Fans were upset when they saw that the nominees fell into one of the MTV Video Music Awards’ new categories: Most Iconic Performance.
This new category recognizes one of five nominees who participated in legendary VMA performances between 1984 and 2013.
Still, VMA fans were upset to see Britney Spears’ memorable 2001 “I’m a Slave 4 U” performance missing.
“I think it’s a joke that Britney Spears isn’t on here as a standalone nomination. Britney is THE performance queen of the VMAs, she literally performed with a live snake,” wrote one X user.
Other much-talked-about nominees in this category include Eminem, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.
Several X users were upset when they found out that Britney Spears’ performance in ‘I’m a Slave 4 U’ was not nominated for a VMA this year
Spears’ performance at the 2001 VMAs made headlines when she performed with an albino Burmese python on her shoulders.
‘Britney Spears’ 2001 VMAs performance of “I’m a Slave 4 U” was truly iconic. Featuring a live python and cage, she made a bold statement that sparked conversation,’ tweeted an X user.
“Spears saw it as overcoming fear and leaving a mark on pop culture. It showed her artistry and the creative expression of the era.”
Although Spears’ 2001 performance fell outside the category, she, Madonna, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliot were nominated in 2003 for “Like a Virgin” and “Hollywood.”
The performance received a lot of media attention because Spears and Madonna kissed on stage.
“Anyone who says anything other than the Britney Spears, Madonna, Xtina & Missy performances is either trolling or 12,” said one X user joked.
Spears was nominated alongside Madonna, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliot for their 2003 performances of ‘Like a Virgin’ and ‘Hollywood’
Several TikTok users have cheered for Gaga and Beyoncé, who were nominated for their performances in 2009 and 2011, respectively.
Gaga started her 2009 performance of “Paparazzi” lying on the floor and ended it hanging in the air.
She was surrounded by backup dancers and played the piano before theatrical blood dripped from her ribcage and onto her face.
‘Academy Award winner Lady Gaga knew exactly what she was doing,’ wrote an X user.
Beyoncé’s 2011 performance of “Love on Top” was much simpler: it was mostly her and a small group of backup dancers.
However, she dropped the microphone, opened her jacket and announced her first pregnancy just as the song ended.
As Beyoncé rubbed her baby with a big smile on her face, the camera captured Jay Z and Kanye West celebrating in the audience.
Madonna was also nominated for her performance of “Like a Virgin” in 1984, becoming the only female singer to be nominated twice.
“If Madonna doesn’t win, it’s rigged. It’s by far the most iconic of them all,” said one X user tweeted.
Most X users have been cheering for Beyonce or Lady Gaga to win this year’s award
Taylor Swift received a nomination for her 2009 VMA performance of “You Belong With Me”
Swift’s stunning performance of “You Belong With Me” outside Radio City Music Hall received a lot of publicity, especially because of the actions that took place just before she sang.
One of the highlights of the 2009 VMAs was when West interrupted Swift as she accepted the award for Best Female Video.
“This performance was overshadowed by that incident, but I’m glad it’s now nominated for most iconic VMA performance,” wrote one X user this afternoon.
Many social media users assumed she would be the winner in this category, while others are still not convinced.
Perry’s 2013 performance of “Roa” apparently shocked X users compared to the other nominated musicians.
However, the nominee that several X users were not happy with was Eminem – the only male artist in the category.
X users criticized Eminem for his nomination for this award. He is the only male artist in this category
Eminem was nominated for his popular performance at the 2000 VMAs with “The Real Slim Shady” and “The Way I Am”
Eminem was nominated for his memorable performance of “The Real Slim Shady” and “The Way I Am” at the 2000 VMAs.
While he performed, “Eminem clones” followed the rapper into Radio City Music Hall and walked through the aisles as he took the stage.
The audience danced and seemed impressed, but X users have been dismissive of the performance since MTV announced the category.
“I would be happy for everyone if one won except Eminem,” one user wrote.
Other X users suggested that he or other nominees be replaced by artists like Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande.