The MTV VMAs celebrates its 38th year in 2022. Check out this year’s nominees, and revisit some iconic moments.
The 38th annual MTV VMAs just took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., and was hosted by Nicki Minaj, Jack Harlow and LL Cool J. This year’s star-studded list of nominees included the likes of Doja Cat, Harry Styles and Jack Harlow, who led the pack with eight nominations each. Trailing closely behind with seven nominations were Kendrick Lamar and Lil Nas X. Up next were Billie Eilish and Drake, with six respectively.
Also joining the ranks of multi-nominees were Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, BTS, Dua Lipa and the Weeknd. Additionally, special honours were granted to Nicki Minaj and the Red Hot Chili Peppers during the night, with the chart-topping rapper receiving the renowned Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and the American rock collective receiving the Global Icon Award.
As the MTV Video Music Awards celebrates its 38th year, let’s look back at three of the most iconic moments from the annual ceremony’s past.
#1 – RuPaul & Milton Berle’s altercation (1993)
Following Milton Berle’s reported mistreatment of RuPaul behind the scenes, the pair took the stage for their TV appearance at the 1993 awards. In that moment, the renowned actor and comedian grabbed RuPaul’s breasts and referred to the iconic drag queen and TV star as a “she-he” (yikes!)
The two proceeded to have a heated argument in front of the live audience and camera crew, with RuPaul later informing press backstage that he was unimpressed about being paired with Berle in the first place, and that “a lot of the bad jokes were scripted by Uncle Milty.” Watch the unforgettable moment unfold below.
#2 – Britney Spears & Madonna Kiss (2003)
After performing a rendition of Madonna’s Like Like A Virgin together, the two stars shared a steamy on-screen kiss at the 2003 awards that made MTV history. Later that same year, the iconic moment was teased in Britney’s music video for their collaborative hit single, Me Against the Music. Watch the kiss that blew the audience away below.
#3 – Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift (2009)
As Taylor Swift was in the midst of her acceptance speech for being the Best Female Video award recipient, a very passionate and deeply out-of-line Kanye West jumped on stage and stole her moment of glory. Grabbing her mic, the rapper and business mogul yelled, “Imma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all-time!”
This, of course, left both the audience and Taylor completely shell-shocked. See the bizarre moment go down below.
