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VMAs' 10 Best Performances Ever
1. Michael Jackson, 1995: Medley
Michael Jackson proved, yet again, just why he's the King of Pop at the '95 show. Not only did he give MTV viewers a 10-minute medley of many of his biggest hits; he did it with on-stage costume changes, Moonwalking, Slash shredding on guitar, dance-fighting, enough crotch-grabbing for the whole of the '90s, and a speech in the middle to boot. Such was the awesome power of the memory of this spectacular MJ performance that Billboard.com was inundated with thousands and thousands and thousands of fans voting for this 16 year old moment.
2. Britney Spears, 2001: "I'm A Slave 4 U"
All sexy and grown-up, Britney busted out in a big way at the 2001 VMAs, channeling the sauna vibe of her "I'm A Slave 4 U" video with a jungle-themed performance. Coincidentally, she also channeled the very un-sexy Jack Hanna, sauntering around with a bright yellow boa constrictor around her neck.
3. Lady Gaga, 2009: "Paparazzi"
In what may be Gaga's best awards show performance (tied with her 2010 Grammy pair-up with Elton John), the Mother Monster riffed on her "Paparazzi" video with a treatment as equally epic. Instead of the video's paralyzing fall, Gaga takes one in the chest, dripping (faux) blood on stage and being strung up from the ceiling. Even for Gaga, this was gasp-worthy.
4. Madonna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera; 2003: "Like A Virgin"/"Hollywood"
The Madonna-Britney kiss! Could we talk about anything else the day after the 2003 VMAs? And poor Christina, the camera cutting away as her and Madge lip-locked. The memorable medley kicked off with Britney and Christina Aguilera paying homage to Madonna's infamous "Like a Virgin" performance at the 1984 VMAs, topped off with Madonna -- dressed as a groom -- performing "Hollywood." But let's be real, the kiss was all that really mattered to the masses.
5. Bon Jovi, 1989: "Livin' On A Prayer"/"Wanted Dead or Alive"
In a performance largely credited with inspiring MTV's massively popular "Unplugged" series, Bon Jovi brought its hair pop-metal down to earth for some acoustic jams. Jon snapped and strummed along with Richie Sambora's double guitar, as the two brought down the house with the band's biggest hits, portrayed this time in a more modest light.
6. Madonna, 1990: "Vogue"
7. Beyoncé, 2009: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
8. Taylor Swift, 2009: "You Belong With Me"
9. Eminem, 2000: "The Real Slim Shady"/"The Way I Am"
10. Rihanna, 2008: "Disturbia"/"Seven Nation Army"
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