Some of the most interesting MTV Video Music Awards moments over the years have included Miley Cyrus, and here’s hoping 2020 won’t be any different. Although her twerked-out rendition of “We Can’t Stop” is a tough act to follow, from the looks of her “Midnight Sky” music video, it may just get topped. In preparation of her performance on Aug. 30, we thought it was time to take a look back at some of the times she was just being Miley – or rather, her best moments at the VMAs.
Related: Miley Cyrus's "Midnight Sky" Seems to Chronologize Her Most Publicized Romances
2008: Taylor Swift Interviewed Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry
On behalf of MTV, Taylor interviewed both Miley and Katy. All three were nominated for best new artist.
2008: Miley Cyrus Was Nominated For Best New Artist
Miley attended the show with her mom, Tish, that year, although she lost out on the award to Tokio Hotel.
2008: Miley Cyrus Lost Best New Artist to Tokio Hotel
Although Miley lost out to Tokio Hotel for best new artist, she posed for a picture with the group backstage.
2011: Miley Cyrus Debuted a More Grown-Up Look
The singer arrived to the VMAs wearing Roberto Cavalli, and the dress earned her a place on Rolling Stone‘s best-dressed list.
2011: Miley Cyrus and Shaun White Presented Best Rock Video
Miley wasn’t nominated for any awards that evening. Instead, she and Shaun presented the best rock video award to Foo Fighters for “Walk.”
2012: Miley Cyrus Debuted a New Look With Her Platinum Pixie Cut
She attended the show with her sister, Brandi Cyrus. Like in 2011, she wasn’t nominated.
2012: Miley Cyrus and Mac Miller Introduced Pink's Performance
The pair introduced Pink’s mashup performance of “Get the Party Started” and “Blow Me (One Last Kiss).”
2013: Miley Cyrus Posed on the Red Carpet With Mike Will Made It
Mike Will Made It is the producer of Miley’s song “We Can’t Stop,” which was nominated for best female video, best pop video, best editing, and song of the summer that year.
2013: Miley Cyrus Performed "We Can't Stop"
Now known as the “twerk heard round the world,” Miley’s performance of “We Can’t Stop” was seen as a departure from her Disney days. She performed in a bear-themed one-piece surrounded by some trippy teddy bears.
2013: Miley Cyrus Joined Robin Thicke on Stage For "Blurred Lines"
After her performance of “We Can’t Stop,” she stripped down to a latex two-piece and twerked on Robin Thicke as he performed “Blurred Lines.” She later told MTV that she “doesn’t pay attention to the negative” and both she and Robin knew they were going to make history with the performance.
2014: Miley Cyrus Posed on the Red Carpet With Snoop Dogg
Miley stopped to pose with Snoop Dogg. She was featured on his 2013 song “Ashtrays and Heartbreaks.”
2014: Miley Cyrus Sat With Sam Smith
Miley took a moment for a picture with Sam, who was nominated that evening for best male video and artist to watch for “Stay With Me.” He also performed the song during the ceremony.
2014: Miley Cyrus Was Kissed by Ariana Grande
The pair shared this absolutely adorable moment, with Miley winning video of the year and Ariana winning best pop video.
2014: Jesse Helt Accepted Miley Cyrus's Video of the Year Award
Miley had Jesse, who was homeless at the time, accept the award on her behalf. During his speech, he explained how people watching could donate to My Friend’s Place, a homeless shelter in Los Angeles.
2014: Miley Cyrus Posed Backstage With Her Video of the Year Award
Miley won the award for “Wrecking Ball.”
2015: Miley Cyrus Arrived in Style
She wore a custom Versace silver harness-like top and skirt as she arrived at the 2015 awards.
2015: Miley Cyrus Posed With Her Family Before the Show
Miley couldn’t pass up a moment with her family, posing with Tish Cyrus, Braison Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Brandi Cyrus.
2015: Miley Cyrus Started the Show Off in Sequins
She wore a jumpsuit by The Blonds.
2015: Miley Cyrus Reacted to Nicki Minaj's Call-Out
After Nicki won best hip-hop video, she turned to Miley and said, “Back to this b*tch that had a lot to say about me the other day in the press. Miley, what’s good?” To which Miley responded, “Nicki, congratu-f*cking-lations.”
2015: Miley Cyrus Was Essentially a Walking Rainbow
She dared to be square in a piece by Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada.
2015: Miley Cyrus Was Totally Tinselfied
At one point during the show, Miley described the VMAs red carpet as “Christmas in August,” so it was only fitting she wore a custom Prada tinsel jacket.
2015: Miley Cyrus Took Futuristic to a New Level
Miley’s Fifth Element-esque vinyl dress was by Mamadoux.
2015: Miley Cyrus's Daring Dotted Dress Stole the Spotlight
Much like her red carpet look, Miley’s dotted ensemble was custom Versace.
2015: Miley Cyrus Was Pretty in Pink
Miley showed her love for Versace during her hosting gig, wearing a pink bra and metallic pink tuxedo pants from the brand.
2015: Miley Cyrus Came in Like a Disco Ball
Switching things up from Versace, Miley changed into a full-mirror look designed by Prada.
2015: Miley Performed "Dooo It!"
Miley’s performance was introduced by members of the Happy Hippie Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Miley that fights injustice facing homeless youth, LGBTQ+ youth, and other vulnerable populations. During her performance, she was supported by famous drag performers wearing custom BCalla.
2015: Miley Posed Backstage With Drag Performers
Miley’s “Dooo It!” performance wouldn’t have been complete without backup from Alexis Mateo, Alyssa Edwards, Amazon Ashley, Barbie’s Addiction, Cake Moss, Carmen Carrera, Courtney Act, Cupcake Canne, Delta Work, Gia Gunn, Jaidynn Diore Fierce, Jasmine Masters, Jessica Wild, Jiggly Caliente, Laganja Estranja, Mariah Paris Balenciaga, Melissa Befierce, Miss Fame, Monica Beverly Hillz, Pandora Boxx, Pearl, Porkchop, Shangela, Sonique, Tammie Brown, Trinity K. Bonet, Violet Chachki, Vivacious, Vivienne Pinay, and Willam.
2015: Miley Cyrus Posed Backstage With a Moonman
The 2015 award was designed by Jeremy Scott and would be renamed to “Moon Person” in 2017. The singer hosted the 2015 awards and wasn’t nominated.
2017: Miley Cyrus Performed "Younger Now"
Although nominated for “Malibu,” Miley performed “Younger Now” alongside older couples reliving their younger days in a nod to her music video.
2017: Miley Cyrus Was a Rockabilly Fantasy
During her performance of “Younger Now,” Miley ditched her poodle skirt in favor of a cute pinup look.
2017: Miley Cyrus Posed With Millie Bobby Brown
Miley’s look would’ve done Elvis Presley proud as she posed with Millie Bobby Brown after her performance of “Younger Now.”
2019: Miley Cyrus Performed "Slide Away"
Miley’s rendition of “Slide Away” was emotional and heartfelt. The song is believed to be based on her relationship with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth.