MTV has honored Madonna, Britney Spears, Kanye West and more legendary artists with the Video Vanguard Award at the Video Music Awards. David Bowie was the first artist to receive the top honor at the inaugural VMAs in 1984. Seven years later, the network renamed the award to honor Michael Jackson, who was presented the Moon Person in 1988. The name was once again changed in 2019 after Jackson came under fire for sexual abuse allegations in HBO's Leaving Neverland documentary, with all mentions of the late performer removed from the awards' website and 2019 broadcast. (Jackson, who died in 2009, denied all allegations against him in the past.) At the 36th annual VMAs, Missy Elliott made history as the first female rap artist to accept the Vanguard Award, which is not presented every year. In 2018, Jennifer Lopez became the first Latin artist to win the award.  Shakira, for her part, became the first South American artist to take home the honor at the 2023 ceremony. Scroll through to revisit some of the most memorable Video Vanguard Award winners over the years.

David Bowie, The Beatles and director Richard Lester shared the honor at the first-ever VMAs.

Madonna was the first woman to take home the top honor.

Three years before the award was renamed in his honor, Michael Jackson was presented the statue. 

Michael’s sister Janet Jackson made history as the first African American woman to win the Vanguard Award.

Bon Jovi were presented with the Video Vanguard Award in 1991, which the band shared with "It's My Life" music video director Wayne Isham. This was also the year MTV changed the title of the honorary award to the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

LL Cool J was the first rapper to accept the iconic Moon Person.

U2 paid tribute to The Ramones’ Joey Ramone during their acceptance speech. The rocker died weeks before the ceremony.

Britney Spears was the third woman to accept the honor. 

Justin Timberlake reunited with his former 'NSync band members during a greatest hits performance before he was presented with the Moon Person.

Beyoncé’s husband, Jay-Z, and daughter Blue Ivy were on hand to present her with the special honor. 

Kanye West announced his plans to run for president in 2020 during his acceptance speech.  

Rihanna performed four separate times before she returned to the stage to take home the Vanguard Award.

Pink wowed with a greatest hits medley before sharing a heartbreaking story about her daughter, Willow, being bullied for her looks during her acceptance speech. 

Jennifer Lopez performed at the VMAs for the first time since 2001 ahead of her big win. 

Missy Elliott made history as the first female rapper to win the Vanguard Award.

The "Super Bass" artist took home the iconic Moonperson in 2022, thanking countless artists, her beloved Barbz and more. Minaj got emotional while giving a shout-out to her young son, referring to him by his nickname, "Papa Bear."

Shakira made VMAs history when she became the first South American artist to bring home the award.

After performing a show-stopping medley of her biggest hits, including “She Wolf” and “Hips Don’t Lie,” Shakira made sure to thank her “creative partners,” her fans and her family when she officially accepted the golden Moonperson.

“I want to thank my parents. I want to thank my kids, Milan and Sasha, who are here,” she gushed in her speech, referring to her sons with ex Gerard Piqué. “Thank you so much for … making me feel that Mama can do it all.”

Katy Perry was announced as the 2024 recipient of the iconic award and one of the show’s performers. Before taking the stage, she was introduced by partner Orlando Bloom. After singing a medley of her greatest hits including “Dark Horse,” “California Girls” and more, Perry and Bloom shared a passionate kiss after he handedher the moon person.

“Thank you MTV for always believing in my weirdness from day one and helping artists extend their worlds beyond a song,” Perry said in her speech. “There are so many things that have to align to have a successful career as an artist. There are no decade-long accidents.”

Mariah Carey was selected as the 2025 recipient of the VMA’s most iconic award. She made history becoming the awards' eldest recipient at age 56. In her acceptance speech, Carey poked fun at how she won her first-ever VMA tonight. (In addition to Video Vanguard, Carey also took home Best R&B video for "Type Dangerous.")

“Thank you so much MTV for giving me the Vanguard Award. I can't believe I'm getting my first VMA tonight. I just have one question. What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” she quipped. “I'm kidding. I love you MTV.” 

Legendary grunge band Nirvana took home the award at the 43rd annual VMAs.

“This day in 1992, Nirvana took to the VMAs stage for the first time — shaping music, culture and MTV forever,” MTV wrote via Instagram while announcing the news. “Nirvana is our 2026 #VMAs Video Vanguard recipient!!! 🚨.”