10 Standout Moments From the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards

The 2017 MTV VMAs aired live from The Forum on Sunday night. From heavy topics to a video premiere, these were the standout moments.

Miley Cyrus’ VMA Transformation

https://youtu.be/GqUwkSWBV-c

Miley Cyrus began VMA Awards day by tweeting her father, “Sorry Dad…. I’ll be good tonight I promise,” along with a photo of her unforgettable performance with Alan Thicke (yeah, you know the one). She ended it with a toned down performance of her newest single, “Younger Now.” The transformation from VMA to VMA was undeniable — even if she did add a boob grab and a butt slap.

Ed Sheeran & Lil Uzi Vert’s Collaboration

https://youtu.be/0r2ovn-PTxo

Ed Sheeran took the stage immediately after Kendrick Lamar for “Shape of You.” While his beautiful — and simple — performance was breathtaking, he did something unexpected. Towards the end of the song, he was joined onstage by Lil Uzi Vert. Together they collaborated on Uzi’s “XO Tour Llif3.” It was the most surprising moment of the night but we were definitely feeling it.

Jared Leto’s Tribute to Chester Bennington

Jared Leto took to the 2017 MTV VMAs stage to pay tribute to Linkin Park‘s Chester Bennington. “When I think about him, Chester, I think about his face which was almost smiling. I think about his heart which he wore on his sleeve… That voice will live forever,” Leto said on stage. After he spoke, a 2010 VMAs performance from Linkin Park played. Our only complaint was that the video wasn’t longer. 

Alessia Cara’s Stripped Down Performance

Alessia Cara is a big believer in a positive body image and she showed that on another level Sunday night. During her “Scars to Your Beautiful” performance, she removed her wig, fancy dress, makeup and jewelry. The “naked” rendition of the song made its statement even more powerful.

Thirty Seconds to Mars’ Thermal Performance

https://youtu.be/tKn5-6FP5iY

When Thirty Seconds to Mars walked the blue carpet before the 2017 MTV VMAs, they promised to do something that had never been done before. They delivered that with a thermal performance of “Walk on Water.” You’ve got to see it to believe it — and look out for a cameo by Travis Scott.

Rod Stewart & DNCE’s Collaboration

https://youtu.be/lDT_EZHiBaA

DNCE made fans wonder what they were up to prior to their VMAs performance on Sunday night. They donned throwback clothes and Joe Jonas rocked a wicked mustache. It was all a part of their “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” performance with the legendary Rod Stewart.

Pink’s Touching Speech to Her Daughter

When Pink accepted the Vanguard Award on Sunday night, she had some touching words for her daughter who recently told her mom she wasn’t beautiful because she looked like a boy. Pink created a PowerPoint presentation featuring important androgynous artists. She told her daughter, “Baby girl, we don’t change. We take the gravel in the shell and we make a pearl. We help other people to change so that they can see more kinds of beauty.” Read the full speech here.

Taylor Swift’s Video Premiere

Not needing an introduction, Taylor Swift‘s video premiere began following a commercial break. In the beginning, it’s a zombie Swift emerging from a grave with a tomb that reads, “Here lies Taylor Swift’s reputation.” It’s a mesmerizing clip from start to finish but the ending will leave even a Taylor hater realizing how clever the pop superstar is.

Kendrick Lamar’s Fiery Performance

https://youtu.be/_VDv6h-3StI

Kendrick Lamar kicked off the 2017 VMAs in a fiery way. He started off rapping “DNA” with ferocity before performing “Humble.” One camera pan across the crowd showed everyone (including Shawn Mendes) was feeling the opening. His ninja dancers were also epic, with one actually on fire. If you watch one performance from the 2017 MTV VMAs, this is the one to watch.

Logic’s Powerful Statement with “1-800-273-8255”

Logic’s “1-800-273-8255” (feat. Alessia Cara and Khalid) by itself is a powerful song. Add 50 suicide survivors to the live performance and you get a tear-jerking moment. The trio collaborating live on the track brought suicide awareness close to home. This moment won’t soon be forgotten.

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Did we mention your favorite 2017 MTV VMAs momentperformance? Comment below and let us know which part spoke to you.