When it comes to the MTV Video Music Awards, what happens on (and off) that stage almost always makes its way into the pop cultural hall of fame.
On Sunday, the show will make its return to New York’s UBS Arena, with rapper LL Cool J hosting the live broadcast.
Over the years, the VMAs have delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in entertainment, from Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera’s infamous three-way kiss to Nicki Minaj calling out Miley Cyrus onstage (Miley, what’s good?).
Beyond headline-making drama, the ceremony is also home to one of the industry’s most coveted honors: the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
This year, Mariah Carey—the best-selling female artist of all time—will receive the award and perform a career-spanning medley of her greatest hits. She joins an elite roster of past honorees including Katy Perry, Shakira, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson and Rihanna (to name a few).
And of course, no VMAs would be complete without the fashion.
One of the most memorable looks that still sparks conversation is Katy Perry and Riff Raff’s recreation of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s all denim look for the 2001 American Music Awards.
In 2014, the “Firework” singer walked the VMAs red carpet in a custom Versace number nearly identical to the one Spears wore in 2001. Perry’s date, rapper Riff Raff, also wore a custom denim suit similar to Timberlake’s. “Just when I thought the denim dress had retired … you bring it back!” Spears tweeted at Perry in 2014. “You looked amazing tonight.”
Nicki Minaj has had her own share of jaw-dropping style statements.
In 2011, the “Anaconda” rapper wore a metallic corset, pink tutu and a chain of stuffed animals, topped off with a whimsical face mask (apparently she got the memo about the pandemic way before the rest of the world). She kept the buzz going in 2014 when, as host, she opted for a more stripped-back look: a gray skirt with an oversized train, chunky combat boots and a sparkly bralette.
As memorable as Minaj and Perry’s moments were, no one dominates the red carpet (or stage) quite like Lady Gaga.
Her 2010 meat dress—designed by Franc Fernandez and aptly titled Matambre—is proof, remaining one of the VMAs’ most unforgettable looks. Even industry icon Cher praised it as “astonishing” and a true piece of “modern art,” though the moment turned even more ironic when Gaga handed the “Believe” singer (a longtime vegetarian) a matching meat purse during the Video of the Year acceptance speech.
The year before, Gaga delivered another headline-making moment in a one-sleeved lace bodysuit designed by Haus of Gaga. During her performance of “Paparazzi,” she shocked audiences by staging an intense bloody finale, cementing the outfit—and the performance—as one of the most iconic in VMA history.
Check out SJ Denim’s full list of the most memorable MTV Video Music Awards looks in the gallery above.