in 1984, where Madonna made an iconic live performance of her mega hit that year, “Like a Virgin”, and rocked a symbolic bustier/wedding gown on stage. It was a huge moment for music history, and ever since the VMAs have been a favorite of all music fans.

Just like the award show itself has evolved, the recipients of the actual Video Music Award certainly have as well. Shown in this photo, recipients of a VMA have ranged from Khalid, to Justin Bieber to Lady Gaga, and all of them have truly come a long way in not only their music over the years, but also as individuals. Click through this gallery for some of the best pics of the VMA-winning artists, and what they’re up to now!

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Khalid

Khalid — Khalid won in 2017, beating out artists like Kodak Black and Noah Cyrus!

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DNCE

DNCE — DNCE burst onto the scene with their infectious hit “Cake By the Ocean” in 2016, beating out Bryson Tiller and more.

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Fifth Harmony

Fifth Harmony — Fifth Harmony is now down one member after Camila Cabello took off with a solo career, but in 2014 they stole the show with “Miss Movin’ On”.

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Austin Mahone

Austin Mahone — In 2013, Austin Mahone was poised to be the next Justin Bieber in 2013 with his hit “What About Love”. He definitely looks much more grown up now!

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One Direction

One Direction — One Direction is no more, but in 2012 they were at the height of their fame. “What Makes You Beautiful” obviously got them their win. Zayne, along with all of the guys, went solo shortly after.

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Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator — In 2011, Tyler, The Creator took home the award for “Yonkers”. His signature cool t-shirt style lives on.

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Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber — It all started for Justin Bieber in 2010, with “Baby”. Look at the difference nearly ten years makes!

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Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga — Lady Gaga became one of the reigning queens of pop in 2009 with “Poker Face”. She continues to look beautiful in all of her unique fashion.

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Tokio Hotel

Tokio Hotel — Tokio Hotel (remember them?) won big with “Ready, Set, Go!” in 2008, and have definitely grown out of that wacky look.

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Avenged Sevenhold

Avenged Sevenhold — Avenged Sevenhold released their hit “Bat Country” in 2006. To this day, they’re still rocking!

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The Killers

The Killers — The Killers came out of their cage and were doing just fine with “Mr. Brightside” in 2005. You know who else is still fine? Brandon Flowers. Damn.

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Maroon 5

Maroon 5 — Maroon 5 wasn’t yet a household name and Adam Levine didn’t have ‘The Voice’ yet in 2004, when the band won for “This Love”. Levine still continues to be one of our favorite heartthrobs!

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50 Cent

50 Cent — Can you believe there was a time when 50 Cent wasn’t a huge star? He came on the scene in 2003 with “Da Club”, and ever since the hit is probably the most played song at everyone’s birthday event!

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Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne — Avril Lavigne is over her ties and studded belt phase from 2002…or maybe her clone is!

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Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys — Alicia Keys enchanted the world with her beautiful voice in 2001, taking home the award for “Fallin”. In later years she definitely upped the sophistication level in her wardorbe!

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Macy Gray

Macy Gray — Not only did Macy Gray wear this iconic dress to the 2000 VMAs, she won for “I Try”. She continues her fashion sense years later with fun accessories!

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Eminem

Eminem — 1999 was all about this new rapper named Eminem and his song “My Name Is”. Two decades later and he remains a hip-hop legend, making pop up performances from time to time.

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Natalie Imbruglia

Natalie Imbruglia — Sweet Natalie Imbruglia broke our hearts in 1998 with “Torn” and won at the VMAs! She’s grown up a lot over the years and the hit has been covered by dozens of artists far and wide.

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Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette — It wasn’t ironic at all that Alanis Morissette won in 1996! Her hit “You Oughta Know” is a classic anthem to belt out driving around in your car. In 2019, Broadway premiered “Jagged Little Pill”, a musical to all of Morissette’s iconic jams.

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Hootie & The Blowfish

Hootie & The Blowfish — Hootie & the Blowfish was all the rage in 1995, so naturally they won for “Hold My Hand”.

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Nirvanna

Nirvanna — Nirvana was one of the biggest bands in the world in 1992, and won for their classic “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Today, Dave Grohl is the frontman of another iconic band, Foo Fighters.

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Jesus Jones

Jesus Jones — The british rock band were the only winners from the UK at the 1991 VMAs, which was a very proud moment for them. Mike Edwards continued to tour solo after the band split, until as late as 2011.

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Michael Penn

Michael Penn — Penn’s 1990 hit “No Myth” won him a VMA, and his signature hairdo surely didn’t fade over the years!

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Living Colour

Living Colour — The fun group won not one, not two, but THREE VMAs for their hit “Cult of Personality” in 1989. Sticking together, they came out with a cover of The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya?” in 2016.

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Guns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses — These rockstars will certainly never die! From 1988-1992, the band won four VMAs for their hits “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child o’ Mine”. They continue to tour today, and fans everywhere can’t get enough of their music!

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Crowded House

Crowded House — Ah, we love a boy band! In 1987, the Aussie group won a VMA for “Best New Artist” for their hit “Don’t Dream It’s Over”. After taking a hiatus in 2016, their lead singer Neil Finn went on to start a solo career.

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A-ha

A-ha — It’s not at all surprising that the band’s 80’s hit “Take On Me” won a whopping SIX VMA’s, and two for their other hit “The Sun Always Shines On TV” in 1986. They continued to do shows for decades beyond.

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