VMAs 2013: Best and Worst Moments

Justin Timberlake's Hit Performance

Timberlake went back in time with a performance that included many of his oldies including "Like I Love You," "Cry Me a River," "Rock Your Body" and "Senorita," along with more current hits "Mirrors" and "Suit & Tie." Following his highly anticipated reunion with 'N Sync, the pop singer received the Michael Jackson Video Vangaurd award from buddy Jimmy Fallon, who declared him the "President of Pop" and "a legend." Timberlake also went home with the best video of the year award for "Mirrors."

No Cryin' on Sunday

"I've been writing songs since I was 15 years old, and out of every single song that I have ever written, to me, this is the most important record out of all of them," said Macklemore of his hit gay marriage anthem, "Same Love." Joining him onstage was music partner Ryan Lewis, vocalist Mary Lambert and -- to the surprise of the audience -- Jennifer Hudson. The ladies engaged in a back-and-forth onstage, singing that they wouldn't be "cryin' on Sunday."

Kanye West Performs 'Blood on the Leaves'

Looks like fatherhood has already had a mellowing effect on West, as the usually controversial rapper's performance of "Blood on the Leaves" was quite restrained.

Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke Blur the Lines

Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke, the artists behind two controversial summer singles, joined forces for a surreal performance at Brooklyn's Barclays Center. Performing "We Can't Stop" while wearing a furry bustier, the 20-year-old at one point grabbed one of her dancer’s rear ends before stripping down to a flesh-colored two-piece to join Thicke for a racy rendition of his hit "Blurred Lines."

'N Sync's Anticipated Reunion

After speculation that 'N Sync would return to the VMA stage for the first time in more than a decade, the audience was treated to a memorable -- yet brief -- reunion in the middle of Justin Timberlake's extended Vanguard medley. The fivesome, including JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick and Lance Bass, belted out "Girlfriend" and even performed its iconic "Bye Bye Bye" choreography. (The group's last VMA performance came in 2001.)

Daft Punk Presents Best Female Video Award

Daft Punk, who has been rumored to perform at this year's VMAs, wound up presenting a snippet from the video for their single "Lose Yourself to Dance" before joining "Get Lucky" collaborators Pharrell Williams and Niles Rodgers to present best female video to Taylor Swift.

Lady Gaga's 'Applause' Performance

Lady Gaga may be known for her bizarre performances (read: Joe Calderone), but her live rendition of her new single "Applause" was strange for another reason: It was nowhere near as shocking as her past VMA offerings. 

Vanessa Bayer and Shailene Woodley

The Divergent actress took the stage to introduce Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke's joint performance. Accompanying her onstage was Saturday Night Live castmember Vanessa Bayer, doing her signature Cyrus impression, in which she hilariously lampooned the recent, somewhat strange behavior of the young songstress. 

Bruno's Gorilla

During Bruno Mars' performance of his ultrasexual song "Gorilla," the giant green projection somehow managed to overshadow the X-rated lyrics.   

Katy Perry 'Roars'

Perry's stellar boxer-themed performance of her new single, "Roar," closed out the Sunday night awards show with a bang -- or rather -- a punch. 

Comedian Kevin Hart

The comedian repeatedly said he wasn't hosting the show, announced his love for Lady Gaga's rear end and even took a jab at certain 'N Sync members' (read: Joey Fatone) tired-looking dance moves.