Image via Complex Original
It's that time of year again. The MTV Video Music Awards is taking place this Sunday at The Forum in Inglewood, CA.
As anyone who's tuned into the VMAs before will know, the award show has always been a magnet for controversial, provocative, and entertaining moments. In 2003, Britney Spears and Madonna made out while performing "Like A Virgin." Three years ago, Beyonce announced her pregnancy on the red carpet. Kanye West also interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech and gave the most legendary shrug of all time. Of all time! Not to mention, Lil Wayne, Flavor Flav, Marilyn Manson, and more have shown up wearing some of the most bizarre outfits we've ever seen.
Award shows are prime opportunities for celebrities to experiment with their personal styles, be it on the red carpet or onstage. Sometimes it's a hit, other times not so much. There have been plenty of the latter category in over three decades since this award show first started. So before you watch the ceremonies this Sunday, check out the Most Ridiculous Outfits in MTV VMA History and have yourself a laugh.
Steven Tyler
When: 1987
Complex says: Steven Tyler made all kinds of weird style choices that night. He arrived on the red carpet wearing a T-shirt and jeans that looked like they were in the dryer five minutes too long. But it got even worse when he changed into these purple mesh pants.
Andrew Dice Clay
When: 1989
Complex says: Controversial comedian Andrew Dice Clay received a "lifetime ban" due to the profane language and offensive jokes in his live comedy appareance on the 1989 MTV VMAs. But maybe someone should have banned him from wearing this black and white jacket, too.
MC Hammer
When: 1990
Complex says: MC Hammer danced too much and his jacket started to rip.
Mike Patton
When: 1990
Complex says: The funny thing is, Mike Patton's leopard print hat and plaid pants with fur aren't the worst parts of this outfit. Look closely and you'll see the Faith No More's lead singer took the phrase "a helping hand" to a new level.
Flavor Flav
When: 1990
Complex says: You know that moment right before your house burns down and you're forced to grab and save whatever you can? Flavor Flav is dressed like that just happened to him.
MC Hammer
When: 1990
Complex says: Sorry MC Hammer, it's not Halloween and you won't get a free burrito from Chipotle.
Howard Stern
When: 1992
Complex says: Howard Stern just gave the term "moonman" a new meaning.
Lenny Kravitz
When: 1993
Complex says: Lenny Kravitz wants to be different. We get it. But his matching metallic pants and zip-up looks like one of those American Apparel lame joints girls on lookbook.nu wear. And he looks like he's wearing makeup.
Busta Rhymes
When: 1997
Complex says: It's hard to believe, yes, but there was a time when Busta Rhymes wore kimonos.
Marilyn Manson
When: 1998
Complex says: There's bizzarre and then there's this. Marilyn Manson showed up and (probably) made the award show awkward for everyone. RIP to the crowd that was only a few feet away from Manson and his latex outfit.
Tommy Lee
When: 1999
Complex says: Well, Tommy Lee showed up to the 1999 MTV VMAs wearing Dr. Seuss' hat and a trend coat sans clothes underneath. Honestly, he and then-girlfriend Pamela Anderson look like they're wearing Halloween costumes.
Prince
When: 1999
Complex says: The facial expression on those two in the crowd (probably) describes how everyone felt when they first saw Prince's outfit. They were either A) avoiding their eyes, or B) closing their eyes.
'NSYNC
When: 2000
Complex says: Let's just collectively agree that this never happened.
Lenny Kravitz
When: 2004
Complex says: OK, seriously. We get it. You are "unique", but really... the flared pants, fringe, and feathers?
Lupe Fiasco
When: 2008
Complex says: Lupe Fiasco isn't the most stylish rapper around, but it was still a shock that he somehow thought jodphurs and OJ Simpson gloves would look great. Big mistake.
T-Pain
When: 2008
Complex says: T-Pain may have had everyone sprung on his hooks, but he's not impressing anyone with this leather ringmaster outfit.
Fatman Scoop
When: 2008
Complex says: Fatman Scoop walked the red carpet wearing his boxers, a wife beaters, and chanklas. Even his wife was laughing.
Lil Wayne
When: 2011
Complex says: We're not sure anyone could have really predicted this: Lil' Wayne in women's jeggings. How could the rapper, who during his Hot Boys days wore jeans fit for three people, wear skin-tight denim? In a zebra print, too...
LMFAO
When: 2011
Complex says: You can always count on LMFAO to live up to their name.
Nicki Minaj
When: 2011
Complex says: This is definitely not one of Nicki's best. She looks a little like a cross between a Harajuku girl or a raver.
Busta Rhymes
When: 2013
Complex says: Busta or a Miami drug lord who buys Versace plates and pillows?
Robin Thicke
When: 2013
Complex says: Robin Thicke's disturbing performance with Miley Cyrus was, unfortunately, paired with this equally terrible striped suit. He's borderline a clone of Betelgeuse from Beetlejuice. Nothing to smile about here.
