From Nicki Minaj’s wardrobe malfunction at the VMAs to Ariana Grande’s much meme-d Victoria’s Secret show performance and even Lady Gaga’s mid-set vomit stunt, 2014 wasn’t lacking in controversial onstage moments. And there was even a fair share of uplifting, iconic performances, like Beyoncé’s Vanguard performance at the VMAs and Miley Cyrus teaming up with the Flaming Lips for Conan (genius). Check out our year in memorable music performance below…
Nicki Minaj’s Wardrobe Malfunction at the VMAs
Performing “Bang Bang” with Ariana Grande and Jessie J at the VMAs, Nicki Minaj found herself in a pickle when the front of her dress split open. While there was some conjecture that the wardrobe malfunction was planned, Nicki carried the whole thing off like a boss and managed to out-perform everyone else on the stage while trying to keep herself under wraps.
Lady Gaga Getting Vomited on at SXSW
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcKqZ-5VP4A
Lady Gaga always loves some good shock tactics, and this year at SXSW music festival she had a “vomit artist” spew colored paint onto her chest as she performed. It was… weird. Definitely not one to watch if you have a sympathetic gag reflex, but memorable nonetheless.
Beyonce’s Vanguard Performance at the VMAs
Beyoncé accepted the Vanguard Award at the VMAs this year and her accompanying performance medley left the world breathless. From her baby Blue Ivy dancing in the audience, to the giant neon “Feminist” sign that served as a beacon mid-performance, everything about the performance moment was spectacular.
Ariana Grande Singing at the CMAs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSw8bQkPt7M
It might not seem like much, but this year Ariana Grande ruffled feathers when she sang at the CMAs. Why, you ask? Because fans of Ariana, country music, and of the CMAs were riled by the fact that the petite song bird is a pop star and not a country singer. Semantics maybe, but controversial regardless.
Iggy Azalea’s Terrible SNL Performance
