20 of the Most WTF VMA Looks of All Time

Nicole Briese
Aug 26, 2016

Ah, the VMAs — that time of year when couples make their red carpet debuts, epic selfies are taken and celebs bring their fashion A-game to the red carpet: er, something like it.

The VMAs, in particular, have brought us some of the most WTF looks of alltime. Don’t believe us? Just take a peek at our roundup below. And after you’re through, don’t forget to watch the awards when they air this Sunday at 9/8C… you never know when a new addition to the list will pop up!

1. Lil’ Kim: With the boob that shook the world, there was no crazy VMA outfit more iconic than that of Lil’ Kim’s, who dared to bare onstage in a purple pasty and not much else, consequently being famously “felt up” by her co-presenter Diana Ross. Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it? (Photo via Scott Gries/Getty)

2. Pamela Anderson: As if Pam’s fluffy pink top hat wasn’t confusing enough, she takes things even further with some Mimi-style (The Drew Carey Show, anyone?) bright blue eyeshadow that has us feeling seriously… befuddled. (Photo via Trevor Gillespie/Getty)

3. Rose McGowan: Only Rose McGowan could pull off… this. Though the dress may look simple, it was actually the result of plenty of intricate beading, attaching what little back there was together with the mesh see-through front. While it’s not something we’d necessarily dare to bare down the street, you gotta’ commend Rose for her bravery. Rocking this surely took some confidence! (Photo via Brenda Chase/Getty)

4. Carmen Electra: In a dress that reminds us of a tattoo choker come-to-life, Carmen braved the elements (wind was NOT this look’s friend) to walk the 1997 VMA carpet in style… errrr, something like it. (Photo via Brenda Chase/Getty)

5. Lil’ Kim: Not to be outdone, the Queen Bee struck again in 2000, rocking a bright red (leather?) corset with very strategically placed cutouts that flowed into (what else?) a cape top. (Photo via George DeSota/Liason/Getty)

6. Pink: Remember when Pink wore her hot pink hair as armor? We’d just as as soon forget, but this picture from the 2000 VMAs won’t let us. (Photo via George DeSota/Getty)

7. Macy Gray: Macy Gray showed up to the 2001 VMAs wearing a shower curtain, and not just any shower curtain: a carefully marketed one, which just so happened to announce the debut of her upcoming (at the time) album. Genius or lazy? YOU be the judge. (Photo via George DeSota/Getty)

8. Shakira: The Colombian powerhouse that is Shakira pretty much donned this exact same look through much of the ‘00s, and while we can totally appreciate a signature style, we much prefer her more updated recent looks. (Photo via George DeSota/Getty)

9. Christina Aguilera: In the midst of her “Dirrty: phase, Christina went all out for the VMAs, sporting little more than a denim mini (and we do mean mini!), a twisted halter, skunked-hued extensions and some bright orange eyeshadow, defying anyone to judge her sexuality. Judging by her super polished look as of late, we’re guessing even Xtina might cringe at this one. (Photo via Mark Mainz/Getty)

10. Christina Aguilera: Christina proved she didn’t need to show skin to turn some serious heads just one year later, when she showed up in a hot pink feathered ensemble that had our jaws on the floor. (Photo via Evan Agnostini/Getty)

11. Coco: Perhaps in homage to Rose’s ’98 beaded mesh-front gown, Coco showed up in a similar ensemble (right down to the peekaboo thong) with an added single-shoulder sleeve. (Photo via Evan Agostini/Getty)

12. JLo: There’s not much we can say about this lurex dress and head-wrap combo with mismatched vinyl thigh-high boots except… why? (Photo via Bryan Bedder/Getty)

13. Lady Gaga: And so it begins: Gaga’s reign of weirdness on the VMA red carpet started back in 2012 with this masquerade-style Victorian getup of lace, a fur collar and half-pink tresses. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)

14. Nicki Minaj: There’s so much happening with Nicki Minaj’s 2011 VMA getup, we don’t even know where to begin. Complete with tights, leggings, a tutu, a spiked metal top, feathered footwear, an ice cream cone necklace, a face mask and cotton-candy hair, this appears to be the result of however many layers Nicki could pile on using a hodgepodge of random articles from her home before it was time to go. (Photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)

