The MTV VMAs never fail to deliver us with a few iconic pop culture moments, but it’s fair to say that some years are more eventful than others.
For example, looking back at the ceremony in 2001 there was plenty to talk about. Surprise appearances from A-list pop stars, awards show performances that have already gone down in music history and the emergence of stars we’re still talking about to this day.
We still can’t believe that all this took place 15 (yes, 15!) years ago, but here is what the VMAs looked like in 2001...
Pamela Anderson Showed Some Skin On The Red Carpet...
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The most 2001 photo we've ever seen.
.... And So Did Kid Rock
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He couldn't resist getting in on the act.
Jennifer Lopez Attended With Her Then-Boyfriend, Puff Daddy
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Looking exactly the same as she does in 2016.
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Blue Steel Was Still A Thing
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Ben Stiller had just starred in 'Zoolander', after all.
Missy Elliott Paid Tribute To Aaliyah On The Red Carpet
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The R&B singer had died just two weeks earlier.
Macy Gray Really Wanted That Album Promo
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Good hat, too.
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...No, You Don't Understand. She Really Wanted It.
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We wonder how many people bought the album because of this.
These... Gentlemen Were Also In Attendance
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That's Mudvayne (obv).
Jennifer Lopez And Ja Rule Performed 'I'm Real'
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Seriously, how has this woman not aged?
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These Ladies Were The Big Winners On The Night
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'Lady Marmalade' was named Video Of The Year.
Mya Apparently Wasn't Invited To Party Afterwards
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Oh.
And Andy Dick Apparently Wanted To Get In On The Fun
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Moving swiftly on...
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*NYNC Won Best Pop Video...
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They beat Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears with their 'Pop' video.
...And Celebrated Their Victory With A Live Performance...
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'Kings Of Pop', though, guys? Really?
...Which Included A Guest Appearance From Michael Jackson...
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Now that's more like it.
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...But Even Michael Jackson Couldn't Steal The Show From Britney
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That snake immediately went down in pop history. Incidentally, Britney won zero awards this night.
A New Artist Called Alicia Keys Was The Talk Of The Night
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She won Best New Artist, over David Gray, Coldplay and Sum 41.
...And Gave A Stunning Performance Of Her Song 'Fallin'
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The VMAs had a lot of good hats that year.
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And It Wouldn't Be 2001 Without An Awards Show Performance From U2
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Sing it, Bono.
The Group Also Won The Video Vanguard That Year
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The golden Moon Man was theirs to keep.
Meanwhile, Destiny's Child Won Best R&B Video
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For 'Survivor', obv.
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Missy Elliott Gave A Visually Stunning Performance
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Swinging from the chandelier long before Sia.
And Finally, Remember When Limp Bizkit Used To Win Awards?
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Here they are celebrating their Best Rock Video victory.
Yep, Our Thoughts Exactly, Britney
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Oh dear.
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