Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 6, 2025 · Entertainment

VMAs 2023: A Night of Strict Attire and Polite Behavior Ahead!

From Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift on stage to Miley Cyrus ' infamous performance, the VMAs has been filled with a slew of wild moments and shocking scandals over the years

VMA'S GOING TAME? The VMAs' Wild History of Scandal and Shock Value Takes a Backseat as CBS Takes Over

Get ready for a night that's more ' tame' than 'tawdry'! This Sunday, September 7, marks the 32nd anniversary of the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) - an event known for its daring performances, jaw-dropping moments, and scandals galore. But don't get too excited just yet, folks. According to a source close to The Scholarly Note.com, this year's VMAs are going to be a whole lot more... polite.

That's right! After 40 years of wild and crazy antics on MTV, the VMA's have switched teams, and CBS is calling the shots now. And let's just say, the network has a few "dos" and "don'ts" for its A-list attendees. Apparently, the stars have been warned: no more "raunchy" outfits, no more cussin', and absolutely no "unbecoming behavior" allowed!

But fans should expect the awards show to be much more tame this time around. Kanye and Taylor are seen on stage at the 2009 VMAs

But don't think this means it's going to be a boring night, folks! The VMAs have always been about pushing boundaries, taking risks, and making headlines. And from what we've heard, the stars are still planning on bringing the drama - just with a little more... decorum.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Who can forget Madonna's infamous kiss-off to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in 2003? Or Miley Cyrus's epic twerking fail in 2013, where she wore a "nude" bikini that left little to the imagination?

And then there was Kanye West's explosive outburst in 2009, when he jumped on stage, snatched the mic from Taylor Swift's hand, and declared Beyoncé the real winner of the Best Music Video award. Yeah, that didn't go over too well...

The event has switched to CBS this year after 40 years of airing on MTV, and the network has set strict rules for attendees. Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are seen at the VMAs in 2021

But it's not all about the controversies; the VMAs have also been home to some truly unforgettable performances. Like Lady Gaga's 2009 "Paparazzi" performance, where she had fake blood pouring out of her body (because who needs special effects when you can just use real blood?!). Or Britney's 2001 I'm a Slave 4 U routine, which featured not one but TWO live pythons slithering around the stage!

And let's not forget Lil' Kim's jaw-dropping entrance in 1999, where she rocked up to the VMAs in a barely-there outfit that left her entire breast exposed (and we're pretty sure it wasn't just for artistic purposes...).

But this year? Well, things are going to be a little different. According to an insider close to The Scholarly Note.com, CBS has set some "strict rules" for attendees - mainly, no showing up looking like you just rolled out of bed and stumbled onto the red carpet.

The Sun claimed that the stars have been warned that they cannot wear anything 'raunchy.' Rose MacGowan and Marilyn Manson are seen at the VMAs in 1998

"We're not saying it's going to be a completely buttoned-up affair," our source revealed. "But we do need to make sure everyone is aware of what's expected." And what does that mean? Well, in layman's terms, no more nearly-naked bikinis or barely-there bodysuits.

"Stars' reps have been contacted far and wide, warning them not to dress their clients in too provocative clothing," our insider spilled. "CBS has much stricter guidelines than MTV, so it's not just about being tasteful - it's about following the rules."

Now, we know what you're thinking: is this going to be a total snooze-fest? Don't worry, folks! The VMAs have always been about pushing boundaries and making headlines. And we're pretty sure that with a little bit of creative genius (and some strategically-placed safety pins), the stars will find ways to make this year's show just as unforgettable.

A source said that 'revealing outfits' and 'unplanned profanity' are strictly prohibited. Doja Cat is seen at the 2023 VMAs

So mark your calendars for September 7th, when the VMA's take on a whole new level of "tasteful" - and let's see what our favorite celebrities come up with! Will they follow the rules? Or will they dare to be different? Stay tuned, folks... it's going to be a wild ride!

In addition, cursing and any other unbecoming behavior will not fly. Madonna and Britney Spears are seen kissing at the 2003 VMAs

'Stars' reps have been contacted far and wide, warning them not to dress their clients in too provocative of clothing,' continued the insider. Lil' Kim is seen at the 1999 VMAs