Originally posted on BuzzFeed.com
In the midst of one of the craziest award shows of the year, let’s remember the greats.
1. Britney Spears – “I’m A Slave 4 U,” 2001 VMAs
A true goddess walked among us that day, and still walks among us today. We were blessed with this snake performance, and the world WILL NEVER FORGET.
2. Justin Timberlake – Vanguard Award Performance, 2013
In a single moment, the entire world collectively sobbed at the glorious reunion of NSYNC. And JT was serving dance moves for days.
3. Mariah Carey – “Shake It Off” / “We Belong Together,” 2005
Anthems of the year and the century, TBH.
4. Beyoncé – “Ring The Alarm,” 2006
Beyoncé *literally* fights the police in this performance. She gave tooth and nail to serve you desperate housewife realness.
5. Guns N’ Roses featuring Elton John – “November Rain,” 1992
OK honestly just look at this collaboration. HONESTLY.
6. Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi,” 2009
Classic Gaga at her best. The voice, the costumes, the blood dripping from her eyes. EVERYTHING.
7. Shakira – “Hips Don’t Lie,” 2006
The hips that launched a thousand ships and a thousand memes.
8. Britney Spears and NSYNC – “Baby One More Time” / “Tearin’ Up My Heart,” 1999
This changed us all in a matter of minutes. Serving metallic pants, killer hair, and boy band outfits, Britney and the boys destroyed lives with this performance.
9. Drake – “Hold On, We’re Going Home” / “Started From the Bottom,” 2013
Admit it, you cried from enjoyment and sexual frustration. YAAAS, AUBREY.
10. Christina Aguilera – “Come On Over” / “Livin’ It Up,” 2000
The purple tips, the dance break, and Fred Durst? This is so ’00s it hurts. It hurts sooooo good.
11. Pussycat Dolls – “When I Grow Up,” 2008
The day thousands of us went “Ohhhh, those lyrics are, ‘I wanna have groupies.’”
12. Beyoncé – Vanguard Award Performance, 2014
Beyoncé served her whole album in 15 minutes and reminded people there can only be one Queen Bey.
13. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora – “Livin’ On A Prayer” / “Wanted Dead Or Alive, 1989
This is the epitome of rock and roll.
14. Sisqo – “Thong Song,” 2000
Petition for this song to be awarded “Song of the Millenium,” anyone?
15. Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind,” 2009
A whole new generation of wannabe New Yorkers came from this performance.
16. R. Kelly – “Trapped in the Closet,” 2005
This. Is. So. Important. R. Kelly does things his own way, and rocked thousands of people in one night.
17. Missy Elliot ft. Nelly Furtado, Ludacris, and Trina – “Get Ur Freak On,” 2001
The camouflage suit says it all.
18. Kanye West – “Love Lockdown,” 2008
Who doesn’t remember screaming this at the top of their lungs?
19. Coldplay – “The Scientist,” 2003
JT’s introduction says it all: one of the greatest bands in the world.
21. Run-D.M.C. ft. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry – “Walk This Way,” 1987
Why don’t we talk about this more? Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith? This is more than classic.
22. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz – “Get Low,” 2003
If anything were to describe middle school dances, it would be this performance.
23. Green Day – “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” 2005
This opening number choice was pure fire. A+, VMA people.
24. Kelly Clarkson – “Since U Been Gone,” 2005
Baby Kelly Clarkson is everything and the outfit is everything we still aspire for.
25. Fergie – “London Bridge,” 2006
Fergie changed the music scene with this song. Iconic times infinity.
Good Music. Good Life. 