by Mariah Sturdivant
August 21st, 2022
According to Wikipedia, the definition for Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, also known as the Video Vanguard Award or the Lifetime Achievement Award, is "a merit given to recording artists and music video directors at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), a ceremony that was established in 1984. It is presented by MTV for "outstanding contributions" and "profound impact" on a music video and popular culture. As the ceremony's special category, the trophy is a gold-plated "Moonman" rather than the silver ones of the other VMA categories.
With the announcement of Nicki Minaj receiving the 2022 Vanguard Award at this year’s Video Music Awards, some can’t help looking at the past performances of previous recipients. Minaj is just the second female rapper to rechievethis honor. The Vanguard Music Award was first awarded to the Beatles, Richard Lester, and David Bowie in 1984. Even though the number of recipients per year declined, many iconic performances occurred throughout the years. Here are some top performances/ winners of the Vanguard recipients have:
9. Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake’s performance was fun at the 2013 VMA. As well as getting honored as the Vanguard recipient, Timberlake also took home a Video of The Year moonperson for his hit “Mirrors”
Timberlake started out his strong performance with his hit “Take Back the Night” and even included an NSYNC reunion! This ten-minute performance proved why Timberlake deserved the honor.
8. Madonna
Even though Madonna a.k.a the Princess of Pop didn't have an official performance, her contributions to the music industry did not go unnoticed. Being the first woman to receive this honor, Madonna's ray of light really shined in the music industry.
On top of receiving this honor, Madonna's "Ray of Light" was also the 1986's Video of the Year winner, only a few can achieve this.
7. Britney Spears
In 2011, Britney Spears hit the stage as she was awarded the Vanguard Music Award. The award was renamed the Micheal Jackson Video Vanguard Award this year and Spears showed why she deserved the honor.
Spears performed here many hits, such as, "Baby One More Time", "Toxic", and "Tll the World Ends". This dance-filled performance had every up on their feet. What made the night even more special is that Lady Gaga, dressed as her alter ego Jo Calderone. presented the award to Spears. Watching one Pop Princess give another Pop Princess their recognition is truly a wonderful sight to see.
6. Pink
It is no secret that Pink puts on a brilliant show, but for the 2017 VMAs, this vanguard pulled out all the tricks. Starting her performance with the classic "Get the Party Started" and then moving to hits like "Raise Your Glass", Pink really put on a phenomenal performance. As well as having a great performance, Pink had a very powerful and personal speech that will forever linger with the audience.
5. Rihanna
Rihanna may not be as active in music today, but her impact on the music industry can be ignored. This Barbados-born singer put on a stellar performance at the 2016 VMA's that really caught the audience's attention.
Putting on four separate performances, Rihanna was able to perform these hits the way that they were meant to be. The first performance opens up with RiRi with "We Found Love", and "Where Have You Been". Her second performance was a medley of "Work", "Rude Boy" and "Pon De Replay". Rih then moved on to perform "Needed Me", "Pour it Up" and "Bih Better Have My Money." To end the rollout of performances Rihanna closed the show with "Love On the Brain" which really showed off her powerhouse vocal skills. One cannot help but reminisce on all of Rihanna's hits because of this performance.
4. Missy Elliot
Missy Elliot received this award in 2019, which, some might say, was longly overdue. Becoming the first female rapper to receive this honor, Elliot put on a career-highlighting performance. The vivid performance really matched Missy's out-of-this-world videos really stamped her to have one of the greatest music videos of all time.
With amazing costumes and spectacular hip-hop dancers, the energy that Elliot brought to the stage cemented her as THE best female rapper performer. There was even a dance cameo from the one and only Alyson Stoner who appeared in Missy Elliot's "Work It" video when Stoner was just a little girl which was really a full circle moment.
3. Beyonce
In 2022, Beyonce was named the best performer of our generation. Knowles's 2014 performance at the VMA's really is good evidence of that claim. Beyonce's performance shut down not only the VMA's but all of California. Knowles's husband, Jay- Z, presented her with the award with baby Blue Ivy in hand and made the night even more special.
The 16-minute performance gave the world some iconic moment. Bey performed a 12-track Medley from her self-titled album, Beyonce's performance deserved to be preserved and stored in history and the hall of fame.
2. Janet Jackson
In 1990, Janet Jackson was crowned with the Vanguard award making her both the youngest person to receive the honor (24 years old) and the first black woman. This history-making tribute was truly special to black female artists.
Janet's individuality really made her stand out during the time which made her the perfect recipient of this award. Her singing, dancing, and acting skills made her the Triple Threat that little can achieve. Her talents should be forever appreciated and her performances will forever make history.
1. Michael Jackson
There is a reason why the award was renamed The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Michael Jackson has done something in the music industry that forever changed the dynamic of the audience and the way we listen to music. The one-man performances showed that Jackson doesn't need anyone else on the stage with him to shine bright. Jackson may not have been the first winner of this award, but he was the FIRST African American to win this award.
Jackson's iconic moments like the moonwalk and the single gloves will be iconic artifacts in the music industry. Michael Jackson's legacy will live through this ward and those who are honored.
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