15. Nicki Minaj: Like Xtina, Nicki is a repeat offender in the WTF outfit department. This beaded bodysuit with bright red corset lining sees the singer covering up, but it reminds us more of a Halloween costume (anyone else getting spider vibes?) than a red carpet ensemble. Perhaps she herself wasn’t exactly feeling it, because her hair doesn’t really match — girl looks less than pleased. (Photo via Frederick M. Brown/Getty)

16. Miley Cyrus: Tame as this outfit may be by Miley standards, it’s this ensemble that has us scratching our heads — is she here to perform, or bullfight? (Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)

17. Amber Rose: ANOTHER take on Rose’s beads? Six years after her predecessor, Amber rocked her own (heavier?) version with metal chains for beads and coordinating shoes. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

18. Miley Cyrus: When MTV gave Miley Cyrus free reign at last year’s VMAs, we’re not sure this space-agey suspender suit that left quite little (*ahem nothing*) to the imagination was exactly what they had in mind. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

19. Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga: What can we say about the infamous meat dress that hasn’t already been said, except, ewwwww? Oh wait — that might have been covered. (Photo via Frederick M. Brown/Getty)

20. Ananda Lewis: Well this is… bright. The former MTV VJ made sure all eyes were on her at the 2000 VMAs, regardless of how sore they might be after. (Photo via George DeSota/Getty)

Which look did you think was the worst? Share with us over @BritandCo!

(Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

*NSYNC Just Reunited (Again) At Justin Timberlake’s Album Release Party

My iTunes library is filled with music from '90s boy band *NSYNC and I'm proud of it. As much as I adore the Backstreet Boys, my stance is firm - *NSYNC will forever be the group that unlocks the romantic feelings in my heart. Fun fact: my mom and sister have core memories of me singing "Every little thing I do, never seems enough for you..." at the top of my lungs.

That's why this '90s baby has been squealing with excitement over *NSYNC's reunion at Justin Timberlake's LA Concert last week and the fact they made another recent appearance to support him! If you're as much of an *NSYNC fan as I am, have no fear because all the details are here!

Did *NSYNC Appear At Justin Timberlake's Album Release Party?

Image via Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake Hosts "EVERYTHING I THOUGHT IT WAS" Album Release Party

OMG, they did! It shouldn't come as a surprise because they've been working hard BTS to surprise fans, but our hearts cannot be still. Held on March 14th at Dan Tana's in West Hollywood, Justin Timberlake's album release party had the spirit of a friendly kickback with close friends, good food, and a DJ set that created amazing vibes.

Did Justin Timberlake Pose With *NSYNC?

Image via Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake Hosts "EVERYTHING I THOUGHT IT WAS" Album Release Party

​Yes! Justin Timberlake was seen posing next to his bandmates Chris Kilpatrick and Lance Bass during his album release party. They looked like they could barely contain their own excitement which makes us feel like they're way past the friendship stage. They're camaraderie feels like a brotherhood at this point. 

What Other Guests Attended Justin Timberlake's Album Release Party?

Image via Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake Hosts "EVERYTHING I THOUGHT IT WAS" Album Release Party

Aside from another amazing *NSYNC reunion, several stars were in the building for Justin Timberlake's album release party!

Image via Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake Hosts "EVERYTHING I THOUGHT IT WAS" Album Release Party

Justin Timberlake was also seen posing with film producer Lena Waithe and actress Cynthia Erivo.

Image via Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake Hosts "EVERYTHING I THOUGHT IT WAS" Album Release Party

Director and photographer Charlotte Rutherford was all smiles next to stylist Savannah Baker.

How Did Justin Timberlake Surprise Concert Goers With An Appearance BY NYSNC?

Image via Theo Wargo / Getty Images

During a portion of his free concert in LA, Justin Timberlake stood onstage as curtains opened behind him to reveal his bandmates JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kilpatrick singing their hit songs "Gone," "It's Gonna Be Me," and "Bye Bye Bye" much to the crowd's delight.

Kirbie Johnson, host of the Gloss Angeles podcast, was one of many who shared her enthusiasm on Instagram. Towards the end of her caption she wrote, "Whatever brain synapses were firing back when I was 13 were back in full force last night. They sounded AMAZING!"

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend were also in the house, and it seems like they had the best date night ever! She posted a series of videos on Instagram Story and could be seen fangirling while belting *NSYNC's lyrics along with them. John Legend looked just as excited which shows the impact *NSYNC has on people.

Once the performance was over, JT took to Instagram to share a photo of five empty barstools onstage with the caption "That was fun. Let’s do it again soon. 😁."

