The Ten Best VMA Performances Of All Time

9. Rihanna, “Disturbia”/ “Seven Nation Army” (2008)

Unlike Madonna, Rihanna was already a major figure when she took the stage at the 2008 VMAs. But after two decades of hip hop and hard rock acting like they were oil and water, having her live rendition of “Disturbia” use the “Seven Nation Army” backbeat was a shock to the system for many who hadn’t seen the inevitable cross over coming. Add to that that the video, once it aired live became a “YouTube Exclusive,” and you have many angles of the future all colliding at once.

Those weren’t the only futuristic calls Rihanna made in this performance. She also predates the Zombie craze that would take hold of popular culture in the 2010s with her use of them here. It’s both a culture forward moment, while recalling Michael Jackson’s use of them in “Thriller.” So smart and so good. Watching this is a reminder to keep all eyes peeled on what she does tonight when she opens the show.