The 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, held live on September 7, 2000, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, was an event filled with iconic performances, unexpected collaborations, and moments of high drama. Hosted by brothers Marlon and Shawn Wayans, the ceremony aimed to honor the best music videos released between June 12, 1999, and June 9, 2000. Beyond the awards themselves, the show became a cultural touchstone due to several memorable on-stage
appearances and one particularly notable incident that captured headlines.
Opening Acts and Iconic Stage Moments
The evening kicked off with a powerful performance by Janet Jackson, who opened the show with her hit song "Doesn't Really Matter." This set the stage for a night of high-energy musical showcases. Britney Spears delivered what would become one of the VMA's most talked-about performances, singing her hit single "Oops!...I Did It Again." Her choice of a skin-colored performance attire contributed significantly to the performance's iconic and controversial status, sparking widespread discussion.
NSYNC also took to the stage, performing their popular single "Bye Bye Bye," a song that was a major hit at the time. These early performances established a tone of spectacle and star power that characterized the entire event, solidifying the VMA's reputation for delivering unforgettable live music experiences.
Unexpected Collaborations and Unique Presentations
The 2000 VMAs were also notable for surprising collaborations and creative staging. Christina Aguilera's performance of "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)" featured a surprise guest appearance by Limp Bizkit vocalist Fred Durst, adding an unexpected rock edge to her pop set. This kind of genre-blending moment was a hallmark of the VMAs, often bringing together artists from different musical worlds.
Another highlight was Eminem's performance, which featured him surrounded by an army of "Slim Shady" lookalikes. This visually striking presentation amplified his persona and created a memorable visual spectacle that resonated with viewers. The show also included a humorous montage dedicated to past VMA winners who had not managed to replicate their earlier success, offering a lighthearted look at the fleeting nature of fame in the music industry.
Unscripted Drama and Lasting Legacies
One of the most talked-about moments of the night occurred when Tim Commerford of Rage Against the Machine climbed a piece of set scaffolding and refused to come down. This dramatic protest happened after his band lost the Best Rock Video award to Limp Bizkit. The show was forced to go to commercial while security personnel worked to remove Commerford, who was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct. This incident underscored the unpredictable nature of live television and the passionate reactions artists sometimes displayed.
The 2000 VMAs also marked the final appearances at the awards for two significant artists: Whitney Houston and Aaliyah. Aaliyah, who would tragically pass away a year later, received her only two VMA awards that night for Best Female Video and Best Video from a Film for her song "Try Again." Whitney Houston would pass away eleven years later. These final appearances added a poignant layer to the event, making it a significant marker in the careers of these beloved musicians.
