17 Awards Show Performances People Still Talk About

This list celebrates the performances that people still bring up years later.

Daisy Montero
October 26, 2025
7 min read

17 Awards Show Performances People Still Talk About — Teddy Yang on Pexels

Awards shows are filled with flashy moments, but some performances rise above and become cultural landmarks. These are the acts that had fans buzzing, critics reacting, and future artists inspired.

1. 1. Michael Jackson at the 1983 Motown 25 Special

Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” performance didn’t just light up the stage; it redefined what a live performance could be. His debut of the moonwalk stunned audiences around the world. It was the perfect blend of style, precision, and showmanship that no one had ever seen before. Even decades later, it remains the gold standard for iconic television moments.

2. 2. Beyoncé’s Pregnancy Reveal at the 2011 MTV VMAs

Beyoncé_Army.mil.jpg: Jennette F. Everett derivative work: Truu (talk) on Wikimedia Commons

Beyoncé’s “Love on Top” started as a flawless vocal showcase and ended as one of the most heartwarming surprises in VMA history. When she revealed her baby bump at the end, the crowd erupted in joy. Cameras captured Jay-Z’s proud reaction as Kanye West celebrated beside him. It turned what could’ve been just another performance into an unforgettable family moment.

3. 3. Prince’s Guitar Solo at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Prince took center stage during the all-star tribute to George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” His solo burned with passion and confidence, leaving legends like Tom Petty in awe. He played with such effortless mastery that it felt like the guitar was a part of him. When he tossed it into the air and it vanished, the moment instantly became pure rock mythology.

4. 4. Madonna at the 1984 MTV VMAs

Madonna rolled onto the stage in a wedding gown and forever changed pop music’s relationship with shock value. Her performance of “Like a Virgin” was both provocative and playful, blending innocence and rebellion perfectly. Audiences didn’t know what to make of it at first, but they couldn’t stop watching. It cemented her reputation as a fearless performer unafraid to push boundaries.

5. 5. Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress Moment at the 2010 MTV VMAs

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Lady Gaga turned heads and sparked debates when she stepped out in a dress made entirely of raw meat. It was part fashion statement, part social commentary, and 100% unforgettable. Her message about self-expression and equality came wrapped in controversy and creativity. To this day, the meat dress remains one of the most discussed red-carpet choices ever.

6. 6. Whitney Houston at the 1991 Super Bowl XXV

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Whitney Houston’s rendition of the national anthem was nothing short of spine-tingling. Her voice soared effortlessly, transforming a patriotic tradition into a spiritual experience. The performance was so powerful that it was later released as a single and topped the charts. It remains the definitive version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” for millions of people.

7. 7. Adele at the 2017 Grammys Restarting Her Tribute

During her tribute to George Michael, Adele stopped mid-song and asked to start again, wanting to honor him perfectly. The moment was raw, honest, and deeply human. Her vulnerability made the performance even more emotional. By the end, the audience gave her a standing ovation not just for her voice, but for her authenticity.

8. 8. Eminem at the 2000 MTV VMAs With Hundreds of Clones

Eminem made an unforgettable entrance surrounded by an army of lookalikes dressed exactly like him. The sight of hundreds of “Slim Shadys” marching into the arena was both surreal and powerful. It was a tongue-in-cheek reminder of his influence on pop culture. The performance remains one of the most memorable visual moments in VMA history.

9. 9. Pink’s Aerial Stunts at the 2010 Grammys

Pink delivered pure artistry when she sang “Glitter in the Air” while suspended high above the crowd. Her acrobatic grace, combined with flawless live vocals, stunned everyone watching. It was more than a performance; it was an emotional spectacle. She proved that pop can be athletic, poetic, and deeply personal all at once.

10. 10. Kanye West and Jay-Z at the 2011 MTV VMAs

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Kanye West and Jay-Z took the stage to perform “Otis,” exuding pure confidence and chemistry. The performance had no flashy props, just raw energy and swagger. Their camaraderie reminded everyone why they were hip-hop royalty. It became a defining snapshot of rap’s dominance at the time.

11. 11. Britney Spears and the Snake at the 2001 MTV VMAs

Britney Spears brought both danger and glamour to the stage when she performed “I’m a Slave 4 U” with a live albino python draped around her shoulders. The crowd gasped as she danced confidently, completely unfazed by the snake. The performance captured her at the height of her pop dominance, blending fearlessness with showbiz flair. It remains one of the most daring and talked-about moments in MTV history.

12. 12. Elton John and Eminem at the 2001 Grammys

When Elton John joined Eminem on stage for “Stan,” jaws dropped around the world. The collaboration came after Eminem faced backlash over homophobic lyrics, and this performance served as a powerful message of unity and understanding. Their chemistry silenced critics and ended in a heartfelt embrace. It turned a moment of controversy into one of the most symbolic performances in Grammy history.

13. 13. Jennifer Lopez’s Green Versace Dress at the 2000 Grammys

Jennifer Lopez didn’t just perform; she made fashion history at the 2000 Grammys. Her flowing green Versace gown became the most-searched image of the night, leading to the creation of Google Images. The dress perfectly matched her radiant stage presence and confident energy. Years later, people still reference that night as the ultimate blend of style and star power.

14. 14. Taylor Swift’s 2009 MTV VMAs Interruption

Taylor Swift’s big win for “You Belong With Me” was interrupted when Kanye West stormed the stage and grabbed the microphone. The moment left both the audience and Taylor in shock as Kanye voiced his now-infamous opinion. It wasn’t planned, but it became one of the most unforgettable live TV moments ever aired. That brief interruption changed both of their careers and remains a pop culture legend.

15. 15. Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke at the 2013 MTV VMAs

Miley Cyrus performing with Robin Thicke on stage on Wikimedia Commons

Miley Cyrus shocked the world when she took the stage alongside Robin Thicke for “Blurred Lines.” Her bold outfit, twerking, and over-the-top energy instantly became a viral sensation. The performance was divisive, sparking debates about pop culture and artistic freedom. Love it or hate it, it’s still remembered as one of the most jaw-dropping moments in VMA history.

16. 16. Nirvana at the 1992 MTV VMAs

Nirvana’s chaotic “Lithium” performance perfectly captured the rebellious heart of grunge. They opened with a few seconds of “Rape Me,” nearly causing MTV to panic live on air. By the end, their instruments were smashed, and feedback rang out through the arena. It was unpredictable, raw, and everything fans loved about the band’s authenticity.

17. 17. Aretha Franklin’s Opera Tribute at the 1998 Grammys

When Luciano Pavarotti canceled at the last minute, Aretha Franklin stepped in to sing “Nessun Dorma.” Her breathtaking performance stunned everyone, blending soul with operatic power. The audience erupted in applause, realizing they had just witnessed something historic. It remains a defining example of pure talent meeting fearless spontaneity.