It's been seven years since Lady Gaga last attended the MTV VMAs, and we've sorely missed her presence. Luckily, not only is she nominated for nine awards this year, but she will also be giving a special performance. Whenever Lady Gaga attends the VMAs, you know she's going to put on a show — even if she's not actually performing. From her interesting choice in dates (see: Kermit the Frog) and unique outfits to her meticulously planned performances, take a look back at some of her best VMAs moments in preparation for her to grace our screens once more on Aug. 30.
The singer was nominated for a total of nine awards that night, including video of the year for "Poker Face" and best new artist.
In true Lady Gaga style, everything about the performance was avant-garde, from the all-white costumes and the bleeding bodysuit to her giving it her all while hanging from the ceiling.
During her speech, she thanked her family and fans before finishing it off with, "And it's for God, and for the gays."
Gaga switched outfits to pose with the award backstage.
The soldiers were discharged due to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and included Katie Miller, David Hall, Stacy Vasquez, and Mike Almy. After the show, an email was sent out asking fans to join her and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network to repeal the discriminatory act.
She won best pop video for the song "Bad Romance."
Once she'd won awards for best pop video and best female video, she went to the press room wearing the iconic meat dress by Franc Fernandez.
"Bad Romance" swept the awards that year, winning video of the year, best pop video, and best female video.
Jo Calderone appeared on stage to explain why Lady Gaga "couldn't" be at the show before performing "You and I."
Jo Calderone reappeared on stage to introduce the Britney Spears tribute performance and present Spears with the Video Vanguard Award.
Calderone accepted best female video and best video with a message "on behalf of Gaga."
The singer was not nominated for any awards in 2013 but attended the show to premiere her new song "Applause."
The performance was a tribute to her past eras, including nods to "Paparazzi" and "Telephone."
Lady Gaga's first ensemble was reminiscent of the white fabric she used in the "Applause" music video.
Lady Gaga's second look was most similar to what she wore throughout the "Applause" music video.
Her third outfit was a mashup between her "Just Dance" and "Paparazzi" era looks.
Her fourth look included a bright yellow wig that was reminiscent of a wig she wore during the "Telephone" music video.
Her fifth and final look was yet another nod to the "Applause" music video, as well as an Artpop song called "Venus."
Lady Gaga posed backstage with the boys of One Direction, who had won the award for song of the summer that year.