Does *NSYNC Have a New Song Together?

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Following the release of "Better Place"for the Trolls Band Together soundtrack, *NSYNC was working on gearing up for the release of their new song together that's featured on Justin Timberlake's upcoming album Everything I Thought It Was. Titled "PARADISE," it features their signature harmony that has a nostalgic, yet modern blend I can see myself listening to a ridiculous amount of times.

Watch Clips From NSYNC's Reunion:

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*NSYNC Reunion Performance! Watch Justin Timberlake Surprise Crowd With Boy Band

All I'm going to say is that I'm jealous of anyone who got to see *NSYNC perform "PARADISE" in person last night.

When's The Last Time *NYSNC Performed Together?

Image via Scott Gries/ImageDirect

Even though there was a special *NSYNC reunion at last year's VMA awards, Peoplementioned that the group's last live performance was at the 2013 VMAs. That means we'd been living without their beautiful voices for almost a decade! The horror!

If it happens, how would feel about going to the NSYNC reunion tour?

This post has been updated.

Header image via Theo Wargo / Getty Images

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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​No, Megan Thee Stallion And Justin Timberlake Didn’t Fight At The VMA’s

Think of music videos like tiny movies. Whether they're creative concepts like "Satellite" by Harry Styles or they draw inspo from actual movies Ariana Grande's "thank u, next," they're always creative and they're *always* fun to watch. This year, our favorite artists — including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, SZA, and Olivia Rodrigo — were nominated for all kinds of awards and ended up taking home some pretty big wins. Keep reading to watch everything that was nominated for "Video of the Year" and to see if your favorite artist won!

Megan Thee Stallion And Justin Timberlake Had A Moment Backstage

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I just talk with my hands lol 💁🏽‍♀️see ya next time @Justin Timberlake

Megan Thee Stallion and Justin Timberlake went viral during the awards show for a backstage exchange. While fans jumped to the conclusion that the two artists were fighting, in reality, they were just joking around!

"She had her makeup people there...and they were all doing her up," Chris Kirkpatrick says on a new episode of the Johnny's House podcast. "Justin walks over like, 'Hey do me now.' She turned and looked and realized it was Justin and...freaked out. And she was wagging her finger at him and was like 'No, not like this. I can't meet you like this.'"

The duo ended up taking a picture and filming a TikTok together and are very clearly not fighting. "I just talk with my hands," Megan captioned the video.

Kelsea Ballerini Did The Most Insane Costume Change

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Kelsea Ballerini - "Penthouse" | 2023 VMAs

We already loved how absolutely adorable Kelsea and Chase Stokes were on the carpet, but this performance totally wowed us! While obviously she looked and sounded gorgeous, the most shocking moment was her INCREDIBLE costume change from her white gown to a shorter black dress. When someone figures out how she did it, *please* let us know!!!

Fall Out Boy Came Out & Everyone's Elder Emo Jumped Out

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Fall Out Boy - "We Didn't Start The Fire" | 2023 VMAs

Who didn't scream-sing Fall Out Boy when they were younger? Content Editor Haley Sprankle may or may not have played "Sugar We're Goin' Down" during the cake cutting at her wedding. Regardless, their cover of "We Didn't Start The Fire" was so fun!

Shakira Earned The Vanguard Award

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Shakira - "Hips Don't Lie" / "Objection (Tango)" / "Whenever, Wherever" & More | 2023 VMAs

Though we *do* wish she woulda played "Waka Waka," we've honestly never been let down by a Shakira performance, and we certainly weren't tonight. The "Hips Don't Lie" icon danced the night away on the VMAs stage, showing everyone why she's the Vanguard Award winner tonight!

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion Slayed "Bongos"

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Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion - "Bongos" | 2023 VMAs

These baddies bodied their VMA set, to nobody's surprise. In gorgeous blue bodices (a hue we've seen all over runways and street style alike this season), Megan and Cardi brought the heat, dancing their a*ses off. BRB while I try to get my hair to look like that tomorrow!

Olivia Rodrigo Performed "Vampire" and "get him back"

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Olivia Rodrigo - "vampire" / "get him back" | 2023 VMAs

On the heels of her Gutsalbum drop *and* new music video for "get him back," Olivia Rodrigo took the VMAs stage in New Jersey. Her vocals were stunning, paired with beautiful visuals + choreography. One shocking moment? Fans couldn't tell if she was escorted off stage for real, or if it was a part of the show. Seems as if it was all according to plan, given her cheeky smile and unshaken demeanor, but regardless — we're so glad she's alright!

