Take a Nostalgic Look Back at Taylor Swift's VMAs Evolution

Updated on 8/31/2015 at 7:00 PM

Taylor Swift has quite the history with the MTV VMAs, and although Kanye West's interruption may have made the most headlines, she's had plenty of other memorable moments at the show over the years. It's been seven years since she made her VMAs debut, and this week, not only did she hit the stage for a surprise performance, but she also took home several awards, including video of the year, best female video, and best pop video. Keep reading for a look back at Taylor Swift's appearances at the MTV VMAs, then see the best moments from her incredible year so far plus all the times she and her friends gave you #squadgoals.

In 2008, 18-Year-Old Taylor Made Her VMAs Debut

That year, she nabbed a best new artist nomination for her song "Teardrops on My Guitar."

She Was Photographed With Joe Jonas, Her Then-Rumored Boyfriend

Later, of course, it was confirmed that the pair dated, and now he's coupled up with her pal Gigi Hadid.

And She Shared the Red Carpet With Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus

Ah, the way they were.

Oh, and She Also Got to Hang Out With Britney Spears

What a combination!

2009 Marked the Year of Taylor Swift's Cinderella Moment

The only thing missing? Glass slippers.

She Showed Up in a Carriage For a True Fairy-Tale Entrance

So, so princess-y!

That Was Also the Year of Kanye's Unforgettable Interruption

When Taylor Swift hit the stage to accept the award for best female video for her song "You Belong With Me," Kanye memorably said, "Imma let you finish . . . "

And Beyoncé's Sweet Offer to Share the Stage

Thanks to Beyoncé, Taylor had an extra moment to finish her acceptance speech.

Plus Taylor's Performance of "You Belong With Me"

It marked her first of many VMAs performances!

In 2010, Taylor Performed "Innocent" in a Pared-Down Performance

She debuted the song from her Speak Now album during the show, and there was speculation as to whether it was directed at Kanye West.

Next Came Taylor's White-Hot 2012 Appearance

The singer stepped out with straight hair, and she wore a sleek white pant suit.

She Hit the Stage to Perform "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"

She closed out the show with her hit song.

And Eventually Made Her Way Into the Crowd

What an ending, right?

In 2013, Taylor Took Home Best Female Video

She won the award thanks to her video for "I Knew You Were Trouble."

During the Show, She Sat With Her BFF Selena Gomez

They were spotted whispering and dancing together throughout the show.

She Also Had a Cute Moment With Justin Timberlake

Remember how he was once her celebrity crush?

2014 Brought a Fierce and Fashionable Taylor to the Red Carpet

While she walked the red carpet, she promised there would be dancing — and she definitely delivered with her GIF-worthy moves.

She and Her Dancers Were Ready to "Shake It Off" on Stage

The memorable performance came soon after Taylor's hit single came out.

Back in the Audience, She Freaked Out When Lorde Won

(Naturally.)

And Snapped Cute Selfies With Longtime Pal Demi Lovato

Too cute!

2015 Brought Taylor's Surprise Performance With Nicki Minaj

The pair fully ended their "feud" with a killer performance that kicked off the show.

Plus Her Big Moment Presenting to Kanye West

What a difference six years makes! Taylor and Kanye shared a hilarious moment, and she even dropped an "Imma let you finish" line.

And She Won a Bunch of Major Awards With Her BFFs at Her Side

Best female video, best pop video, video of the year . . . not too shabby!