Unpacking the MTV Video Music Awards

How an award show influenced American culture.

by DESJAH ALTVATER ★ SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

The MTV Video Music Awards, also known as the VMAs, is an annual award show highlighting the best in music to date. Synonymous with innovation, the VMAs have challenged the status quo with memorable performances, unforgettable fashion moments, and more. Thanks to its extraordinary nature, the VMAs have often been called the “Super Bowl for youth,” an acknowledgment of the ceremony’s ability to draw millions of youth from teens to 20-somethings each year. Regardless of how old you are, you cannot deny the influence of this award show on pop culture.

Let’s take a look back on the show’s history, most memorable fashion moments and performances, and the change it brought to American culture.

Credit: Pinterest

Origins:

The MTV Video Music Awards is an annual award show presented by MTV to honor the best in the music video medium. Originally conceived as an alternative to the Grammy Awards, the first VMA ceremony aired in 1984 at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. Opening with Madonna’s scandalous performance of “Like A Virgin,” in a lacy bridal gown as she moans out her lyrics, the show sets a precedent for what to expect each year. The statue given to winners is an astronaut on the moon, one of the earliest representations of MTV, and was colloquially called a “moonman,” though, in 2017, it was changed to “moon person.” David Bowie, The Beatles, and director Richard Lester were rewarded with the first-ever Video Vanguard Award for their work in pioneering the music video medium. However, at the 1988 Video Music Awards, Michael Jackson appeared for the first time and was awarded the Video Vanguard Award, which was later renamed in his honor.

Credit: People

Racial bias:

Credit: E! Online

The VMAs have been historically biased against Black artists since it first aired in 1984. Due to such discriminatory practices, artists have boycotted the annual show and even stormed the stage. According to The Fader, the first 11 Video of the Year awards were won by white artists, including Michael Jackson’s legendary “Thriller” losing to “You Might Think” By The Cars during the 1984 show. It wasn’t until 1995 when TLC’s big win with “Waterfalls” broke the all-white run. Genres dominated by Black artists, such as R&B and Rap, did not gain “Best Video” categories until years later, specifically 1989 for Rap and 1993 for R&B. The article further mentions that significant changes have not been made, which explains why not a single black artist won a televised award during the 2013 awards. 

Fashion moments:

Calling the VMAs red carpet stylish would be an understatement. Each year artists and attending celebrities compete with bringing the best, most trendy looks. It may not be the Paris Fashion Week, but in its nearly four-decade history, the MTV carpet has seen it all. From crazy cut-out dresses, bikini tops, matching looks, and even meat dresses - let’s look at some of the most iconic fashion moments in VMA history. 

Mariah Carey’s chic black two piece at the 1997 VMAs:

Credit: Wonderwall

Lil Kim’s one-shouldered jumpsuit and sequin nipple pasties at the 1999 VMAs:

Credit: Harper’s Bazaar

Lady Gaga’s interesting meat dress and matching shoes at the 2010 VMAs:

Credit: Harper’s Bazaar

Aaliyah’s bold yellow zebra printed thigh slit dress:

Credit: Pinterest

Scandals:

What would an award show be without any scandalous moments, am I right? Here are some of the most jaw-dropping moments of the VMAs.

“Miley, What’s Good?” at the 2015 VMAs:

Credit: Dazed

Miley Cyrus twerkin’ like her life depended on it at the 2013 VMAs:

Credit: The Guardian

“Now Taylor, I’m really happy for you, and imma let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!” at the 2009 VMAs:

Credit: Billboard

The Britney-Madonna-Christina kiss:

Credit: MTV

Best performances:

While the VMAs have differed each year since it began, one thing that hasn’t changed is the opportunity for show-stopping and iconic performances. From animals, kissing, to dramatic plot lines, the VMAs undeniably motivate artists to bring their A-game. According to Slant Magazine, here are some of the most iconic VMA performances. 

Lady Gaga’s 2009 performance of “Paparazzi”:

Credit: PopSugar

Michael Jackson’s HIStory Medley at the 1995 VMAs:

Credit: Rolling Stone

Britney Spears’ 2003 performance of “I’m A Slave 4 U”:

Credit: Rolling Stone

Beyonce’s 2009 performance of “Single Ladies”:

Credit: Billboard

From technical difficulties, uncanny moments, and trophy snubs, the MTV VMAs have built a mixed relationship with its audience. Though some believe that the ceremony is less prestigious than The Grammy Awards or irrelevant in today’s music climate, it would be foolish to diminish its relevance throughout recent history. From fashion, performance, music, social engagement, and scandal, all features have reflected the times and influenced every aspect of American pop culture.