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Taylor Swift kicks off the 2019 MTV VMAs with her song "You Need to Calm Down." Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Cardi B teases fans at the 2018 MTV VMAs with a bundle of joy that turned out to be a Moon Person statue. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Kendrick Lamar brings the heat with his performance of his songs "DNA." and "HUMBLE." at the 2017 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Rihanna is a force to be reckoned with during her medley of "Don't Stop the Music," "Only Girl (In the World)," "We Found Love" and "Where Have You Been" at the 2016 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Nicki Minaj performs her song "Trini Dem Girls" at the 2015 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift share the stage at the 2015 MTV VMAs to perform "The Night Is Still Young" and "Bad Blood." Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Jesse J joins Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj to perform "Bang Bang" at the 2014 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Lady Gaga delivers drama at the 2013 MTV VMAs as she performs her song "Applause." Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Rihanna incorporates Egyptian themes for her 2012 VMAs performance. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Rihanna shares the spotlight with A$AP Rocky to sing "Cockiness" at the 2012 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Lady Gaga arrives at the 2011 MTV VMAs as her alter ego, Jo Calderone, to perform her song "You and I." Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Eminem performed his song "Not Afraid" before Rihanna joined him to sing "Love the Way You Lie" at the 2010 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Madonna pays tribute to Michael Jackson at the 2009 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Britney Spears receives a standing ovation opening the 2008 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Britney Spears opened the 2007 VMAs with a memorable performance of "Gimme More" that left the audience wanting less. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

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Jay-Z brought a star-lit view of New York City from the top of Rockefeller Center to start the 2006 VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Diddy opens the 2005 VMAs with an impressive dance-off against himself. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez welcomes viewers to the 2004 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Chris Rock set the standard for hosting by opening the VMAs three times, in 1997, 1999 and 2003. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Britney Spears, Madonna and Christina Aguilera shocked the world with a lip-locking opener at the 2003 VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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In a drenching downpour, Bruce Springsteen stepped up to open the 2002 VMAs with "The Rising". Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Actor-singer Jamie Foxx channels his appreciation for musicals as he starts the show at the 2001 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Actors Shawn and Marlon Wayans share hosting duties at the 2000 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Comedian Chris Rock is joined onstage by a choir as he hosts the 1999 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Actor Ben Stiller gets the 1998 MTV VMAs underway. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Comedian Chris Rock cracks up the audience at the 1997 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Smashing Pumpkins perform their song "Tonight, Tonight" at the 1996 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Smashing Pumpkins kick off the 1996 MTV VMAs with a powerful performance of their song "Tonight, Tonight." Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Michael Jackson performs a medley of his hits accompanied by Slash at the 1995 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Newlyweds Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley hit the stage hand-in-hand at the 1994 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Madonna donned a tuxedo for her performance of "Bye Bye Baby" at the 1993 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Dana Carvey mimics George H.W. Bush in his opening monologue at the 1992 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Pee-wee Herman sports his signature gray suit and red bow tie for his surprise opening speech at the 1991 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Janet Jackson looks like a rock 'n' roll queen during her opening performance of "Black Cat" at the 1990 MTV VMAs. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Madonna opens the 1989 MTV VMAs with an electrifying performance of "Express Yourself." Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Rod Stewart kicks off the 1988 MTV VMAs with a live rendition of his hit single "Forever Young." Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Los Lobos opens the 1987 MTV VMAs by rocking out to their massive hit song "La Bamba." Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Robert Palmer kicks off the 1986 MTV VMAs with a rousing performance of "Addicted to Love." Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Host Eddie Murphy's opening monologue at the 1985 MTV VMAs is anything but tame. Photo credit: Getty Images.

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Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler wear matching space suits as they host the first-ever MTV VMAs in 1984. Photo credit: Getty Images.