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14 Of The Most Memorable MTV VMAs Acceptance Speeches

Remember when Nicki Minaj threw shade at Miley Cyrus?

The end of the summer can only mean one thing — it's time for the MTV Video Music Awards.

To gear up for this year's VMAs antics taking place on September 12, we took a walk down memory lane to reminisce on some of the most memorable, gossip-worthy acceptance speeches in VMA history.

1. 2002: When Eminem talked about his beef with Moby during his acceptance speech.

Eminem talking into the mic onstage at the 2002 MTV VMAs

2. 2002: When a confused Michael Jackson gave a speech for a fake award.

Britney Spears and Michael Jackson on stage at the 2002 MTV VMAs

3. 2009: The infamous moment when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech.

Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift on stage at the 2009 MTV VMAs

4. 2011: When Justin Bieber forgot to thank Selena Gomez in his speech.

Justin Bieber holding his Moon Man on stage at the 2011 MTV VMAs

5. 2011: The speech where Tyler, the Creator dropped way too many f-bombs.

Tyler, The Creator on stage with a crowd of people talking into the mic at the 2011 MTV VMAs

6. 2012: The year Drake gave a heartfelt speech.

Drake with a crowd of people behind him giving an acceptance speech at the 2012 MTV VMAs

7. 2013: When Taylor Swift called out Harry Styles for being the inspiration for her song.

Taylor Swift on stage with a group of people giving her acceptance speech at the 2013 MTV VMAs

8. 2014: When Miley Cyrus used her acceptance speech as an opportunity to talk about homelessness in the country.

Miley Cyrus posing with a man holding her Moon Man award at the 2014 MTV VMAs

9. 2014: When Beyoncé blessed us with an amazing "thank you" performance the year she won the Video Vanguard award.

Beyonce performing on stage at the 2014 MTV VMAs

10. 2015: The moment when Nicki Minaj said the famous line, "Miley, what’s good?"

Nicki Minaj giving her speech, talking into the mic on stage at the 2015 MTV VMAs

11. 2016: When Rihanna dodged Drake's kiss when accepting her Video Vanguard award.

Drake and Rihanna on stage at the 2016 MTV VMAs

12. 2017: The year when Pink brought us to tears with her inspiring speech.

Pink on stage at the mic giving a speech holding her Moon Man at the 2017 MTV VMAs

13. 2019: Cardi B keeping it real in her acceptance speech.

Cardi B smiling standing at the mic on stage at the 2019 MTV VMAs

14. 2020: Lady Gaga gave viewers a hopeful message during her speech.

Lady Gaga at the mic wearing a bright costume giving her acceptance speech at the 2020 MTV VMAs

What's your favorite VMA moment during a speech? Let us know in the comments.