It’s been seven years since Lady Gaga last attended the MTV VMAs, and we’ve sorely missed her presence. Luckily, not only is she nominated for nine awards this year, but she will also be giving a special performance. Whenever Lady Gaga attends the VMAs, you know she’s going to put on a show – even if she’s not actually performing. From her interesting choice in dates (see: Kermit the Frog) and unique outfits to her meticulously planned performances, take a look back at some of her best VMAs moments in preparation for her to grace our screens once more on Aug. 30.
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Getty / Kevin Mazur
2009: Lady Gaga Attended the VMAs With Kermit the Frog as Her Date
The singer was nominated for a total of nine awards that night, including video of the year for “Poker Face” and best new artist.
Getty / Kevin Mazur
2009: Lady Gaga Sang "Poker Face" and "Paparazzi" in a Bleeding Bodysuit
In true Lady Gaga style, everything about the performance was avant-garde, from the all-white costumes and the bleeding bodysuit to her giving it her all while hanging from the ceiling.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
2009: Lady Gaga Won Best New Artist
During her speech, she thanked her family and fans before finishing it off with, “And it’s for God, and for the gays.”
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2009: Lady Gaga Posed With Her Best New Artist Award
Gaga switched outfits to pose with the award backstage.
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2010: Lady Gaga Was Accompanied on the White Carpet by Former Soldiers
The soldiers were discharged due to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and included Katie Miller, David Hall, Stacy Vasquez, and Mike Almy. After the show, an email was sent out asking fans to join her and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network to repeal the discriminatory act.
Getty / Kevin Winter
2010: Lady Gaga Was Presented With the Best Pop Video Award by the Glee Cast
She won best pop video for the song “Bad Romance.”
Getty / Gregg DeGuire
2010: Lady Gaga Appeared in the Press Room in the Iconic Meat Dress
Once she’d won awards for best pop video and best female video, she went to the press room wearing the iconic meat dress by Franc Fernandez.
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2010: Lady Gaga Was Presented With Video of the Year by Cher
“Bad Romance” swept the awards that year, winning video of the year, best pop video, and best female video.
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2011: Lady Gaga Performed as Her Alter Ego, Jo Calderone
Jo Calderone appeared on stage to explain why Lady Gaga “couldn’t” be at the show before performing “You and I.”
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2011: Jo Calderone Posed in the Press Room
Calderone accepted best female video and best video with a message “on behalf of Gaga.”
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2013: Lady Gaga Attended the VMAs With Her Father, Joe Germanotta, as Her Date
The singer was not nominated for any awards in 2013 but attended the show to premiere her new song “Applause.”
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2013: Lady Gaga Performed the World Premiere of "Applause"
The performance was a tribute to her past eras, including nods to “Paparazzi” and “Telephone.”
Getty / Larry Busacca
2013: Lady Gaga Donned Some Interesting Outfits For Her "Applause" Performance
Lady Gaga‘s first ensemble was reminiscent of the white fabric she used in the “Applause” music video.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
2013: Lady Gaga Switched Into a Sleek Outfit During Her "Applause" Performance
Lady Gaga‘s second look was most similar to what she wore throughout the “Applause” music video.
Getty / Kevin Mazur
2013: Lady Gaga Channeled Past Eras For Her "Applause" Performance
Her third outfit was a mashup between her “Just Dance” and “Paparazzi” era looks.
Getty / Kevin Mazur
2013: Lady Gaga Sported a Yellow Wig For Her "Applause" Performance
Her fourth look included a bright yellow wig that was reminiscent of a wig she wore during the “Telephone” music video.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
2013: Lady Gaga Switched Into a Seashell Bikini For Her "Applause" Performance
Her fifth and final look was yet another nod to the “Applause” music video, as well as an Artpop song called “Venus.”
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
2013: Lady Gaga Posed Backstage With One Direction
Lady Gaga posed backstage with the boys of One Direction, who had won the award for song of the summer that year.
