Kanye West's Most Iconic Award Show Speeches

Kanye West, now known as Ye, is no stranger to making headlines, and his award show speeches are definitely a major reason why. Famous for his unpredictable nature and unfiltered opinions, Ye has delivered some of the most memorable, controversial, and talked-about moments in awards show history. Guys, whether you love him or hate him, you gotta admit, when Kanye grabs that mic, you know something interesting is about to go down.

The 2009 VMAs: "Imma Let You Finish..."

Let's kick things off with the speech that arguably cemented Kanye's reputation as an awards show disruptor: the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Taylor Swift had just won the award for Best Female Video for "You Belong With Me," and as she began her acceptance speech, Kanye stormed the stage. In a moment that became instantly iconic, he grabbed the microphone and declared, "Yo, Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I'mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time! One of the best videos of all time!"

This single line ignited a firestorm of controversy. The internet exploded, celebrities weighed in, and Kanye became the target of widespread criticism. The incident was seen as incredibly disrespectful to Taylor Swift, overshadowing her win and turning what should have been a celebratory moment into a moment of public humiliation. The backlash was swift and severe, with many calling for Kanye to apologize. Which eventually happened.

The impact of this moment was huge. It not only sparked a long-running feud between Kanye and Taylor, but it also changed the way awards shows were perceived. Suddenly, there was a sense that anything could happen, and that the carefully orchestrated facade of these events could be shattered at any moment. This incident showed the world how Kanye west thinks, and how he's willing to speak his mind no matter what. It also made everyone think about how awards are given and if popularity is more important than how good the content is.

Looking back, the 2009 VMAs incident remains one of the most infamous moments in awards show history. It's a reminder of the power of live television, the unpredictability of Kanye West, and the often-thin line between artistic expression and outright disrespect. While opinions on Kanye's actions remain divided, there's no denying the lasting impact of this moment on pop culture.

The 2015 VMAs: The Presidential Bid

Fast forward to the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, and Kanye was back on the VMAs stage, this time to receive the Video Vanguard Award. This award, honoring his contributions to music and pop culture, seemed like the perfect opportunity for Kanye to reflect on his career and offer some words of wisdom. But, of course, Kanye being Kanye, he had other plans.

After a lengthy introduction by Taylor Swift (yes, that Taylor Swift – talk about burying the hatchet!), Kanye took the stage and launched into a rambling, stream-of-consciousness speech that touched on everything from his artistic struggles to his feelings about awards shows themselves. He questioned the authenticity of these events, suggesting that they were often more about politics and popularity than actual artistic merit. He spoke about his own past mistakes, including the 2009 VMAs incident, and admitted that he was still learning and growing.

But the real bombshell came towards the end of his speech when he declared, "And yes, as you probably could have guessed by this moment, I have decided in 2020 to run for president." The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, and the internet went wild once again. Was he serious? Was it a joke? Nobody really knew for sure, but one thing was clear: Kanye had once again stolen the show.

This presidential announcement, whether serious or not, further solidified Kanye's image as a provocateur and a visionary. It sparked countless debates about his qualifications, his intentions, and his mental state. Some dismissed it as another example of Kanye's ego and grandiosity, while others saw it as a genuine attempt to challenge the status quo and bring about change. This speech was really long and had no clear point. Kanye talked about a lot of different things, like how he felt about winning the award and how he felt about the world. He also talked about how he wanted to make the world a better place. It was all very confusing, but it was also very entertaining.

The 2013 BET Awards: Calling Out Nike

While the VMAs are often the stage for Kanye's most headline-grabbing speeches, he's also delivered memorable moments at other awards shows. One example is the 2013 BET Awards, where he took the stage to accept the award for Best Collaboration for his song "Clique" with Jay-Z and Big Sean.

Instead of offering a traditional thank you speech, Kanye used his time to call out Nike, the sportswear giant with whom he had a long-standing partnership. He expressed his frustration with the company, claiming that they were stifling his creativity and limiting his ability to express himself through his designs. He felt that Nike wasn't giving him the respect and creative control he deserved. Kanye believed that his ideas were being ignored and that he was being treated like just another celebrity endorser, rather than a true creative partner.

"They try to control me!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with passion and anger. "They try to control my creativity! But I won't let them!" He argued that as an artist, he had a responsibility to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, and that Nike was preventing him from doing so.

This criticism of Nike was a bold move, especially considering the lucrative nature of their partnership. It demonstrated Kanye's willingness to stand up for his beliefs, even if it meant jeopardizing his business relationships. It also highlighted the tension that often exists between artists and corporations, and the struggle for creative control in a commercialized world. It was unexpected because most people don't publicly criticize their business partners, especially when those partnerships are very profitable.

Why Kanye's Speeches Matter

So, why do Kanye West's award show speeches resonate so deeply with audiences, even those who don't necessarily agree with his views? What makes them so compelling and unforgettable?

One reason is their authenticity. In a world of carefully crafted public images and scripted sound bites, Kanye's speeches feel raw, unfiltered, and genuinely from the heart. He's not afraid to be vulnerable, to admit his mistakes, or to express his opinions, no matter how controversial they may be. This authenticity is refreshing and captivating, drawing viewers in and making them feel like they're getting a glimpse into the real Kanye West.

Another reason is their unpredictability. You never know what Kanye is going to say or do next, and that's part of the excitement. His speeches are often rambling and disjointed, jumping from one topic to another with little apparent logic. But within that chaos, there are often moments of profound insight, social commentary, and artistic brilliance. It is what keeps people on the edge of their seats.

Finally, Kanye's speeches matter because they spark conversation. Whether you agree with him or not, he forces you to think, to question, and to engage with the issues he raises. His speeches often touch on sensitive topics like race, class, and artistic freedom, prompting important discussions about these issues in the public sphere. Kanye uses his platform to talk about things that matter to him, even if they're not always popular or easy to hear. He challenges the status quo and encourages others to do the same.

In conclusion, Kanye West's award show speeches are more than just rambling rants or ego-driven outbursts. They are a reflection of his artistic vision, his social consciousness, and his unwavering belief in himself. They are a reminder that awards shows can be more than just superficial celebrations of success, and that they can also be a platform for meaningful dialogue and social change. Love him or hate him, Kanye West is a force to be reckoned with, and his speeches will continue to be talked about for years to come. Whether you see him as a genius, a madman, or something in between, there's no denying that Kanye West knows how to make an impression. So, next time Kanye grabs the mic, be sure to tune in – you never know what he's going to say next!