NSYNC Reunited To Present The First Award Of The Night

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*NSYNC Presents Taylor Swift w/ Best Pop Award | 2023 VMAs

Boy band OGs, NSYNC reunited Tuesday night to present the award for Best Pop Music Video. Everyone was absolutely gagged to see the quintet on stage together, even though the reunion was rumored for a while. While we didn't wanna say bye, bye, bye to them too soon, we were happy to see Miss Taylor Swift take the stage with her first win of the evening for the "Anti-Hero" music video.

Funny enough, the queen of easter eggs had the audacity to question what this auspicious reunion meant, saying, "They're gonna do something, and I need to know what it is." Oh how the turns have tabled, Tay. 😉

MTV Video Music Awards Nominations

Winners of each category are bolded!

Video of the Year

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Doja Cat - Attention (Official Video)

Doja Cat, “Attention,” Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

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Miley Cyrus - Flowers (Official Video)

Miley Cyrus, “Flowers,” Columbia Records

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Nicki Minaj - Super Freaky Girl (Official Music Video)

Nicki Minaj, “Super Freaky Girl,” Republic Records

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Olivia Rodrigo - vampire (Official Video)

Olivia Rodrigo, “vampire,” Geffen Records

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Sam Smith, Kim Petras - Unholy (Official Music Video)

Sam Smith and Kim Petras, “Unholy,” Capitol Records

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SZA - Kill Bill (Official Video)

SZA, “Kill Bill,” Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records

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Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero (Official Music Video)

Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero,” Republic Records

Artist of the Year

  • Beyoncé, Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
  • Doja Cat, Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
  • KAROL G, Interscope Records
  • Nicki Minaj, Republic Records
  • Shakira, Sony Music US Latin
  • Taylor Swift, Republic Records

Song of the Year

  • Miley Cyrus, “Flowers,” Columbia Records
  • Olivia Rodrigo, “vampire,” Geffen Records
  • Rema and Selena Gomez, “Calm Down,” Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records
  • Sam Smith and Kim Petras, “Unholy,” Capitol Records
  • Steve Lacy, “Bad Habit,” L-M Records / RCA Records
  • SZA, “Kill Bill,” Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records Records
  • Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero,” Republic Records

Best New Artist

  • GloRilla – CMG / Interscope Records
  • Ice Spice – 10K Projects / Capitol Records
  • Kaliii – Atlantic Records
  • Peso Pluma – Double P Records
  • PinkPantheress – 300 Entertainment
  • Reneé Rapp – Interscope Records

Push Performance of the Year

  • August 2022: Saucy Santana, “Booty,” Arena Records / RCA Records
  • September 2022: Stephen Sanchez, “Until I Found You," Mercury Records / Republic Records
  • October 2022: JVKE, “golden hour,” AWAL
  • November 2022: Flo Milli, “Conceited,” ’94 Sounds / RCA Records
  • December 2022: Reneé Rapp, “Colorado,” Interscope Records
  • January 2023: Sam Ryder, “All The Way Over,” Elektra Entertainment
  • February 2023: Armani White, “GOATED,” Def Jam
  • March 2023: FLETCHER, “Becky’s So Hot,” Capitol Records
  • April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER, “Sugar Rush Ride,” BIGHIT MUSIC / Republic Records
  • May 2023: Ice Spice, “Princess Diana,” Heavy On It / 10K Projects / Capitol Records
  • June 2023: FLO, “Losing You,” Uptown/Republic Records
  • July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith, “That Part,” Island Records

Best Collaboration

  • David Guetta & Bebe Rexha, “I’m Good (Blue),” Warner Records
  • Post Malone, Doja Cat, “I Like You (A Happier Song),” Mercury Records / Republic Records
  • Diddy feat. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti and Yung Miami, “Gotta Move On,” Motown Records
  • KAROL G, Shakira, “TQG” Universal Music Latino
  • Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy, “Creepin’ (Remix),” Boominati / Republic Records
  • Rema and Selena Gomez, “Calm Down,” Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records

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Dua Lipa - Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) [Official Music Video]

