MTV’s Video Music Awards show is one of the biggest social nights of the year. MTV works hard to make it so, but it’s also thanks in part to the massive stardom at each VMA show, from performance to host to surprise guests.
The 2015 VMAs will air Sunday, Aug. 30, so while we wait for Miley Cyrus to take the stage with some of the biggest names in music, take a moment to relive some spots and moments from each show since the very first in 1984.
2015: Host Miley Cyrus acts out scenes and wild movements thanks to MTV’s green screen campaign, inviting fans to swap out the green screen background for more exciting fare.
2014: Last year’s show reinvigorated its classic branding, “I want my MTV,” with big stars including Taylor Swift.
2013: Cyrus, long before her role as host, starred in one of 2013’s individual artist spots using Beastie Boys’ “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.”
2010: MTV wouldn’t be MTV without Justin Bieber, who starred in 2010’s spot as a much younger self, paying homage to black-and-white movies of old.
1998: Ben Stiller hosted in 1998, teaming up with Marilyn Manson for this promo where the two just can’t agree on wardrobe for the big VMA show.
1989: Only five years into MTV airing the VMAs, 1989 uses classic ‘80s graphics and a fast-paced edit for the year’s big event.
1984: And just for nostalgia’s sake, take one more look at the performance that started it all: Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” during 1984’s Video Music Awards.
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