Photos

VMAs 2023 behind the scenes: What you didn’t see on TV

By
Social Links for Nicole Mazza
Published Sep. 13, 2023, 10:19 a.m. ET
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backstage at the VMAs 2023

From a surprise *NSYNC reunion to a historic Taylor Swift win sweep, the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards were jam packed with iconic moments that played out on the small screen.

But there were also plenty of happenings going on behind the scenes that weren’t shown on television.

Scroll through the gallery below to see everything that went on backstage and in the crowd at Sunday night’s big event.

Getty
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nsync at vmas
*NSYNC hangs out backstage after their on-stage reunion. Getty Images for MTV
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Best friends Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift
Best friends Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift hug during the show. Getty Images for MTV
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selena gomez and taylor swift at VMAS
The twosome have been pals for more than a decade. Variety via Getty Images
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kelsea ballerini at VMAs
Kelsea Ballerini busts a move in the crowd. Getty Images for MTV
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shakira with sons sasha and milan
Shakira’s sons, Sasha and Milan, join her in the audience. Variety via Getty Images
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taylor swift nicki minaj
Swift poses with her “favorite Sagittarius,” Nicki Minaj. Variety via Getty Images
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Rita Ora and Justin Timberlake
Rita Ora looks thrilled to be taking a photo with Justin Timberlake. Getty Images for MTV
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Tiffany Haddish and Karol G at vmas 2023
Tiffany Haddish and Karol G put their cheeky ensembles on display. Getty Images for MTV
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Lil Nas X and sexyy red at vmas
Sexyy Red grabs Lil Nas X’s backside. Getty Images for MTV
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taylor swift vmas 2023
The “Anti-Hero” singer poses with her nine moon people. Getty Images for MTV
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Shakira and Karol G at vmas 2023
Karol G gives Shakira a huge hug. Variety via Getty Images
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Doug E. Fresh and LL Cool J at vmas 2023
Doug E. Fresh and LL Cool J have an animated conversation backstage. Variety via Getty Images
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Charli D'Amelio, Dixie D'Amelio, Heidi D'Amelio and Marc D'Amelio at vmas 2023
Charli (left) and Dixie D’Amelio (second from left) attend the show with their parents. Variety via Getty Images
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Halle Bailey, Dove Cameron, and Chloe Bailey at vmas 2023
Dove Cameron (center) stuns in photo with Halle and Chloe Bailey. Getty Images for MTV
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