Are you ready for the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards? No Yet? Well, here is a complied list of the best VMA performances in the best 10 years. So, this means post Britney/Madonna/Christina kiss, post P.Diddy Hip-Hop extravaganza, post Britney Spears snake performance and post “Dirrty” Christina Aguilera. Instead, It’s the decade of baby bumps, drag, blood, tributes, high flyers and reunions.
While some artist from the past decade like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Usher and P!nk remained in the VMA spotlight, a new collection of artist started to emerge on the VMA stage including Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Miley Cyrus.
The VMAs is where the biggest artist in popular music hit the stage for MTV; it’s a prestige that no performer take for granted as they know it could be their only shot. It’s that awards show that was popularized for its WOW factor. So, who made the list? It’s time to find out. Comment below on what you agree with/don’t agree with and jot down your own top 10 VMA performances.
Image Courtesy of INFphoto.com
[ new page = No.10- Justin Timberlake ]
10. “Medley”- Justin Timberlake - VMAs 2013
2013 was the year of the Timberlake. He had the #1 album of the year with The 20/20 Experience, had the hit singles “Mirrors’ and “Suit & Tie,” was the most nominated artist at 2013 VMAs and walked away with the Moonman for Video of the Year. However, it was this electrifying performance and the nostalgia moment when he brought NSYNC to the stage that was the highlight for him.
[ new page = No.9- Miley Cyrus]
9. “We Can’t Stop/Blurred Lines/ Give It To You” Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar- VMAs 2013
The performance wasn’t that bad. In fact, it wasn’t really bad at all. It had VMAs written all over. Miley was clearly the star of this whole performance. Her energy level was the highest of the night and kept you entertained from start to finish, if you liked it or not.
Miley Cyrus & Robin Thicke Perform - VMA's 2013... by ninamasya
[ new page = No.8- Kelly Clarkson]
8. “Since You’ve Been Gone” Kelly Clarkson- VMAs 2005
Never have the VMAs seen a woman rock the house like Kelly Clarkson did since Alanis Morrisette explosive set of “You Oughta Know” in 1995. Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone” performance had great rock vocals, amazing energy, attitude, crowd interactions and a soaking wet Kelly Clarkson.
[ new page = No.7-Adele]
7. “Someone Like You”- Adele VMAs 2011
Usually its not a safe bet to perform a low-tempo song, but when your Adele it doesn’t matter what type of song you sing on any type of stage. Adele created a VMA moment like no one has ever done before. It was so simple-yet-so deep, unfitting-yet-universal and straight up stunning.
[ new page = No.6- Janet Jackson]
6. “Scream (Michael Jackson Tribute)” Janet Jackson -VMAs 2009
Janet Jackson held nothing back on one of the greatest moments in VMA history. Her fiery voice, knife-sharp dance moves, futuristic dance suit and her dancing along with Michael on the backscreen made this unforgettable. The crowd was loving it and so was Beyoncé; as soon as that beat dropped Bey went off. Haha.
MTV VMA 2009 Michael Jackson tribute from Kun-I Chang on Vimeo.
[ new page = No.5-Lady Gaga]
5. “You and I” Lady Gaga as Jo Calderone Featuring Brian May - VMAs 2011
Lady Gaga proved once again that she is one talented freak of nature. Her male impersonation was ultra-believable and the opening monologue was so well acted. Her performance was enthusiastic and never ran out of momentum, not for one second of her eight-minute set. She did so much in this performance (act, played piano, sing, dance) and excelled in every part. Gaga brought that classic Rock ‘n Roll back to the forefront, along with Rock Legend Brian May.
Lady Gaga - Speech + Yoü And I (as Jo Calderone) Live @ 2011 The MTV VMAs [HD] from LadyGagaTheQueenOfMonsters on Vimeo.
[ new page = P!nk ]
4. “Sober” P!nk- VMAs 2009
In the song, she sings “I’m safe up high” and she went as high as the ceiling, literally. P!nk amazed the crowd with her amazing performance of “Sober.” She performed the whole song up on a trapeze while still singing live. This performance was so original at the time.
[ new page = No.3- Usher]
3. “DJ Got Us Falling In Love/OMG” Usher - VMAs 2010
On a night full of dull performances, Usher shined the brightest by setting the stage on fire with an explosive performance of “DJ Got Us Falling in Love” and “OMG.” Usher proved that he is one of the greatest performers of the generation.
[ new page = No.2- Beyoncé ]
2. “Sweet Dreams/ Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” Beyoncé - VMAs 2009
This year she will be the VMAs Woman of the Hour as she will be performing, she is the most nominated artist of the night and she will be receiving the Video Vanguard Award. However, in 2009 she was just a performer like everyone else, but she turned up like nobody else. Flawless.
[ new page = Greatest VMA Performance in the last 10 years]
1. “Poker Face/Paparazzi” Lady Gaga- VMAs 2009
Lady Gaga lost her VMA virginity in the best way possible, by making every moment count. There were no cheap ‘wows’ or flashy special guests, it was just Gaga and her creative mind. Theatrics, an appropiae set, killer vocals, perfect dance moves, a piano and blood, lots and lots of blood. By the time she hit the stage she had already achieved a platinum album and four hit singles, but it was that night that a star was born.