Foam fingers, giant stuffed bears, and a mouse-themed leotard shocked the world at the MTV Video Music Awards…all during one performance. Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke and 2 Chainz stole the show with a medley of their respective summer hits. “We Can’t Stop” and “Blurred Lines” had gained attention for their sexually charged music videos weeks before the performance, which made the VMA routine highly anticipated. During the show, the former Disney Channel starlet continued to reveal her wild side dancing with Robin Thicke. Christ Church Students also took notice of the performance. Junior Mary Helen Ezell commented on it saying, “I respect her for her bold decision to have such a…controversial performance, but I found it very unenjoyable.” Miley Cyrus shed light on her own performance by saying she and Thicke knew they were “about to make history.”

While Cyrus was trying to make history, the rest of the performers did not fail to bring excitement to Brooklyn at the awards on August 25. The night also featured memorable performances by Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, ‘N Sync, Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis, Bruno Mars, Drake, and Katy Perry.

Justin Timberlake had the longest performance with a medley of his best hits throughout his long career. The highlight of this was the reunion of ‘N Sync, the band that propelled him into the public eye. This was Ezell’s favorite performance of the night; her favorite member of the band being either Joey Fatone or Justin Timberlake. Fans suspected an ‘N Sync reunion when Timberlake announced he would be performing, and they received just that and more with his remarkable spectacle.

Lady Gaga opened the show with her new song “Applause.” This performance featured a series of on stage costume changes, which ended with a mermaid bikini she wore for the remainder of the night. Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis had a touching rendition of their hit song, “Same Love,” which won the award for Best Song with a Social Message. Winners also included Justin Timberlake for Video of the Year, Best Direction, and the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for lifetime achievement. Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Thirty Seconds to Mars, One Direction, among others, also brought how the prized Moonmen. The 2013 VMAs brought exciting awards, the biggest starts, and shocking performances that were discussed long after Katy Perry sang her final notes.