Best Pop

  • Demi Lovato, “Swine,” Island Records
  • Dua Lipa, “Dance the Night (From Barbie the Album),” Atlantic Records
  • Ed Sheeran, “Eyes Closed,” Atlantic Records
  • Miley Cyrus, “Flowers,” Columbia Records
  • Olivia Rodrigo, “vampire,” Geffen Records
  • P!NK, “TRUSTFALL,” RCA Records
  • Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero,” Republic Records

Best Hip-Hop

  • Diddy feat. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, and Yung Miami, “Gotta Move On,” Motown Records
  • DJ Khaled feat. Drake and Lil Baby, “STAYING ALIVE,” We The Best / Epic Records
  • GloRilla and Cardi B, “Tomorrow 2," CMG / Interscope Records
  • Lil Uzi Vert, “Just Wanna Rock,” Atlantic Records / Generation Now
  • Lil Wayne feat. Swizz Beatz and DMX, “Kant Nobody,” Young Money Records
  • Metro Boomin feat. Future, “Superhero (Heroes and Villains),” Boominati / Republic Records
  • Nicki Minaj, “Super Freaky Girl,” Republic Records

Best R&B

  • Alicia Keys feat. Lucky Daye, “Stay,” RCA Records
  • Chlöe feat. Chris Brown, “How Does It Feel,” Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia
  • Metro Boomin with the Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy, “Creepin’ (Remix),” Boominati / Republic Records
  • SZA, “Shirt,” Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
  • Toosii, “Favorite Song,” South Coast Music Group / Capitol Records
  • Yung Bleu & Nicki Minaj, “Love in the Way,” Empire Distribution

Best Alternative

  • blink-182, “EDGING,” Columbia Records
  • boygenius, “the film,” Interscope Records
  • Fall Out Boy, “Hold Me Like a Grudge,” Fueled By Ramen
  • Lana Del Rey feat. Jon Batiste, “Candy Necklace,” Interscope Records
  • Paramore, “This Is Why,” Atlantic Records
  • Thirty Seconds to Mars, “Stuck,” Concord Records / Concord

Best Rock

  • Foo Fighters, “The Teacher,” RCA Records
  • Linkin Park, “Lost (Original Version),” Warner Records
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Tippa My Tongue,” Warner Records
  • Måneskin, “THE LONELIEST,” Arista Records
  • Metallica, "Lux Æterna,” Blackened Recordings
  • Muse, “You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween,” Warner Records

Best Latin

  • Anitta, “Funk Rave,” Republic Records
  • Bad Bunny, “WHERE SHE GOES,” Rimas Entertainment
  • Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma, “Ella Baila Sola,” DEL Records Inc. / Prajin Parlay, Inc. Grupo Frontera
  • Bad Bunny, “un x100to,” Rimas Entertainment
  • KAROL G, Shakira, “TQG,” Universal Music Latino
  • ROSALÍA, “DESPECHÁ,” Columbia Records
  • Shakira, “Acróstico,” Sony Music US Latin

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BLACKPINK - ‘Pink Venom’ M/V

Best K-Pop

  • aespa, “Girls,” SM ENTERTAINMENT Co., Ltd.
  • BLACKPINK, “Pink Venom,” YG Entertainment / Interscope Records
  • FIFTY FIFTY, “Cupid,” ATTRAKT / Warner Records
  • SEVENTEEN, “Super,” HYBE / Geffen Records
  • Stray Kids, "S-Class,” JYP / Republic
  • TOMORROW X TOGETHER, “Sugar Rush Ride,” BIGHIT MUSIC / Republic Records

Best Afrobeats

  • Ayra Starr, “Rush,” Mavin Global Holdings
  • Burna Boy, “It’s Plenty,” Atlantic Records / Spaceship Entertainment Ltd.
  • Davido feat. Musa Keys, “UNAVAILABLE,” Sony Music U.K. / RCA Records
  • Fireboy DML and Asake, ”Bandana,” Empire Distribution
  • Libianca, “People,” Sony Music U.K. / RCA Records
  • Rema and Selena Gomez, “Calm Down,” Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records
  • Wizkid feat. Ayra Starr, “2 Sugar,” Starboy / RCA Records

Video for Good

  • Alicia Keys, "If I Ain’t Got You (Orchestral),” NETFLIX
  • Bad Bunny, “El Apagón – Aquí Vive Gente,” Rimas Entertainment
  • Demi Lovato, “Swine,” Island Records
  • Dove Cameron, “Breakfast,” Columbia Records
  • Imagine Dragons, “Crushed,” KIDinaKORNER / Interscope Records
  • Maluma, “La Reina,” Sony Music US Latin

