Posted 12 minutes agoSubscribe to Taylor Swift NewsletterCaret Down25 Of The Most Painfully Awkward Moments In VMAs History - Including Some So Bad That They Cut The CamerasThe secondhand embarrassment is real.by Leyla MohammedBuzzFeed StaffFacebookPinterestLinkHot Topic🔥 Full coverage and conversation on Taylor Swift It's no secret that the MTV Video Music Awards - which first took place in 1984 - has gifted us some of the most iconic moments in pop culture history. Ahead of the 2025 ceremony on September 7, let's take a stroll down memory lane and remind ourselves of some of the most painfully awkward moments in VMAs history: 1. Nicki Minaj called out Miley Cyrus - who was hosting the show - live on air in 2015 after Miley said that Nicki was "not too kind" for being upset that her song "Anaconda" hadn't been nominated for Video of the Year. "Now, back to... this bitch that had a lot to say about me the other day in the press. Miley, what's good?" she said. Kevin Winter / Getty Images 2. That same year, Miley experienced a pretty awkward wardrobe malfunction. During a backstage segment, Miley was filmed hiding behind a curtain that she held over her body - and when her grip loosened, her bare boob was exposed. MTV 3. Oddly enough, Nicki also experienced a fashion mishap the year prior. While performing "Bang Bang" with Jessie J and Ariana Grande, Nicki expertly held her dress together after it seemingly ripped down the middle. Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images BuzzFeed TrendingHot TopicThink you're Blondie's biggest fan? Put your ~reputation~ to the test.
See our Taylor Swift Discussions 4. In 2013, Miley twerked on Robin Thicke during her infamous performance, leaving everyone shocked - especially the Smiths. Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images MTV 5. When Britney Spears and Madonna famously kissed on stage during their performance with Christina Aguilera in 2003, the cameras panned over to an unimpressed-looking Justin Timberlake (who, of course, broke up with Britney the year prior). Kevin Kane / Getty Images / MTV / Via youtube.com 6. Speaking of Britney, she memorably referred to Michael Jackson as "the artist of the millennium" before presenting him with a birthday cake at the 2002 VMAs, which took place on his birthday. However, Michael awkwardly misunderstood and thought that he was receiving an actual "Artist of the Millennium Award" - which, of course, did not exist. Frank Micelotta Archive / Getty Images 7. Last year, Chappell Roan was filmed seemingly yelling at a photographer to "Shut the fuck up" on the red carpet.
Chappell Roan was told by a #vmas photographer to "shut the f**k up", leading to her response. pic.twitter.com/jXaTfIH7yR- 🏁 (@concertleaks) September 11, 2024 Twitter: @concertleaks 8. So many celebrities have been accused of lip-syncing during their VMAs performances, including Miley in 2020... Miley Cyrus / MTV / Via youtube.com 9. ...
Doja Cat in 2021... Michael Loccisano / Getty Images 10. ...
Anitta in 2022... Kevin Mazur / Getty Images 11. ...
And Shakira in 2023. Mike Coppola / Getty Images 12. Back in 2009, Sasha Baron Cohen, while in his character Bruno, was flying through the venue with his butt cheeks exposed before landing on a very unimpressed Eminem, who left immediately afterwards. Kevin Mazur / Getty Images 13. The same year, Lil Mama stormed on stage and crashed Jay-Z's performance with Alicia Keys - much to Beyoncé's shock. Kevin Mazur / Getty Images 14. In 2005, Fat Joe called out 50 Cent while presenting Missy Elliott with an award. Jason Squires / Getty Images 15. Nicki Minaj butchered Dixie D'Amelio's name while introducing her on stage at the 2022 show. Arturo Holmes / Getty Images 16. Reporter Jamila Mustafa had a very awkward comment when asked if she liked Lil Nas X's look in 2021. Bryan Bedder / Getty Images 17. That same year, Conor McGregor and Machine Gun Kelly got into an altercation on the red carpet. Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images 18. Speaking of MGK, he and Megan Fox did NOT shy away when it came to PDA at the 2021 ceremony. Need I mention the awkward tongue touching? Jamie Mccarthy / Getty Images 19. In 2017, Fifth Harmony memorably shaded ex-band member Camila Cabello during their performance of "Angel." Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images 20. In 2016, Drake professed his love for Rihanna while presenting her with the Video Vanguard Award - and years later, Rihanna admitted that she found the moment "uncomfortable." Kevin Mazur / Getty Images 21. Let's throw it all the way back to the 1995 show, when a very drunk Courtney Love threw her makeup compact at Madonna mid-interview. "Courtney Love is in dire need of attention right now," Madonna awkwardly said. Mitchell Gerber / Getty Images 22. After seemingly mouthing "shut the fuck up" while One Direction were speaking on stage, Taylor Swift made a dig at her ex Harry Styles while accepting the Best Female Video award for her song "I Knew You Were Trouble" in 2013. She said, "This is just awesome. I also want to thank the person who insp