The MTV VMAs never fail to deliver us with a few iconic pop culture moments, but it’s fair to say that some years are more eventful than others.
For example, looking back at the ceremony in 2001 there was plenty to talk about. Surprise appearances from A-list pop stars, awards show performances that have already gone down in music history and the emergence of stars we’re still talking about to this day.
We still can’t believe that all this took place 15 (yes, 15!) years ago, but here is what the VMAs looked like in 2001...
Pamela Anderson Showed Some Skin On The Red Carpet...
Terry McGinnis via Getty Images
.... And So Did Kid Rock
James Devaney via Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez Attended With Her Then-Boyfriend, Puff Daddy
George De Sota via Getty Images
Advertisement
Blue Steel Was Still A Thing
George De Sota via Getty Images
Missy Elliott Paid Tribute To Aaliyah On The Red Carpet
New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images
Macy Gray Really Wanted That Album Promo
Frank Micelotta Archive via Getty Images
Advertisement
...No, You Don't Understand. She Really Wanted It.
Frank Micelotta Archive via Getty Images
These... Gentlemen Were Also In Attendance
Dave Hogan via Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez And Ja Rule Performed 'I'm Real'
Frank Micelotta Archive via Getty Images
Advertisement
These Ladies Were The Big Winners On The Night
TIMOTHY CLARY via Getty Images
Mya Apparently Wasn't Invited To Party Afterwards
Jim Spellman via Getty Images
And Andy Dick Apparently Wanted To Get In On The Fun
Scott Gries via Getty Images
Advertisement
*NYNC Won Best Pop Video...
Kevin Kane via Getty Images
...And Celebrated Their Victory With A Live Performance...
Kevin Kane via Getty Images
...Which Included A Guest Appearance From Michael Jackson...
Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images
Advertisement
...But Even Michael Jackson Couldn't Steal The Show From Britney
Frank Micelotta Archive via Getty Images
A New Artist Called Alicia Keys Was The Talk Of The Night
Kevin Kane via Getty Images
...And Gave A Stunning Performance Of Her Song 'Fallin'
Scott Gries via Getty Images
Advertisement
And It Wouldn't Be 2001 Without An Awards Show Performance From U2
KMazur via Getty Images
The Group Also Won The Video Vanguard That Year
KMazur via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Destiny's Child Won Best R&B Video
Scott Gries via Getty Images
Advertisement
Missy Elliott Gave A Visually Stunning Performance
Scott Gries via Getty Images
And Finally, Remember When Limp Bizkit Used To Win Awards?
Scott Gries via Getty Images
Yep, Our Thoughts Exactly, Britney
Vinnie Zuffante via Getty Images
Advertisement