This year’s MTV Video Music Awards nominees are hoping to bring home the bacon.
But over the years, no celebrity took the concept more literally than Lady Gaga, who famously showed up to award show in 2010 donning meat from head to toe.
Indeed, 15 years ago the “Abracadabra” singer turned heads in a dress made of actual meat. Lady Gaga styled the look with black fishnet tights, a white and turquoise colored wig and both shoes and a hat comprised of—you guessed it—meat.
And while perhaps no singular look has cooked up as much chatter over the years, the annual MTV award show has often become the time for celebrities to take fashion risks.
Take, for instance, Doja Cat‘s look for the pink carpet at the 2023 ceremony. For the occasion, the “Woman” singer worse a dress consisting of white, webbed material. The spider-like look left very little to the imagination, with Doja freeing the nipple and then some at the award show.
The VMAs’ tradition of out-there fashion, however, goes back beyond the 21st century. In 1984, Madonna donned what has become one of her most iconic looks: a lacy, white bustier dress with a tulle skirt covered in white hearts. In addition to elbow-length lace gloves, dramatic star earrings and a plethora of necklaces, the then-26-year-old finished off her look with a belt reading the words, “Boy Toy.”
And this year’s nominees and performers are sure to live up to expectations. Leading this year’s pack of hopefuls are Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar and Rosé, while Sabrina Carpenter, Alex Warren and J Balvin are among those confirmed to be taking to the stage to perform.
But while fans will need to wait until Sept. 7 to see just what this year’s slate of attendees will wear for the occasion, there is plenty of fashion to look back at. For more of the riskiest looks to ever hit the MTV VMAs carpet, read on.
Lady Gaga
Ahh the meat dress. Who could forget this wild moment from the 2010 VMAs? (The answer is no one.)
Doja Cat
The “Paint the Town Red” rapper freed the nipple in a web-inspired gown by Monse at the 2023 ceremony.
Britney Spears
At the 2002 show, the “Stronger” singer said goodbye to the frilly, girly and glitzy gowns she was then-known for, shocking the crowd with an edgy halter dress, lace-up heels, gloves and captain hat.
Nicki Minaj
The “Starships” emcee arrived at the 2011 show in this larger-than-life ensemble—the remnants of stuffed animals lined her legs, people.
Pink
Raise your glass to this fierce lewk. Not one for following trends, the singer graced the 2000 red carpet with vibrant pink spikey hair, low-rise jeans, a gold sequins halter top and bold coat.
Megan Fox
The Jennifer’s Body actress bared her own bod in a nearly-naked look at the 2021 ceremony.
Lil Kim
Back in 1998, the rapper gave new meaning to color coordination. Her wig, jumpsuit, pasties and lipstick all matched, making this lilac look instantly iconic.
Lil Nas X
The “Montero” rapper had everyone calling him by his name when he showed up at the 2022 ceremony in a massive feathered skirt and matching headpiece by Harris Reed.
Madonna
Vogue! The pop star struck a pose at the 1984 awards ceremony in her iconic white-hot dress, lace gloves and statement jewelry pieces.
Miley Cyrus
The Disney Channel alum came in like a wrecking ball in 2015, letting it all hang out in this bedazzled chrome number.
Amber Rose
Rawr: In 2018, the model accessorized her bondage-inspired, red latex bodysuit with a cat mask and whip, of course.
Christina Aguilera
In 2002, the “Dirrty” singer’s Y2K uniform pretty much consisted of this always—barely-there mini skirts, scarves as tops and page boy-esque hats.
Diplo
One word: Yeehaw! The DJ surprised fans and viewers at the 2019 event with his wildly colorful get-up. From his patterned suit to the matching cowboy hat and flashy belt buckle, this was an unforgettable red carpet moment.
Gwen Stefani
The No Doubt frontwoman’s iconic 1998 style will forever be admired, including this get-up. The blue hair, matching bikini top, face jewelry and hula-hoop skirt paired with pants truly embodied the “more is more” approach.
Tinashe
Is somebody gonna match her freak? The “Nasty” singer bared almost all during the 2023 ceremony.
Justina Valentine
A fashion statement, literally. The “Candy Land” rapper had an important message to share as she walked the red carpet in a rainbow-colored jumpsuit.
Jennifer Lopez
The same year J.Lo wore her legendary green Versace dress, she also rocked this all-white ensemble to the 2000 MTV VMAs. From the bedazzled bandana to the glitzy Sean John crop top, this was the epitome of the early aughts.
Cindy Crawford
The Versace design that dropped jaws and turned heads. The supermodel sizzled at the 1992 ceremony with this dominatrix-esque dress.
Katy Perry
The “Fireworks” singer brought the glitz and the glamour to the 2008 ceremony. However, she kept her ensemble playful and flirty with purple heels, a feathered accessory, a diamond hairpiece and a patriotic purse.
Destiny’s Child
Triple threat! The trio mixed dazzling with daring at the 2000 show. From the bedazzled bustiers to the latex leather bottoms, Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams stunned in these uniquely designed outfits.
Ava Max
Bam! The “Sweet But Psycho” singer was a force on the 2019 red carpet with her superhero-inspired ensemble.
Sky Days
The Black Ink Crew star wasn’t afraid to show some skin in 2018 with her sparkly pasties, which perfectly matched her glitzy suit.
Bebe Rexha
The “I’m Gonna Show You Crazy” singer wasn’t horsing around at the 2023 ceremony, showing up in a black gown that featured a long tail and butt cheek cutouts.
Baddie Winkle
Channeling her best Britney Spears in “Toxic,” the influencer’s 2016 red carpet outfit packed major personality.
Rose McGowan
Before Rihanna hit the CFDA Awards in 2014, there was the Charmed actress at the 1998 MTV VMAs in this see-through number.
Rita Ora
She never lets us down! Arriving on the red carpet in 2018, the singer left little to the imagination with this sheer gown.
Bella Hadid
The supermodel left the typical dress at home, and instead, opted for something fun, flirty and fierce in 2019.
Macy Gray
Back in 2001, Instagram wasn’t yet a thing, so Macy took it upon herself to throw in some shameless self-promotion.
Jessie J
We applaud the singer’s determination to not let her injury get in the way of a fabulous outfit in 2011.
Amber Rose & Blac Chyna
Twins! Leave it to stars to make a serious statement on the 2015 red carpet.
