Lady Gaga's 'Paparazzi' Performance Nominated for 'Most Iconic' at VMAs

Lady Gaga’s epic performance of “Paparazzi” at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards is nominated at this year’s VMA ceremony for “Most Iconic Performance.” 

The Most Iconic Performance category features seven performances across the history of the VMAs, from the 1980s to today. 

This is a fan-voted category. To cast your vote for the winner, check @MTV’s Instagram story between Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. 

The full list of nominations include: 

• Beyoncé – ”Love on Top” (2011)
• Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Madonna and Missy Elliott – “Like a Virgin”/“Hollywood” (2003)
• Eminem – “Real Slim Shady”/“The Way I Am” (2000)
• Katy Perry – ”Roar” (2013)
• Lady Gaga – ”Paparazzi” (2009)
• Madonna – ”Like a Virgin” (1984)
• Taylor Swift – ”You Belong With Me” (2009)

Fifteen years after Gaga’s 2009 rendition of “Paparazzi,” many fans still regard it as one of the best of her career.

In a white, embellished one-sleeve top, white bottoms, thigh-high white heels and a curly blonde-pink wig, Gaga took control of the stage with stunning vocals and a “reveal” – fake blood oozing from her heart. 

As she fell to the stage, covered in blood, she was joined by a crew of dancers. At the end, she was left dangling from a rope, blood covering her face and body – even getting in her eye. 

After the night was over, Gaga took home three VMAs: Best New Artist ("Poker Face"), Best Special Effects and Best Art Direction ("Paparazzi").

Revisit Gaga’s performance at the 2009 VMAs here:

this is the exact moment when the world knew lady gaga was here to stay pic.twitter.com/SP9kldEcXE

— Gaga Crave 🌷 (@AMENARTPOP) December 10, 2023