Entertainment

18 of The Weirdest Things That Happened At The 2001 VMAs

If your mind was blown by Miley Cyrus twerkin' it at the 2012 VMAs, then you clearly never saw the insanity that was the 2001 VMAs. The events of MTV's 2001 Video Music Awards brought us Britney Spears' iconic "I'm A Slave 4 U" performance, "Lady Marmalade," and, of course, lots and lots of random celebrities that we stopped paying much attention to after 2001. Take a trip back in time with these insane throwback pics from the 2001 awards show.

by Kaitlin Reilly

2001 MTV VMAs

Britney Spears made huge snakes a thing long before Nicki Minaj did.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Destiny’s Child wore matching denim and brown leather outfits. Also, Destiny’s Child was a thing.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Jay Z hadn’t started dating Beyonce yet, which is the only explanation I have for this hat.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Alicia Keys wore this camo head scarf and still looked perfect.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Jamie Foxx hosted in this matching sweatshirt and sweatpants combo.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Nelly Furtado attempted to wink.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Andy Dick dressed up as Christina Aguilera’s cousin and attacked her on stage.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Andy Dick was relevant.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Macy Gray cultivated the power of free advertising.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Will Smith thought the entire show was cast in a blue light.

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2001 MTV VMAs

The Backstreet Boys looked more like the Backstreet Men. AJ looked like Ali G.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Mark Wahlberg looked like a child.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Mick Jagger made Britney Spears uncomfortable.

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2001 MTV VMAs

NSYNC performed in front of a giant screen with Justin Timberlake’s face on it which foreshadowed the fate of NSYNC.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Mya performed “Lady Marmalade” for the crowd dressed like extras from American Horror Story: Freak Show.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Pamela Anderson showed up with Kid Rock and posed for one of the first photos of their tumultuous relationship.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Pink wore a mesh shirt with the words “Call Me Debbie” on it. Her name is Alicia.

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2001 MTV VMAs

Christina Aguilera looked like the world’s most underdressed lion tamer.

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