In preparation for Sunday night’s MTV Video Music Awards, we’re looking back at some of the event’s most memorable moments through the years.
Alicia Keys tickles the ivories while serenading the crowd with her angelic voice at the 2007 MTV VMAs.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
It was the kiss seen ‘round the world. Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley’s smooch in 1994 sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
In 1995, the late and great B.I.G. ripped the stage, bringing the show that Bed-Stuy flow—and if you don’t know, now you know.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
Whitney Houston glows as she makes a grand entrance at the 1998 awards, only to find an equally gorgeous Mariah Carey (not pictured) wearing her same dress. Remember that infamous skit?
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
Chris Brown and Rihanna—during happier times—performed together at the 2007 show September 9, 2007, in Vegas.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
We can’t make out who’s presenting the award and who’s receiving it, but nonetheless, Mariah Carey and LL Cool J both look good here at the 1997 VMAs.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
Jay-Z and Beyoncé are “Crazy in Love” as they kill it onstage at the 2003 ceremony.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
Tina Turner shows off her signature legs while performing at the MTV Video Awards in September 1986.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
Mary J. Blige and Dr. Dre reteam to present the Video of the Year award during the 2007 VMAs.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
Rihanna dominates the stage and is the epitome of rocker chic as she sings “Disturbia” at the 2008 show in September 2008 in Los Angeles.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
We might as well have changed the channel after Beyoncé’s performance of “Ring the Alarm” in 2006. She shut it down as usual. We can’t wait to see what she’ll do this year.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
The awards happened to fall on the King of Pop’s birthday back in 2002, and the network asked Britney Spears to present him with a birthday cake. R.I.P., Michael.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
Jamie Foxx and Kanye West bring their swagger center stage during the 2005 ceremony with a performance of “Gold Digger.”
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
Who could forget R. Kelly’s over-the-top performance of his hip-hopera “In the Closet” in 2005? We’re still getting over that joint.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »
Janet Jackson gives her all at the 1993 show. Look for Ms. Jackson to bring when this Sunday with a special tribute to big brother Michael.
Live blog with us Sunday night during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards! Sign up here now! »