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Most Shocking VMAs Moments of All Time: See Photos of Kisses, Feuds & More

By:
September 7, 2025 12:00PM EDT
Most Shocking VMAs Moments of All Time: See Photos of Kisses, Feuds & More
WireImage

There’s always something to talk about at the VMAs, and these moments brought the hype more than ever before!

Anything goes at the MTV Video Music Awards! The famous awards show has provided a ton of memorable moments over the years, and we’re looking back at some of the ones that made our jaws really drop. From shade to on-stage kisses and interruptions, just about everything has happened at the VMAs.

Among the most memorable moments was at last year’s show was when Sabrina Carpenter brought all of us to space with her! She made out with one of her dancers who was dressed as an alien, matching the VMAs out-of-this-world theme. Another one was Britney Spears‘ 2001 performance when she danced carrying a live snake on her shoulders.

Keep scrolling through the gallery to see more shocking VMAs moments.

1 of 11

Kanye West Interrupts Taylor Swift In 2009

Kanye West Interrupts Taylor Swift In 2009
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Of course, those who watched the show in 2009 will always remember the moment that Kanye West stormed the stage and interrupted Taylor Swift’s speech for Female Video of the Year. Kanye grabbed the mic from a then 19-year-old Taylor and insisted that Beyonce “had the best video of all-time.” It was a scarring moment for Taylor, who then wrote a song, “Innocent,” about the experience. Kanye and Taylor’s relationship had a lot of ups and downs in the years that followed, and they now have bad blood.

August 26, 2020, 9:52AM
2 of 11

Drake Gives Rihanna The Video Vanguard Award

Drake Gives Rihanna The Video Vanguard Award
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

After months of buzz that Drake and Rihanna were an item, he presented her with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2017 VMAs. However, she didn’t want their relationship to be front and center, so when Drake went in for a kiss onstage, Rihanna totally dissed him! Instead, she gave him a hug in front of everyone. BURN!

August 26, 2020, 9:51AM
3 of 11

Nicki Minaj Calls Out Miley Cyrus

Nicki Minaj Calls Out Miley Cyrus
AP Images

Just days before the 2015 VMAs, Nicki Minaj caught wind that the show’s host, Miley Cyrus, had been dissing her. So, she called her out for it during the show. While presenting during the show, Nicki said, “Miley, what’s good!?” right onstage.

August 26, 2020, 9:59AM
4 of 11

Britney Spears & Madonna Kiss

Britney Spears & Madonna Kiss
ASSOCIATED PRESS

The performance from Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera at the 2003 VMAs will go down in history. Not only was it a trio of pop superstardom, but no one will EVER forget Brit and Madonna’s onstage kiss!

August 26, 2020, 10:01AM
5 of 11

Miley Cyrus Grinding On Robin Thicke

Miley Cyrus Grinding On Robin Thicke
MPNC / AKM-GSI

Miley Cyrus had absolutely no shame when she hit the stage to perform at the 2013 VMAs! She grinded on Robin Thicke while they performed together. After all, this was the same year that she released the video for “Wrecking Ball,” which featured her wearing no clothes!

August 26, 2020, 10:09AM
6 of 11

Britney Spears Performing ‘Gimme More’ In 2007

Britney Spears Performing ‘Gimme More’ In 2007
AP

While many of Britney’s TV performances have been legendary, her set at the 2007 VMAs will be remmebred for a different reason. The performance came after a difficult few years for Brit, which involved her shaving her head and losing custody of her kids. 

August 26, 2020, 10:31AM
7 of 11

Lady Gaga Wearing A Meat Dress

Lady Gaga Wearing A Meat Dress
Associated Press

Lady Gaga literally wore a dress made out of meat when she attended the 2019 Video Music Awards. At the time, Gaga was known for her ecentric style and out-there fashion choices, and she’s definitely toned things down a bit in the years since!

August 26, 2020, 10:42AM
8 of 11

Beyonce Announcing Her Pregnancy

Beyonce Announcing Her Pregnancy
AP

When Beyonce performed at the 2011 Video Music Awards, she confirmed her first pregnancy. Fans were shocked when Bey busted open her sequined jacket and then rubbed her baby bump at the end of her upbeat performance. Her daughter, Blue Ivy, was born just over four months later.

 

August 26, 2020, 10:45AM
9 of 11

Britney Spears Performing With A Snake

Britney Spears Performing With A Snake
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Britney Spears had everyone talking with her performance at the 2001 VMAs. Amidst the height of her career, she iconically danced with a SNAKE onstage. Oh, and her short shorts were definitely a major fashion moment.

August 26, 2020, 10:47AM
10 of 11

Taylor Swift Giving Kanye West the Video Vanguard Award

Taylor Swift Giving Kanye West the Video Vanguard Award
Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

Taylor Swift presented the Video Vanguard Award to Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2015. 

August 26, 2020, 12:09PM
11 of 11

Sabrina Carpenter Kissing an Alien in 2024

Sabrina Carpenter Kissing an Alien in 2024
Billboard via Getty Images

Sabrina Carpenter didn’t need to bring espresso to wake up the audience! She brought her signature style to the stage but raised eyebrows when she kissed her alien backup dancer — showing that maybe humans and aliens don’t have to be enemies like they are in movies.  

September 5, 2025, 4:32PM