1984: Madonna gets the party started

Madonna opened the very first VMA show back in 1984 with a raunchy rendition of 'Like a Virgin' atop of a giant wedding cake. Making her way to the floor (and losing a shoe on the way), she then writhed around the stage on all fours in a lacy, lingerie-inspired white wedding gown, accented by a de rigueur 'Boy Toy' belt and granny panties (of course her underwear made an appearance). No one in the audience was left a virgin once Madonna was through, but the bar was set sky high for all future VMA performers.