MTV’s 2019 Video Music Awards recently aired on August 26. While the award show has often been a space for controversy and iconic performances, it has certainly become less entertaining over the years.
This year’s program received 1.93 million viewers on MTV, the lowest rating in the show’s history (last year’s ratings had 2.25 million viewers on the show’s flagship channel), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The low ratings reflect the show’s mediocre presentation, and even Missy Elliott’s nostalgia-filled performance couldn’t save it. Additionally, corny jokes from its host Sebastian Maniscalco about triggers and safe spaces weren’t received very well online. I would’ve been less disappointed in the show and Elliott’s long overdue Video Vanguard Award tribute had the set included more performances from the likes of Ciara, Busta Rhymes and others who’ve collaborated with the iconic rapper. The program could’ve also benefited from a Megan Thee Stallion performance on the main stage, although she was allowed to give a pre-show performance.
Despite the overall underwhelming presentation, stellar performances from other Black artists made the event more bearable to me. Lizzo’s gospel-infused performance of “Truth Hurts” and “Good As Hell” took center stage as the singer’s exuberant energy encompassed her set. Lil Nas X, who took home two awards for the night, gave the audience a futuristic aesthetic of his single “Panini” and Normani’s heavily choreographed performance of “Motivation” entertained the audience and reminded viewers of why she deserves to be a star.
Those instances aren’t the first time Black artists have saved award shows from being completely unwatchable. Here’s a list of other times Black musicians created memorable award show music moments.
1. Beyoncé and Prince’s 2004 Grammy Awards Performance
YouTube | Jose Antonio Abellán
Twenty years after the release of Purple Rain, Prince teamed up with Beyoncé for a medley of songs which included “Purple Rain,” “Baby I’m a Star,” “Crazy in Love” and “Let’s Go Crazy.” The performance was a beautiful display of the intergenerational connection between the two artists. Although 2004 Beyoncé wasn’t the superstar she’s grown to be, she had the veteran talent and stage presence to blend well with Prince’s legendary status. Prince’s fiery guitar solo and Beyoncé‘s explosive tambourine playing stole the show and gave viewers a duet to remember.
2. Rick James and Teena Marie’s BET Performance
YouTube | blackpanther9000
In 2005, Rick James and Teena Marie reunited to sing their 1981 hit “Fire & Desire.” The pair’s undeniable chemistry along with Marie’s stellar high-pitched vocals made the performance as memorable as it was when they first performed the single together. The moment was also special because it would be the last television appearance for the singers. James died of a heart attack nearly two months after the show aired.
3. Destiny’s Child’s “Cater 2 U” BET Performance
YouTube | Denise Lobo
The 2005 performance had sexy written all over it. Destiny’s Child graced the BET stage with their sexual prowess in fitted brown dresses while singing about the various things they’d do to cater to their men. In case the lyrics weren’t clear enough, the trio brought Magic Johnson, Nelly and Terrance Howard on the stage to give the audience a visual illustration of what “Cater 2 U” is about— doing anything to please your significant other.
4. Kanye West and Taylor Swift 2009 VMA Controversy
YouTube | oxoxoxTwilightoxoxo
With the infamous phrase, “I’mma let you finish,” Kanye West incited a feud that remains relevant a decade later. After Taylor Swift won the award for Best Female Video, West stepped on the stage and abruptly ended her speech, suggesting that Beyoncé deserved the award instead. While I somewhat agree, West’s approach wasn’t in the right space. However, the awkward occurrence will probably be remembered as the most memorable Video Music Awards moment in history.
5. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” VMA Performance
Vimeo | elliott chaffer
Although the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards was filled with controversy, the night also featured great performances. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” was one of them. To close out the awards show, the New York City natives paid homage to the concrete jungle. However, even that performance wasn’t without its own incident. Toward the end of the song, Lil Mama surprisingly walked on stage and joined the pair only to be ignored. Nevertheless, the awkward moment couldn’t erase the impact of the performance on the award show, which took place in New York City and had everyone in the audience on their feet by the end of it.
6. Prince’s Billboard Music Awards Performance
YouTube | at1with0
Although Prince was at the Billboard Music Awards to accept his 2013 Icon award, he put on a legendary performance to remind the audience every reason why he’ll always be deserving of the accolade. The set featured Prince playing a slowed-down version of “Let’s Go Crazy” and “FIXURLIFEUP” while rocking out to his guitar. The moment isn’t just a testament to Prince being among the best live performers of all-time, but it offered an example of why he should also be considered on the list of greatest guitarists to ever live.
7. Kendrick Lamar’s 2016 Grammy Awards Performance
Following the release of his critically-acclaimed sophomore album To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar returned to the Grammy stage, with 11 nominations, to give one of the most iconic hip hop performances of all-time. With powerful imagery including a jail cell, tribal dances and an image of the word "Compton" —Lamar's hometown — written across Africa, Lamar gave Grammy viewers his own musical interpretation of the Black experience in America.
8. Cardi B’s 2019 Grammy Awards Performance
YouTube | Cardi B
Cardi B’s evolution from internet sensation to Grammy performer is indicative of the Bronx rapper’s awe-inspiring work ethic. Her Grammy performance from this year’s awards show offers proof that Cardi B knows how to command a stage. Filled with her accomplishing the difficult task of twerking along to a piano beat, the performance was Cardi B at her best. The production was a great addition to her historic night, where she won Best Rap Album for Invasion of Privacy, becoming the first woman to receive the award as a solo artist.
