VMAs: 10 most scandalous moments

Miley Cyrus provided one of the most scandalous moments in MTV Video Music Award history.

When it comes to the MTV Video Music Awards, nobody knows quite what to expect and this year is sure to be no different.

With Jessie J, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande set to open the ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday night, before Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Usher and more take to the stage, anything could happen.

Before we're hit with the next flood of Twitterstorms, it's time to take a look back at some of the most iconic (or just plain infamous) moments in the event's history.

1) Madonna sings 'Like A Virgin' in the least virginal way possible

It might seem tame by today's uninhibited standards, but when Madonna performed in 1984 dressed as a prostitute bride and wearing a flashy buckle reading 'Boy Toy' before writhing around the stage, all during "Like A Virgin", the world was left astounded.

2) Beyoncé announces her pregnancy (2011)

The Queen of Pop dropped a bombshell during her 2011 performance of "Love On Top". She surprised everyone by tearing open her glitzy jacket to show off a small baby bump. "I want you to feel the love that's growing inside me," were her memorable opening words.

3) Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift's acceptance speech
In possibly the most awkward VMAs moment ever, Kanye rushed on stage to snatch Taylor's first MTV gong from her hands and shout about how Beyoncé was the rightful winner. Poor Taylor didn't know what to say, and everyone felt sorry for her.

Later, Beyoncé tried to make amends for Kanye's rudeness when she won Best Music Video by inviting Taylor to join her on stage and finish her speech. As if her fans could love her more.

4) Lady Gaga's outfit of choice is a meat dress

Gaga went to a whole new level in the scandalous outfits department when she arrived at the 2010 awards in this infamous dress made solely of red, raw meat. Cue public outcry, particularly from animal rights group Peta.

5) Madonna kisses Britney and Christina

It began as a tribute to Madonna's iconic 1984 performance but when Madonna and Britney shared a big sloppy kiss, it morphed into something altogether more ridiculous, and the paparazzi's dream. Madonna then kissed Christina Aguilera, just to seal the deal.

6) Lady Gaga pretends to hang herself

When Gaga faked her own death, speechless VMA attendees could do nothing but stare open-mouthed. The serial shocker took to the stage in fishnets, white heeled boots and not a lot else besides, before she begun 'bleeding' and finally pretended to hang herself.

7) Britney Spears dances with a live snake

Britney's raunchy rendition of "I'm a Slave 4 U" involved a massive python wrapped around her neck, caged tigers and scantily-clad backing dancers. Animal rights group Peta was furious; viewers mainly enthralled.

8) Nirvana sing 'Rape Me' despite it being banned

Kurt Cobain was none too impressed when MTV bosses demanded that his band sing their biggest hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit" for the show. He wanted to play "Rape Me" instead, but compromised on "Lithium". Only to pick up his guitar and sing the first few lines of "Rape Me" as the big dogs could only look on horrified.

9) Britney Spears' horrendous "Gimme More" comeback (2007)

If you need a definition of 'shambolic', this is it. Britney's long-awaited comeback in 2007 was met with widespread cringes as she stumbled through a lacklustre, lip-synched performance with a lifeless expression on her face. Not the Britney we know and love.

10) Miley Cyrus' 'coming of age' twerkathon (2013)

The former Disney star sent Twitter into meltdown when she bounded on stage in a nude latex bikini, tongue wagging, to perform "Blurred Lines" with feminists' worst nightmare: Robin Thicke. The ensuing twerkathon, complete with simulated sex moves, is forever emblazoned in the mind of anyone unfortunate enough to witness it.

- The Independent