MTV Video Music Awards Season 15 Episode 1 15th Annual MTV Video Music Awards

On August 29, 1998, music fans tuned in to the 15th annual MTV Video Music Awards, ready to see who would take home the coveted Moonman trophies. The ceremony, which was held at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, featured performances from some of the biggest names in popular music, including Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Backstreet Boys.

The show opened with a bang, as Lil' Kim, Mya, Christina Aguilera, and Pink took to the stage to perform "Lady Marmalade," their hit song from the film Moulin Rouge!. The quartet dazzled viewers with their sultry dance moves and powerful vocals, and set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.

Hosted by Ben Stiller and Janeane Garofalo, the 15th annual MTV Video Music Awards featured a number of memorable moments, both on and off stage. After winning the award for Best Rap Video, Puff Daddy paid tribute to his late friend and collaborator, The Notorious B.I.G., with a heartfelt speech. He also used his time on stage to address the recent shooting death of rapper Tupac Shakur, urging the audience to put an end to the violence in the hip-hop community.

Other highlights from the show included Madonna's performance of "Ray of Light" and the Backstreet Boys' rendition of "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)." The latter group, who were at the height of their popularity at the time, also took home the award for Viewer's Choice.

One of the most talked-about moments of the night came when Marilyn Manson and Rose McGowan arrived on the red carpet in matching outfits that left little to the imagination. McGowan, who was Manson's girlfriend at the time, wore a sheer, see-through dress that exposed her entire body, except for a tiny thong. The couple's risqué choice of attire generated a lot of buzz in the media, and still ranks as one of the most controversial outfits ever worn to the MTV Video Music Awards.

Several other awards were doled out during the show, with Madonna taking home the award for Best Video from a Film for "Beautiful Stranger" (from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me) and Lauryn Hill winning Best New Artist. Beastie Boys and Outkast were also among the winners, taking home the awards for Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Art Direction, respectively.

Overall, the 15th annual MTV Video Music Awards was a night to remember, packed with groundbreaking performances, emotional speeches, and plenty of surprises. From the raunchy outfits to the poignant tributes, the ceremony captured the essence of the late '90s music scene and served as a fitting celebration of the year's biggest and brightest musical talents.