VMA hosts over the years
Since its introduction back in 1984, the VMAs have featured a host 28 of the 35 times, as the network previously opted to go without a formal leader in 2004, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2018. However, for reference we put together a definitive ranking of each hosting performance. Here is every VMA host ever, ranked from worst to best.
20. MTV VJs (1986, 1987)
Since the MTV VJs hosted the Video Music Awards in back-to-back years, we chose to group them together, even though the lineup slightly changed. In 1986 the hosts were “Downtown” Julie Brown, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, Martha Quinn and Dweezil Zappa. In 1987 Goodman, Hunter and Quinn were replaced by Carolyne Heldman and Kevin Seal. In both years, MTV should have realized it made a mistake. Sure, these kids were the first truly relatable hosts in the VMA’s then-young history, but they weren’t nearly as entertaining as any of the others who preceded or followed them.
19. Christian Slater (1993)
We’re still not entirely sure why Christian Slater was chosen to host the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards. Don’t get us wrong: The actor was well on his way to stardom after roles in “Heathers” (1998), “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991) and “True Romance” (1993), but hiring a guy who wasn’t a comedian, singer or dancer was just puzzling. Then again, based on some of the legal trouble Slater would find himself in over the following few years, we think MTV probably second-guessed the decision as well.
