Some of the Most Iconic Vanguard Video Award Recipients—From David Bowie to Madonna

The highest honor at the VMA’s is the Vanguard Video Award. Previously known as the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, the award has been a staple of the VMA’s ever since its founding in 1984. The award equates to a Lifetime Achievement Award or a Grammy for the best music video. That being so, the recipients receive the award for their noteworthy work in music and music videos. Thus, some pretty monumental artists have won the award over the years.

This year’s recipient is none other than Katy Perry due to her extensive catalog of hit songs and the visually iconic music video accompanying them. However, Perry is only one winner amidst the award’s 40-year history and as stated previously, she is entering a coveted position in music. Let’s see who she is joining with a list of three of the best musicians to win the Vanguard Video Award.

1. David Bowie

It comes as no surprise that David Bowie was the winner of the highest award at the VMAs’ inaugural awards ceremony. One could make quite the laundry list as to why Bowie received this award, though, given that the artist is a pop culture icon both for his music and the accompanying visuals. I think everyone can surmise as to why he won the award.

Despite Bowie’s public quarrels with MTV over their lack of diversity, the award still sheds light on Bowie’s extensive impact on the world of music videos. Also, something to note, The Beatles and Richard Lester won the award in 1984, however, Bowie was the first to be given the award under its official title.

2. Madonna

Two years after Bowie and when MTV was in the thick of its success, Madonna became the first ever female to win the Vanguard Video Award. Thanks to works such as “Material Girl” and “Holiday,” Madonna not only cemented herself as an ’80s icon but also one of the reasons MTV became as popular as it was. Hence, she deserved the award on numerous levels.

In her acceptance speech Madonna, in a shell-shocked state, uttered, “What Can I Say? Thanks a lot, you guys.” By acknowledging Madonna’s work before 1986, fans would later consider her as arguably one of the biggest pop stars of the generation alongside Michael Jackson and other ’80s icons.

3. Rihanna

In 2016, Rihanna topped off her first ten years of success with the VMAs highest honor. At this point in her career fans and critics were surprised the award didn’t come sooner, as she was one of, if not the biggest pop star following her 2011 song, “We Found Love.” Though it was that song along with many others that garnered her the award in 2016.

Despite being a seemingly overdue recipient, Rihanna accepted the award with open arms. Stating in her acceptance speech, “This is such an amazing moment in my career,” and then went on to celebrate how her dream has now become the dream of millions of people around the world.

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