4 of the Most Controversial VMA Performances

If there was ever a time to do something controversial as an artist, it’s the MTV Video Music Awards. The show has boasted some of the flashiest, most brazen, sexually charged, and down right absurd performances in music history. In honor of that tradition, find four of the most controversial VMA performances of all time, below.

4 of the Most Controversial VMA Performances

1. “We Can’t Stop/Blurred Lines” – Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke (2013)

The world was forever changed when Miley Cyrus twerked on Robin Thicke at the 2013 VMAs. Okay…perhaps that’s a little dramatic, but it certainly took the pop star’s career in a diverting directions. Cyrus had been amassing a reputation as a bit of a ne’er-do-well for years leading up to this particular VMAs. However, this performance was the final straw for many viewers that still hoped she would continue in her Disney tradition.

Regardless of how you feel about this Cyrus performance, no one can deny it was a bold move for the star. It was a turning point in Cyrus’ career–one that saw her become an unapologetic artist.

2. “Paparazzi” – Lady Gaga (2009)

We can’t imagine anyone was too terrible shocked that Lady Gaga would do something “out there” in 2009. Nevertheless, she earned a fair amount of gasps from the audience when she performed “Paparazzi” at the VMAs.

During the bridge, Gaga started “bleeding” from her chest. Needless to say, the gory display didn’t play well with everyone. Nowadays, it’s considered one of Gaga’s best performances. It proves she has been an artist with something to say from the earliest days of her career.

[RELATED: Remember When Lady Gaga Gave a Blood-Soaked Performance of “Paparazzi?”]

3. “Like a Virgin” – Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera (2003)

As a nod to Madonna and her integral space in MTV’s history, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera joined the pop icon at the 2003 VMAs. The trio performed “Like a Virgin” and “Hollywood.” In typical Madonna fashion, the performance couldn’t pass without a buzzy moment or two.

The most famous moment from this performance came as the three artists leaned in to kiss one another. It was daring for the time and ultimately goes down as one of the most memorable VMA moments–bar none.

4. “Like a Virgin” – Madonna (1984)

The above performance was an effort to honor Madonna’s VMA legacy. This performance was the moment that started it all. At the first ever VMAs in 1984, Madonna delivered a sexually charged version of “Like a Virgin.”

From writhing around on the floor to the suggestive lyrics, Madonna wasn’t afraid to get a little controversial. We have to view this performance as an inciting incidence that paved the way for many more controversial VMA performances that came after it.

(Photo by Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)