If There's One Person Who Knows How to Have Fun at the VMAs, It's Miley Cyrus

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

Getty / Kevin Mazur

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.

Getty / Kevin Mazur

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.

Getty / Kevin Mazur

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.

Getty / Gregg DeGuire

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.

Getty / Jeff Kravitz

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.”

Getty / Frederick M. Brown

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.

Getty / Lester Cohen

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).”

Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris

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.

Getty / Jeff Kravitz

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.

Getty / Jeff Kravitz

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.

Getty / Christopher Polk

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.”

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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.

Getty / Christopher Polk/MTV1415

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.

Getty / MTV/MTV1415

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.

Getty / PA Images

2014: Miley Cyrus Posed Backstage With Her Video of the Year Award

Miley won the award for “Wrecking Ball.”

Getty / Frank Trapper

2015: Miley Cyrus Arrived in Style

She wore a custom Versace silver harness-like top and skirt as she arrived at the 2015 awards.

Getty / Larry Busacca

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.

Getty / Michael Tran

2015: Miley Cyrus Started the Show Off in Sequins

She wore a jumpsuit by The Blonds.

Getty / Kevin Mazur/MTV1415

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.”

Getty / Lester Cohen

2015: Miley Cyrus Was Essentially a Walking Rainbow

She dared to be square in a piece by Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada.

Getty / Michael Tran

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.

Getty / Michael Tran

2015: Miley Cyrus Took Futuristic to a New Level

Miley’s Fifth Element-esque vinyl dress was by Mamadoux.

Getty / Michael Tran

2015: Miley Cyrus's Daring Dotted Dress Stole the Spotlight

Much like her red carpet look, Miley’s dotted ensemble was custom Versace.

Getty / Michael Tran

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.

Getty / Michael Tran

2015: Miley Cyrus Came in Like a Disco Ball

Switching things up from Versace, Miley changed into a full-mirror look designed by Prada.

Getty / Michael Tran

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.

Getty / Jeff Kravitz/MTV1415

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.

Getty / picture alliance

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.

Getty / Randy Shropshire/MTV1617

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.

Getty / John Shearer

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.

Getty / Christopher Polk/MTV1617

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.”

Getty / John Shearer

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.

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