Every year, MTV hosts the Video Music Awards. In the past, there have been classic live performances by the most popular names in music industry. Artists perform hit songs, and they take over the stage making fans in attendance go crazy. Artists have even made fellow peers in attendance energized and excited.

What has made the MTV VMA’s a must see event each year is how a different artist will perform what is most popular. Names such as Drake, Katy Perry, and Rihanna come to mind when you think of the most popular current names in the industry.

These are 10 VMA classic performances that help define each artist, and show the impact they have had during each time period. Music marks time, and each performance defines what music was like in each specific year.

MTV is ready to embark on another VMA award show this year, and hope to translate more classic performances.

[new page= 10. 50 Cent’s 2003 performance]

10. 50 Cent’s 2003 performance

2003 was the year 50 Cent Mania began. His smash hits ‘In Da Club’ and ‘Waksta’ had fans in frenzy at the award show. In that year, 50 Cent won awards for best new artist and best video. His fame was at an all-time high back in those days. Here is the live performance he gave for fans to witness.

[new page= 9. Eminem’s 2002 performance]

9. Eminem’s 2002 performance

During that time period in 2002, Eminem had a hit record called ‘Without Me’, and in the same year he released the song ‘Lose Yourself’. He was also featured in a film called 8 Mile, and ‘Lose Yourself’ was the theme song for it. This live performance shows actress Brittany Murphy the film 8 Mile reciting most of the lyrics to his song ‘Without Me’.

[new page= 8. P. Diddy’s 2002 performance]

P.Diddy’s 2002 performance

During the 2002 VMA’s, Sean Combs aka P.Diddy at the time, brought out famous music names such as Usher, Busta Rhymes, Pharell Williams, and Ginuwine. Combs performed multiple songs that had him featured with the artists he brought on stage for guest appearances. The live spectacle Combs presented was entertaining for fans in attendance.

[new page= 7. Backstreet Boys’ 1998 performance]

7. Backstreet Boys’ 1998 performance

Boy bands were very popular back in the 1990’s. The Backstreet Boys were one of the most popular boy bands of all-time. During this VMA performance, they performed on of there biggest hits ‘Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)’.

[new page= 6. Spice Girls’ 1997 performance]

Back in the 1990’s, the Spice Girls were an extremely popular group that younger fans followed. During the 1997 VMA’s, they performed hit song ‘Say You’ll Be There’. Also, during the VMA’s in 1997 the group won and award for best dance video.

[new page= 5. Justin Timberlake’s 2013 performance]

5 Justin Timberlake’s 2013 performance

Last year, Justin Timberlake released two albums that took the music world by storm. His hit songs included ‘Take Back The Night’ and ‘Suit & Tie’. During this live performance, he blended old and new hits to show fans his full catalog. He surprised fans by bringing out his old partners in crime ‘N Sync.

[new page= 4. Usher’s 2004 performance]

4. Usher’s 2004 performance

During this time period, Usher was one of the biggest names in the record business. He had hit songs called ‘Yeah!’ and ‘Confessions Part ll’. He had the 2004 live crowd going insane as he brought out Lil’ John and Ludacris to perform ‘Yeah!’ for the 2004 VMA’s.

[new page= 3. Britney Spears’ 2001 performance]

3. Britney Spears’ 2001 performance

In 2001, Britney Spears was on top of the world. She was coming off of multi-platinum record sales, and her younger fans adored her. To spice things up in her career, she came out with a song titled ‘I’m A Slave 4 U’. Her performance at the 2001 VMA’s included her with a snake on her shoulders, and it was a message to the world that she wasn’t a little girl anymore.

[new page= 2. Eminem’s 2000 performance]

2. Eminem’s 2000 performance

Eminem in the year 2000 was as controversial as it got in the music industry at the time. His hits ‘The Real Slim Shady’ and ‘The Way I Am’ were chart toping, however he started a lot of issues with boy bands and pop stars of that modern era. Here is his 2000 VMA performance.

[new page= 1. Beyoncé’s 2003 performance]

1. Beyoncé’s 2003 performance

2003 was a breakout year for Beyoncé. Without Destiny’s Child, she shined and became a phenomenal solo act. Her hits included ‘Crazy In Love’ and ‘Baby Boy’. Her boyfriend at the time and now husband Jay-Z came on stage to assist Beyoncé’s live performance.