The first VMAs happened in 1984. Ronald Reagan, a former actor, was president. It was held at Radio City Music Hall for the first MTV VMAs. In one of their recent interviews, MTV executives said they found it difficult to get guests to perform on the show since they were just starting out. No one was paying attention to them. Madonna, who was also just starting out at the time but already quickly establishing herself as a radical singer, was approached to open the show. She surprisingly, she agreed, but she has exclusive rights to what she’s going to do on stage.
She decided to open the show in her lace wedding dress singing Like A Virgin. She had a wardrobe malfunction when her dress was pulled down while she performed exposing herself to the entire world. The MTV VMAs unveiled her trophy design, which is an image of Buzz Aldrin saluting the American flag on his first trip to the moon. Michael Jackson took home three of these for Thriller.
Pop music was never the same again.
In 1985, Eddie Murphy hosted the show. This year, more celebs of sorts agreed to perform, including Sting. However, the highlight of the night was the all-star USA for Africa ensemble headlined by Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Bruce Springsteen.
Madonna was involved in two more historical moments. She was being interviewed when Courtney Love started throwing things at her. The last one is her lip lock with Britney Spears and Cristina Aguillera. Britney and Christina took the stage for the first time singing the same song that Madonna sang at the first MTV VMAs, Like A Virgin. They were both girlfriends. Madonna came out as the groom and kissed them both.
Another figure that returns is Michael Jackson. He introduced his girlfriend, Lisa Marie Presley, to the world by opening the VMAs with Lisa Marie in hand. After a saying, “And everyone thought, this won’t last”, he kissed his girlfriend. It was the first time the world saw Michael Jackson kissing a woman in public.
Two more unforgettable moments involved a dress. Lil Kim appeared in a wardrobe that left little to the imagination. A private part is really exposed. This was going to be something duplicated by Howard Stern. She appeared with her butt fully exposed. She even interrupted Metallica’s acceptance speech to show the world and the band an up close and personal encounter. One of those rare moments where Metallica is overshadowed.
Perhaps one of the shocking, strange and funny moments happened recently. Taylor Swift saying, “I’ll let you finish, but Beyoncé made one of the best videos of all time. Of all time.” She has apologized multiple times.
The MTV VMAs remain the most exciting award show that aims to give us a glimpse into the crazy music and celebrity business.
