The 9 Best MTV VMAs Performances Since 2010

September means a few things for the world. First, it signals that summer is on its way out, which could be a good or bad thing for you depending on how you feel about autumn. It also means that football is back, which may or may not matter to you depending on whether the gridiron sport is your thing or not. But for the sake of this piece, it also means that the MTV Video Music Awards are set to air. 

In two days, the VMAs will extend its 40-year run with another award show celebrating the best the music industry has offered this year. LL Cool J returns for the first time since 2022 to host, while Busta Rhymes, Doja Cat, Mariah Carey, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga and more will perform.

Ahead of showtime, we decided to look back at performances from the last 15 years of MTV VMAs history and highlight our favorites. So, without further ado, join us on this trip down memory lane.

Rihanna – “Rude Boy,” “What’s My Name” & “Work” (2016)

If you ask music fans about the most memorable MTV VMAs performance from the last 15 years, you’ll absolutely hear Rihanna’s name mentioned. Her 2016 dancehall medley is a crowd favorite, as the Bajan singer turned the stage into a bashment. It started with a performance of “Rude Boy” over reggae legends Chaka Demus and Pliers' "Murder She Wrote" and “What’s My Name” over Krept & Konan’s “Freak of the Week” (which samples Beenie Man’s “Who Am I (Sim Simma)).” She concluded her set with “Work,” the highlight from her 2016 classic Anti, bringing the lively performance to a sizzling end.

Missy Elliott – Video Vanguard Medley (2019)

Missy Elliott received her long overdue Video Vanguard Award in 2019, and immediately reminded the world why she deserved the honor long before that. The Virginia native put her trademark futuristic aesthetic on full display, kicking off the night with “Throw It Back,” before knocking out epic performances of “Get Ur Freak On," "Work It" and "Lose Control.” Missy’s stage presence, paired with her choreography made these performances beyond incredible. This was a moment that cemented that Missy would be remembered for decades to come.

Beyoncé – “Love On Top” (2011)

We’ll never forget Beyoncé’s 2011 performance of “Love On Top.” Most of us remember it as the night that she officially announced her pregnancy with her and Jay-Z’s first child, Blue Ivy. But aside from that, Beyoncé delivered an iconic performance of “Love on Top.” Performing the standout record from her 4 album, Bey reminded the world in under five minutes why she’s one of the best vocalists of all time. Balancing the song’s demanding vocals with seamless choreography was a task that only Beyoncé could do so flawlessly. She closed out the moment with sky-grazing high-notes that left us all in awe.

Justin Timberlake – Video Vanguard Medley (2013)

Justin Timberlake was unstoppable in 2013. He made his long-awaited return to music after 7 years with his third album, The 20/20 Experience: Part 1, an album that made a massive splash on the charts and spawned classics and hits like “Mirrors,” “Suit & Tie.” Plus, my personal favorite, “Pusher Love Girl.” Timberlake was honored with the Video Vanguard Award that year, and delivered a 15-minute performance that included a lineup of hits like “SexyBack,” “Cry Me a River” and “Rock Your Body.” If that wasn’t enough, Timberlake also had a mini NSYNC reunion to perform “Girlfriend” and “Bye Bye Bye.” Essentially, JT gave us everything we could ask for with his performance and that’s all we wanted.

Kendrick Lamar — “DNA.” and “HUMBLE.” (2017)

Kendrick Lamar tapped into his Kung Fu Kenny persona at the 2017 VMAs—this writer’s favorite version of K-Dot. On the heels of his chart-topping album DAMN., Kendrick brought the fire–literally–for performances of “DNA.” and “HUMBLE.” The Compton, Calif. rapper made sure his Kung Fu Kenny aesthetic was on full display as pyrotechnics and backup dancers performing martial arts-inspired choreography accompanied him onstage. As for Kendrick himself, he kept the energy levels high with razor-sharp stage presence and impressive breath control. 

Beyoncé – 'Lemonade Medley' (2016)

Beyoncé returned to the VMAs stage in 2016 with a 15-minute Lemonade medley. Bey stunned and impressed throughout her performances of “Pray You Catch Me,” “Hold Up,” “Don’t Hurt Yourself,” “Sorry” and “Formation.” She delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, bringing what might be one of her most vulnerable albums to life. Her set was powerful, impactful and Beyoncé personified.

Nicki Minaj – Video Vanguard Medley (2022)

Nicki Minaj's VMAs comeback in 2022 was an epic one for many reasons. It was her first time at the award show in four years, and her return was marked by her receiving the coveted Video Vanguard Award. And in true Nicki fashion, she stole the show with a medley of hits. For 15 minutes, the Pink Friday rapper showed the world why she was one of the biggest rappers in the 2010s with performances of “Roman’s Revenge,” "Beez in the Trap,” “Moment 4 Life,” her classic verse on “Monster” and more. We got “rap Nicki” and “pop star Nicki” all in one show.

Rihanna — “Stay,” “Diamonds” & “Love On The Brain” (2016)

Just like Beyoncé, Rihanna also has a string of iconic performances at the VMAs. Also in 2016, Rihanna delivered an intimate medley of hits including “Stay,” “Love On The Brain” and “Diamonds,” showcasing her raw, emotional depth and vocal power. The moving rendition of “Stay” and shimmering performance of “Diamonds” set a beautiful tone, but the emotive performance of “Love On The Brain” is what really stole the show. The set affirmed Rihanna’s Video Vanguard honor from that same night.

Jennifer Lopez – Video Vanguard Medley (2018)

Jennifer Lopez was honored with the Video Vanguard Award in 2018 and used her performance to celebrate the many highs of her music career. Her headlining set for the night delivered a whopping 14 songs, including "Ain't Your Mama,” "All I Have” and "Dance Again.” If that wasn’t enough, she also brought out Ja Rule for Murder remix performances of “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny.” DJ Khaled also hit the stage to support her performances of “Jenny From the Block” and “Dinero.” The set was packed with moments, but it perfectly captured J. Lo's energy and spirit.