It's 2003, and you've just seen Britney Spears kiss Madonna at the VMAs, then Christina Aguilera kiss Madonna seconds later, and you're in shock. Your teen brain can't cope with the scandal of it all, and it's quite possibly the best thing you've ever seen. Twenty years later, the iconic VMAs kiss is still making headlines - with Google search results peaking for 'When did Britney kiss Madonna?', 'Why did Britney kiss Madonna?' and 'Britney Madonna kiss video'.
When did Britney Spears kiss Madonna?
The jaw-dropping moment made headlines when Britney sauntered out of a wedding cake in a wedding dress, singing Madonna’s Like A Virgin, as Madonna had done in her 1984 VMAs performance. Performing alongside Christina Aguilera, who also kissed Madonna, the performance has gone down in history as one of the most iconic of all time.
Christina has since talked about how she felt cut out of the moment because cameras quickly panned to Justin Timberlake's reaction directly after Britney and Madonna’s kiss, instead of focusing on Christina and Madonna’s. Britney and Justin had split up the year earlier.
Afterwards, Britney told CNN ‘I didn't know it was going to be that long and everything,' adding, ‘I've never kissed a woman before.’ At the time, she didn't think she'd do it again, either. ‘No, I would not do it,’ she reportedly said before adding, ‘Maybe with Madonna.’ And true to her word, last year, Britney and Madonna recreated the kiss at Britney’s wedding to Sam Asghari.
And in even more shocking news, it was revealed this year that Jennifer Lopez was actually meant to be a part of it too - in place of Christina. In a chat with E!News earlier this year, JLo explained she was tapped to be the other woman, alongside Britney, but when she couldn’t get away from shooting a film they asked Christina to step in instead.
'I was filming a movie in Canada and I met with Madonna and Britney,’ she said. ‘And I couldn't get off the film, so they got Christina to do it. I'm a huge fan of Madonna, I always have been.' J.Lo might have missed out on that historic TV moment but 20 years later she’s still going strong, so we’re sure there’s more iconic performances to come from this pop culture Queen.
Watch the iconic Britney and Madonna kiss here:
The Most Iconic VMA Moments Ever
1 of 12Fifth Harmony Lose Their Fifth Member
When Camila Cabello left Fifth Harmony, the quartet remained pretty dignified in discussing her departure, but they couldn't resist acknowledging their bandmate's absence in their rain-soaked 2017 VMA set. When they appeared onstage in silver coats, a fifth member - clearly meant to represent Camila - fell back and disappeared into the shadows. Loved it. Imagine if the Spice Girls had done that in 1997.
2 of 12Ariana Returns In Resplendence
Ariana Grande gave a memorable performance of her sensual hit God Is A Woman, recreating Da Vince's depiction of The Last Supper and making it all the more notable by bringing her mother, grandmother and cousin Lani onstage.
3 of 12The mother of all reveals...
Beyoncé always impresses at the VMAs - she pops up on this list a few times - but she also has been known to use it as a launch pad for big announcements. In 2011, the icon performed Love On Top in a purple sequin blazer, then opened it up to reveal a prominent baby bump, thereby announcing that the legend that was Blue Ivy was on the way. Actually iconic behaviour.
4 of 12Pukker up...
Britney always makes her mark. She made VMA history again in 2003 by performing Like A Virgin with Madonna and Christina Aguilera. Their resulting kiss caused a huge stir, although the camera cut to Justin Timberlake in the audience, thereby denying those at home from seeing Christina kiss Madonna. Bad editing, in our opinion.
5 of 12World, meat Gaga
Lady Gaga had already made an impression on the world stage with her accent grade outfits, but the meat dress she wore in 2010 goes down in history. Somehow, she looked amazing in raw steak.
6 of 12Miley Twerks it
So, this is a controversial choice. Miley's participation in a graphic set, to a song that seems to suggest that glorify sexual assault, was heavily criticised. But it was an iconic performance in Miley's personal history, solidifying her post-Disney star status and hinting at the anarchic artist that she would soon become. Robin Thicke can continue to proceed to the bin, though.
7 of 12Miley, what's good?
When Anaconda and Feeling Myself weren't acknowledged in the 2015 Video Of The Year category, Nicki Minaj complained of inherent racism and misogyny in the music industry. Taylor Swift ended up embroiled in the row somehow, and Miley Cyrus waded in to criticise Nicki as impolite. So, when Nicki ended up taking the stage at the 2015 ceremony to collect an award after all, she couldn't resist dropping three, perfect little words dripping with venom: 'Miley, what's good?' The world shuddered.
8 of 12Taylor's old as time...
Of course Kanye West features on this list for an iconic, misguided moment. When Taylor Swift took to the stage to take her Best Female Video prize in 2009, Kanye jumped up to argue that it was not deserved. It was a cruel stunt that kicked off a long showbiz feud. Taylor's sad shock is horrible to watch. But, of course, Beyoncé did the classy thing and invited Taylor back up to give her speech in full later.
9 of 12Rihanna, just generally
Rihanna always delivers a memorable performance, but in 2016 she brought the house down. As winner of the Video Vanguard award, she delivered four amazing sets throughout the evening, reminding everyone that no one does it like she does.
10 of 12Squad assemble
The concept of a girl squad has existed for a long time but was truly solidified by Taylor Swift, who recruited several showbiz friends for her Bad Blood video and then brought several of them along to that year's VMAs. From left to right, Gigi Hadid, Martha Hunt, Hailee Steinfeld, Cara Delevingne, Selena Gomez, Serayah, Mariska Hargitay, Lily Aldridge, and Karlie Kloss. I mean, that must have been a really big limo.
11 of 12Snake in the grass...
It just isn't the VMAs without Britney. This performance of Slave 4 U in 2011 was provocative, evocative and very sexy. Britney, we love you.
12 of 12Beyonce, 2016
Beyonce took the Video Vanguard award in 2014 and treated the world to 15 minutes of heaven, with offerings from her self-titled album. It was electrifying.