Look Back at the MTV VMA Vanguard Award Winners Through the Years

From the first recipient David Bowie to the most recent recipient Shakira, take a look back at all the winners through the years

Many stars have taken home a coveted Moon Person at the MTV Video Music Awards, but only a handful have received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

The award, originally known as the Video Vanguard Award, was first established in 1984 and honors artists and directors for their achievements in music. It was renamed in 1991 in honor of Michael Jackson, who received the award in 1988.

Over the years, the award has been given to several big names in music, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Pink.

Recently, Shakira was honored with the award at this year's ceremony (hosted by former Vanguard winner Nicki Minaj), where she also put on a show-stopping performance.

From the first receipt to the most recent, here's a history of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award winners.

1984: David Bowie

David Bowie (seen at the 1995 MTV Europe Music Awards) took home the very first MTV Video Vanguard Award in 1984 at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards. The ceremony also included a special mention of The Beatles and Richard Lester for their contributions to music videos over the years.

1985: David Byrne

Talking Heads musician David Byrne (pictured in 1984) took home the Vanguard Award in 1985. He shared the honor with rock duo Godley & Creme as well as Russell Mulcahy, who notably directed "Video Killed the Radio Star."

1986: Madonna

Madonna, who has had her fair share of memorable MTV VMA moments over the years, made history as the first woman to take home a Vanguard Award in 1986. The singer (pictured at the MTV VMAs in 1995) shared the honor with music video director Zbigniew Rybczyński.

1987: Peter Gabriel

Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel (pictured at the 1992 VMAs) was honored with the award in 1987 alongside British director Julien Temple, who contributed to various music videos by David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and the Sex Pistols.

1988: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson (seen at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards) was the sole winner of the Vanguard Award in 1988, a year after the release of his seventh studio album Bad. The singer's music videos largely propelled the success of MTV over the course of his career and as a result the award was later renamed the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award in 1991.

1989: George Michael

In 1989, George Michael was presented the Vanguard Award by previous winner Madonna.

1990: Janet Jackson

Following in her famous brother's footsteps, Janet Jackson (pictured at the 1995 MTV VMAs) was awarded her own Vanguard Award in 1990 at just 24 years old. She remains the youngest person to ever receive the honor.

1991: Bon Jovi

In 1991, Bon Jovi took home the special award alongside Wayne Isham, who directed a handful of the band's notable music videos.

1992: Guns N' Roses

The hard rock band received the Vanguard Award in 1992, notably making a dig at Jackson during their speech on stage. "This has nothing to do with Michael Jackson. Thank you," frontman Axl Rose added at the end.

1994: The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones took home the Vanguard Award in 1994, sharing the honor with Tom Petty.

1995: R.E.M

A few years after winning Video of the Year for "Losing My Religion" in 1991, the band took home the show's highest award in 1995.

1997: LL Cool J

In 1997, LL Cool J became the first hip hop artist to take home a Vanguard Award. He shared the honor with director Mark Romenek, who notably directed Janet and Michael Jackson video for "Scream."

1998: Beastie Boys

Following LL Cool J's historic hip hop win, the Beastie Boys (pictured at the 2004 VMAs) were the next hip hop artists to take home a Vanguard Award in 1998.

2000: Red Hot Chili Peppers

The new millennium started with Red Hot Chili Peppers taking home a Vanguard Award in 2000.

2001: U2

U2 took home the noteworthy MTV VMA award in 2001, sharing a poignant moment with the remaining members of the Ramones on stage following the death of their frontman Joey Ramone.

2003: Duran Duran

In 2003, Duran Duran took home the Vanguard Award, which was given as a lifetime achievement award.

2006: Hype Williams

The 2006 ceremony honored director Hype Williams with the Vanguard Award for his contributions to music videos such as Will Smith's "Gettin' Jiggy wit It," TLC's "No Scrubs," and Kanye West's "Gold Digger."

2011: Britney Spears

In 2011, Britney Spears took home the Vanguard Award, which was presented on stage by Lady Gaga.

2013: Justin Timberlake

Two years later, Spears' former Mickey Mouse Club costar, Justin Timberlake, was awarded with the 2013 Vanguard Award. The singer was joined by his former NSYNC bandmates and friend Jimmy Fallon as he accepted the award.

2014: Beyoncé

After putting on an incredible performance on stage, Beyoncé was presented the 2014 Vanguard Award by her husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy.

In 2021, the singer's daughter became the youngest MTV VMAs winner at age 9 for her appearance in Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl" video.

2015: Kanye West

In 2015, Kanye West took home the prestigious award, which was famously presented by Taylor Swift. During her speech, the "Bad Blood" singer poked fun at their "infamous encounter" at the 2009 MTV VMAs, which started their longtime feud.

2016: Rihanna

Before becoming a beauty mogul, Rihanna took home the Vanguard Award in 2016 for her achievements in music. She was notably presented the award by her then-rumored boyfriend Drake, who professed his love for the singer on the stage.

2017: Pink

At the 2017 MTV VMAs, Pink took home the coveted award after giving a stunning performance of her top hits on stage.

2018: Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez, who has made some very fashionable appearances at the MTV VMAs over the years, took home the Vanguard Award in 2018, making her the very first Latin artist to receive the honor.

2019: Missy Elliott

In 2019, Missy Elliott took home the Vanguard Award, which included a show-stopping performance that had everyone on their feet during the ceremony.

2022: Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj took home the coveted award in 2022. Before accepting the Vanguard Award, the rapper also took to the stage for a special medley of her greatest hits, marking her first VMAs performance since 2018.

2023: Shakira

In August 2023, MTV announced that Shakira would be receiving the Video Vanguard Award at the 2023 ceremony.

"Shakira is a true global force who continues to inspire & influence the masses with her unique, musical prowess. She's a trailblazer for women around the world & one of the first artists to lead the globalization of Latin music," said Bruce Gilmer, Paramount's president of music, music talent, programming and events and Paramount+'s chief content officer for music, in a press statement.

"Her massive impact across the musical landscape will be long lasting as she continues to create and entertain at the highest level," continued Gilmer.

After walking the red carpet with her children, Shakira put on a show-stopping performance of her biggest hits before accepting the award on stage.

In addition to thanking MTV and her children for their support, she also gave a shoutout to her loyal fans. "I want to share this award with my fans, who always, always support me through thick and thin," she said. "Thank you so much for being my army and for helping me fight all my battles."

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