The most memorable VMAs performances ever

The VMAs are always full of surprises, who could forget the iconic moments such as Kanye interrupting Taylor Swift's speech in 2009 or Miley Cyrus twerking all over Robin Thicke in 2013?!

While past years have included hosts such as Amy Schumer and Selena Gomez, today's event won't have a specific host but presenters will include Olympic medalists Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman and the likes of Jaden Smith, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Fallon and many more!

Queen Bey leads the nominations, with a total of eleven, and is also rumoured to perform something off her new album Lemonade. The coveted 'Video of the Year' award could go any way, with nominations for Adele, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé and Drake.

With the American VMAs commencing this afternoon in New York, we thought we would look back at the most memorable moments in VMA history...

Beyoncé - Love on Top (2011)

Beyoncé in her sparkly purple jacket which she unbuttons to reveal her Blue Ivy baby bump! Historic. 

Britney Spears - I'm a Slave 4 u (2001)

Before snakes became a meme and whilst Britney was at her prime, she shocked audiences by performing with a huge python in one of her best shows of all time. 

Lady Gaga - Paparazzi (2009)

In what could well be one of Lady G's best ever shows, she gave audiences a real circus extravaganza during the 2009 VMAs, ending the act by bleeding faux blood across the stage. 

Britney Spears - Gimme More (2007)

After her infamous breakdown, this wasn't exactly the Britney comeback we were looking for...

Rhianna - Disturbia (2008) 

Bad gal Riri had well and truly arrived with this performance! The Thriller-esque dancers just pushed what was the rise of the dark side of Rhianna. 

Robin Thicke (and Miley Cyrus) - Blurred Lines (2013)

Oh, how could we forget! Miley twerking against then-married Robin Thicke certainly got mouths talking. 

Madonna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliot - Like a Virgin / Hollywood (2003)

In what could be said is the most iconic moment for the VMAs, Britney Spears and Madonna kiss at the 2003 awards while Missy Elliot and Cristina Aguilera perform in the background. 

Eminem - The Real Slim Shady (2000) 

What's better than one Eminem? 100 of them perhaps?! Proving he was the one and only Slim Shady, Eminem performs with a huge number of lookalikes ahead of winning the 2000 Video of the Year award. 

The VMAs will be held at Madison Square Garden at 9pm on Sunday (in the USA), but we can catch all the action at 1pm NZT on MTV today!