As usual, this year's MTV VMAs made for some pretty memorable moments, including a few that made us think, "Wait, what?" There was, of course, the whole "Kanye 2020" announcement [1] and the time Justin Bieber ended up in tears [2]. Meanwhile, viewers wondered if that awkward interaction between Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus [3] was real or staged, and some people took issue with Rebel Wilson's joke. Keep reading for a full breakdown of some of the most head-scratching moments from the show, then check out all the VMAs winners [4] and tweets that summed up the show [5].
When Nicki Minaj Fully Called Out Miley Cyrus
- What Happened: While accepting the award for best hip-hop video, Nicki Minaj straight-up called out Miley Cyrus [6] for talking badly about her in the press. Last week, Miley made headlines [7] for calling Nicki "not too kind," and Nicki addressed it on stage. "And now," she said, "back to this b*tch that had a lot to say about me the other day in the press. Miley, what's good?"
- The Reactions: When Miley returned to the stage, she responded to Nicki, saying, "We're all in this industry. We all do interviews and we all know how they manipulate sh*t. Nicki, congratuf*cklations." Although some people thought it was a planned interaction, the GIF of Miley's reaction [8] shows the back-and-forth was probably very, very real.
When Kanye Announced a Presidential Run
- What Happened: At the end of Kanye West [9]'s long acceptance speech for the Video Vanguard Award, he suddenly announced his political plans [10]. "I have decided, in 2020, to run for president," he said.
- The Reactions: After Kanye's mic-drop moment, Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian's facial expressions [11] said it all. Was he serious? Was it planned? Did he say it to get a reaction? Only time will tell.
When Rebel Wilson Dropped Her Pants
- What Happened: Rebel Wilson took the stage wearing a police uniform to present an award, and she said, "I know a lot of people have problems with the police, but I really hate police strippers." She went on to strip down, revealing a bodysuit that said, "F*ck tha stripper police." She joked about a police stripper who wouldn't "feel her up" and said, "I hate this injustice. Hence the shirt."
- The Reactions: Some people weren't too thrilled about Rebel's joke, angry that she'd make light of a serious topic [12] like police brutality.
When Miley Made a Comment About Kim Kardashian's Nipples
- What Happened: After Kanye West [13] accepted his Video Vanguard Award, Miley Cyrus [14] joked, "Kanye West and I have one thing in common. We both love Kim Kardashian [15]. I mean, have you seen those nipples?"
- The Reactions: . . . K.
When Justin Bieber Started Crying
- What Happened: Justin Bieber took the VMAs stage for the first time since 2010, and after he performed his new song [16], "What Do You Mean?," Justin started crying [17].
- The Reactions: Was he emotional over the support of the crowd? Overcome because he was so happy to be back on the VMAs stage? The reason behind Justin's tears wasn't quite clear, but if the audience's reactions were any indication, people were happy he was back.
When Miley Closed the Show With a Wild Performance
- What Happened: Miley Cyrus [18] was the final performer to take the stage, and she closed the show with a colorful performance [19] of "Dooo It," featuring a bevy of past contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race.
- The Reactions: Actually, as out-there as it may have seemed, this was less of a head-scratcher than it could have been, because really, who doesn't expect that kind of psychedelic performance from Miley?