The MTV Video Music Awards have always been a showcase of unpredictable and daring moments. It all started in 1984 when Madonna set the tone with a provocative performance of ‘Like a Virgin,’ where she donned a white wedding dress and sensually rolled around the stage—a move that was considered both shocking and scandalous at the time. Nineteen years later, Madonna was back in the spotlight, this time sharing an iconic and controversial kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Madonna isn’t the only one to push boundaries at the MTV VMAs; each year outdoes the next – that is what keeps viewers on their toes. As we gear up for this year’s show on September 12, we’ve rounded up some of the most unforgettable moments in the event’s history.

Lady Gaga wears a meat dress in 2010

Madonna’s performance of ‘Like a Virgin’ in 1984 while rolling on stage and wearing a ‘boy-toy’ belt – it’s what made the VMA’s must see TV!

Madonna strikes again! Her 1990 performance of Vogue dressed as Marie Antoinette 

In 2009, Lil Mama jumped on stage while Alicia Keys and Jay Z were performing

Madonna and Courtney Love’s shady encounter at the 1995 VMA’s. Love threw makeup compacts at Madonna

Britney Spears premiered her song ‘I’m a Slave 4 U’ in 2001 while performing with a python on her shoulders 

Beyoncé that she was pregnant with her first child (Blue Ivy) in 2011 while performing Love on Top

In 2009, Shakira and P!nk showed up wearing the same dress!

Brandy and Monica performed ‘The Boy Is Mine’ in 1998 – but only after Monica had slapped Brandy backstage

The queen of the VMA’s Britney Spears’ 1999 performance was one for pop culture history books

Lil Kim’s 1999 outfit is so iconic it’s still serves as Halloween inspo for celebrities 

Lady Gaga bleeds on stage when she performs ‘Paparazzi’ in 2009

In 1993, Snoop Dogg attended the VMA’s while he was wanted by the police, he turned himself in after the ceremony 

Michael Jackson’s 1995 VMA performance 

Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley share a kiss on stage 

In 2006, Lil’ Kim used the VMAs as her first public appearance after finishing her year long jail sentence

Christina Aguilera presents an award to Eminem while they were beefing

Can the real Slim Shady please stand up? Eminem performs with clones of himself

Miley Cyrus’s 2013 performance – we all remember where we were

Miley, what’s good? – Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus have a confrontation on stage at the 2015 VMA’s

Michael Jackson’s surprise appearance during NSYNC’s performance in 2001

Beyoné’s 2016 Lemonade medley

Janet Jackson’s tribute to her beloved brother Michael Jackson at the 2009 VMA’s

Imma let you finish but…remember when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s speech in 2009 got booed off stage

Beyoncé let’s Taylor Swift finish her speech after Kanye’s incident 

Kelly Clarkson performing ‘Since U Been Gone’ while rain poured inside the venue 

Last but certainly not the least – Madonna shares a kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on stage mid-performance