With slated performances from Sam Smith, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and femme fatale trio Jessie J, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande, we all know the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards (Sunday, August 24) are going to be mind-blowing as usual.

To prepare for Sunday, let’s take a look at last year’s most shocking and amazing moments:

Miley Cyrus Scars the World

The “Can’t Be Tamed” singer definitely crossed a line (or two) in her “Blurred Lines/We Can’t Stop” collaboration with Robin Thicke. From her teddy bear lingerie to twerking on Thicke (who was married at the time), this performance burned everyone’s eyes, even causing some to complain to the FCC. 

Relive the horror:

Lady Gaga Morphs into a Mermaid

From a block-headed nun to a practically naked mermaid, Lady Gaga’s whirlwind performance of “Applause” was an energetic artistic explosion. The show didn’t end there, though, since she casually spent the rest of the night in her shelled bra and thong in Gaga-like fashion.

*NSYNC Comes Back to Life (!!!)

Yes, the entire 15 minutes of JT is perfect, but that 60-second N’Sync reunion (around 9:30 mark) was every ‘90’s girl’s dream (even if their dance moves aren’t what they used to be).

While I don't think anything will ever trump the *NSYNC reunion, tune in to MTV at 9 p.m. to see what the VMA's have in store for us this year!