The Absolute BEST Moments of the 2014 VMAs

The craziest awards show lived up to its name.

miley win
(Image credit: Archive)
Diana Pearl's avatar
By
published
in Features

1. The pre-show fashion. Slits up to here, crop tops, and super short hems all over the red carpet.

Clothing, Flooring, Shoulder, Red, Carpet, Style, Dress, Fashion, Fashion model, Eyelash,

(Image credit: Archive)

2. When this guy in the pre-show audience won tickets to the VMAs. Best. Reaction. Ever.

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images,Giphy)

3. Katy Perry and Riff Raff's denim homage to NSYNC-era Britney and Justin.

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images,Giphy)

4. Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj's EPIC opening number.

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Human body, Shoulder, Human leg, Waist, Swimwear, Thigh, Knee, Beauty, Trunk, Abdomen,

(Image credit: Archive)

5. Taylor Swift's first ever live performance of her latest single, "Shake It Off".

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images)

5. When Miley Cyrus's reaction to Taylor Swift's performance of "Shake It Off" mirrored Taylor's reaction to Miley's "We Can't Stop" performance last year.

vmas

(Image credit: Giphy)

vmas

(Image credit: Giphy)

6. When Jay Pharoah impersonated Kanye West to a tee.

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images,Giphy)

7. Swooning to Sam Smith singing "Stay With Me"

8. The more somber moments: Common's call for a moment of silence to honor the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri and the heart-wrenching, tear-inducing Robin Williams memorial.

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images,Giphy)

9. Usher rocking out on guitar.

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images,Giphy)

10. Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora, AKA the most fabulous duo ever, on stage performing "Black Widow."

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images,Giphy)

11. Miley letting a homeless teen accept her award for Best Video Of The Year for "Wrecking Ball."

miley win

(Image credit: Archive)

12. Beyoncé performing song after song from her latest album with bonus home videos of Blue Ivy. Cutest. Thing. Ever.

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images)

13. Jay Z presenting Beyoncé with her Vanguard award, shutting down ALL divorce rumors with their picturesque family love.

VMAs 2014

(Image credit: Getty Images,Giphy)
Diana Pearl
Diana Pearl
Editor

I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.