Best Direction

  • Doja Cat, “Attention,” Kemosabe Records / RCA Records, Directed by Tanu Muiño
  • Drake, “Falling Back,” OVO/Republic Records, Director X (Julien Christian Lutz)
  • Kendrick Lamar, “Count Me Out,” pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records, Directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
  • Megan Thee Stallion, “Her,” 300 Entertainment, Directed by Colin Tilley
  • Sam Smith and Kim Petras, “Unholy,” Capitol Records, Directed by Floria Sigismondi
  • SZA, “Kill Bill,” Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records, Directed by Christian Breslauer
  • Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero,” Republic Records, Directed by Taylor Swift

Best Cinematography

  • Adele, “I Drink Wine,” Columbia Records, Cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra
  • Ed Sheeran, “Eyes Closed,” Atlantic Records, Cinematography by Natasha Baier
  • Janelle Monae, “Lipstick Lover,” Atlantic Records, Cinematography by Allison Anderson
  • Kendrick Lamar, “Count Me Out,” pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records, Cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra
  • Miley Cyrus, “Flowers,” Columbia Records, Cinematography by Marcell Rev
  • Olivia Rodrigo, “vampire,” Geffen Records, Cinematography by Russ Fraser
  • Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero,” Republic Records, Cinematography by Rina Yang

Best Visual Effects

  • Fall Out Boy, “Love From the Other Side,” Fueled By Ramen, Visual Effects by Thomas Bailey and Josh Shaffner
  • Harry Styles, “Music for a Sushi Restaurant,” Columbia Records, Visual Effects by Chelsea Delfino and Black Kite Studios
  • Melanie Martinez, “VOID,” Atlantic Records, Visual Effects by Carbon
  • Nicki Minaj, “Super Freaky Girl,” Republic Records, Visual Effects by Max Colt and Sergio Mashevskyi
  • Sam Smith and Kim Petras, “Unholy,” Capitol Records, Visual Effects by Max Colt / FRENDER
  • Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero,” Republic Records, Visual Effects by Parliament

Best Choreography

  • BLACKPINK, “Pink Venom,” YG Entertainment / Interscope Records, Choreography by Kiel Tutin, Sienna Lalau, Lee Jung (YGX), Taryn Cheng (YGX)
  • Dua Lipa, “Dance the Night (From Barbie the Album),” Atlantic Records, Choreography by Charm LaDonna
  • Jonas Brothers, “Waffle House,” Republic Records, Choreography by Jerry Reece
  • Megan Thee Stallion, “Her,” 300 Entertainment, Choreography by Sean Bankhead
  • Panic! at the Disco, “Middle of a Breakup,” Fueled By Ramen, Choreography by Monika Felice Smith
  • Sam Smith and Kim Petras, “Unholy,” Capitol Records, Choreography by (LA)HORDE, Marine Brutti, Jonathan Debrouwer, Arthur Harel

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boygenius - the film

Best Art Direction

  • boygenius, “the film,” Interscope Records, Art Direction by Jen Dunlap
  • BLACKPINK, “Pink Venom,” YG Entertainment / Interscope Records, Art Direction by Seo Hyun Seung (GIGANT)
  • Doja Cat, “Attention,” Kemosabe Records / RCA Records, Art Direction by Spencer Graves
  • Lana Del Rey feat. Jon Batiste, “Candy Necklace,” Interscope Records, Art Direction by Brandon Mendez
  • Megan Thee Stallion, “Her,” 300 Entertainment, Art Direction by Niko Philipides
  • SZA, “Shirt,” Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records, Art Direction by Kate Bunch

Best Editing

  • BLACKPINK, “Pink Venom,” YG Entertainment / Interscope Records, Editing by Seo Hyun Seung (GIGANT)
  • Kendrick Lamar, “Rich Spirit,” pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records, Edited by Grason Caldwell
  • Miley Cyrus, “River,” Columbia Records, Edited by Brandan Walter
  • Olivia Rodrigo, “vampire,” Geffen Records, Edited by Sofia Kerpan and David Checel
  • SZA, “Kill Bill,” Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records, Edited by Luis Caraza Peimbert
  • Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero,” Republic Records, Edited by Chancler Haynes

Which of the VMAs 2023 nominees do you hope snags an award? Did your favorites get snubbed? Let us know in the comments!

Lead image via Jason Kempin / Staff

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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