#ThrowbackThursday: 7 Mic-Drop Moments From One of Pop Culture's Most Acclaimed Award Ceremonies

In 2019, held at the Prudential Center, the 36th annual ceremony was hosted by comedian Sebastian Maniscalco and featured high-energy performances from artists such as Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Missy Elliott, who accepted the Video Vanguard Award. The event also featured a tribute to New Jersey, with a closing number that featured hometown heroes such as Queen Latifah, Naughty by Nature, and Wyclef Jean. Additionally, the event streamed a pre-taped performance by The Jonas Brothers at Asbury Park. See more: Rating the MTV V.M.A.s: Event Producers Give 2019 Show a B+

In 2018, MTV’s Video Music Awards returned to New York’s Radio City Music Hall—the venue that has been home to the ceremony’s most memorable moments, including Madonna’s performance of “Like a Virgin” at the first show in 1984 and Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift’s speech in 2009, when they last took place at the venue. The 35th edition of the event was highlighted by Jennifer Lopez receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award; a flashy performance by Nicki Minaj at the Oculus; and Madonna’s tribute to Aretha Franklin, which wasn’t necessarily well received by event producers. See more: Rating the MTV V.M.A.s: Event Producers Give 2018 Show a C+

The 34th annual MTV Video Music Awards returned to California in 2017 after a brief stint in New York. As expected, the music event—which took place at the Forum in Inglewood—saw no shortage of buzz-worthy moments. While the world premiere of Taylor Swift's controversial new music video dominated conversations leading up to the show, viewers ended the evening discussing an inspiring speech from Video Vanguard award-winner Pink, emotional calls to action from Susan Bro and Reverend Robert Lee IV, and a memorable light show from Thirty Seconds to Mars. Video-of-the-Year winner Kendrick Lamar lit up the stage—literally—with a performance of his songs "DNA" and "Humble." The set, which kicked off the show, was one of the night's most talked-about moments on social media. See more: Rating the MTV V.M.A.s: Event Producers Give 2017 Show a B+

In 2016, the network and its producers still sought to wow both live and at-home audiences with new elements and stunts. While reviews for this year’s show were mixed-to-negative, experiential marketing efforts from MTV and its sponsors before, during, and after the show implemented daring concepts. The stage at Madison Square Garden had the event’s color themes of black, white, and blue.

Many producers noted that the excitement and flow of the show didn't pick up until after the opening performance and first few segments. Rihanna immersed the crowd as she performed her song "Where Have You Been," as part of the first of her four performances.

Guests could pose for photos in front of a Shepard Fairey-designed backdrop, with a machine that rained confetti for an added effect. See more: 2016 MTV V.M.A.s: How the Event Used Major Brands to Celebrate Artistry

The 2015 MTV VMAs took over the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and with it came an endless amount of eclectic outfits courtesy of host Miley Cyrus, a flashy opening performance by Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift, and a speech from award-show-stealer Kanye West. Despite an appreciation for the stage design and use of a second outdoor stage, event pros felt as though the show’s attempts to score ratings this year came off as unoriginal. According to one producer-reviewer, the set on the main stage was "dramatic, multi-dimensional, and stunning," but the show was missing energy and authenticity. See more: Event Pros Give MTV V.M.A.s a "C+": a More "Forgettable" Award Show