1985 MTV Video Music Awards Winners: A Comprehensive Look At The Iconic Event

Let’s rewind to 1985, the year when music videos were just starting to take over the world. The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) was still in its early days, but it had already become a massive deal for artists and fans alike. This was the third edition of the awards, and it was packed with legendary performances, unforgettable moments, and groundbreaking wins. If you're a fan of music history or just curious about how the VMAs shaped pop culture, buckle up—this is gonna be a wild ride!

Picture this: it’s August 28, 1985, and the venue is the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The event wasn’t just about handing out trophies—it was about celebrating the art of music videos, which were becoming an essential part of an artist’s career. This year's show was filled with iconic performances, surprise winners, and moments that left everyone talking for weeks. It was a game-changer for the music industry, and we’re here to break it all down for you.

What made the 1985 MTV VMAs so special? Well, for starters, it was the first time we saw artists like Cyndi Lauper and A Flock of Seagulls taking home big awards. It was also the year when Michael Jackson became a household name, thanks to his incredible work on "Thriller." But that’s not all—there were so many other surprises, from unexpected collaborations to jaw-dropping visuals. So, let’s dive into the details and uncover why this event was such a game-changer.

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Table of Contents

• A Brief History of the MTV VMAs
• 1985 MTV VMAs Winners
• Cyndi Lauper: Queen of the Night
• Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Rise
• A Flock of Seagulls: From Obscurity to Stardom
• Iconic Performances of the Night
• The Impact of the 1985 VMAs on Music
• Music Video Trends in the 80s
• Legacy of the 1985 MTV VMAs
• Conclusion: Why This Event Still Matters

A Brief History of the MTV VMAs

Before we dive into the 1985 MTV VMAs, let’s take a quick look at how this iconic event came to be. Launched in 1984, the MTV Video Music Awards was created to celebrate the rising importance of music videos in the entertainment industry. Back then, MTV wasn’t just a channel—it was a cultural phenomenon that influenced fashion, music, and even language. The VMAs were a way to honor the best of the best in the world of music videos, and they quickly became one of the most anticipated events of the year.

In its early years, the VMAs were all about pushing boundaries and showcasing creativity. Artists like Madonna, Prince, and Michael Jackson used the platform to redefine what music videos could be. By 1985, the awards had already established itself as a must-watch event, and the competition was fiercer than ever. This year’s ceremony wasn’t just about handing out trophies—it was about setting new standards for what music videos could achieve.

1985 MTV VMAs Winners

Now, let’s get to the juicy part: the winners. The 1985 MTV VMAs saw some of the biggest names in music taking home awards, and it was a night full of surprises. Here’s a breakdown of the major winners:

Video of the Year

Michael Jackson - "Thriller": No surprises here. “Thriller” was a cultural phenomenon, and it was the first video to break the $1 million production budget. With its groundbreaking special effects and storytelling, it was a no-brainer that it took home the top prize.

Best Female Video

Cyndi Lauper - "What’s Going On": Cyndi Lauper was a force to be reckoned with in the 80s, and her win for “What’s Going On” was well-deserved. The video was a visual masterpiece, and it showcased her unique style and artistry.

Best Male Video

Michael Jackson - "Billie Jean": Another win for MJ, and for good reason. “Billie Jean” was a game-changer in terms of choreography and storytelling, and it remains one of the most iconic music videos of all time.

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Other notable winners included:

• A Flock of Seagulls - "I Ran (So Far Away)"
• Whitney Houston - "How Will I Know"
• Prince - "When Doves Cry"

Cyndi Lauper: Queen of the Night

Cyndi Lauper was one of the biggest stars of the 80s, and her performance at the 1985 VMAs was nothing short of iconic. Her win for Best Female Video was a testament to her creativity and artistry. But who was Cyndi Lauper, really? Here’s a quick look at her career:

Bio of Cyndi Lauper

Full Name	Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper
Date of Birth	June 22, 1953
Place of Birth	New York City, USA
Genre	Pop, Rock, New Wave
Breakthrough Album	"She's So Unusual" (1983)

Lauper’s unique style and powerful voice made her a standout in the music industry, and her win at the 1985 VMAs was just the beginning of her journey to becoming a pop icon.

Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Rise

No discussion of the 1985 MTV VMAs would be complete without talking about Michael Jackson. Known as the King of Pop, MJ dominated the night with multiple wins, including Video of the Year for “Thriller.” But what made his work so special? It wasn’t just about the music—it was about the visuals, the choreography, and the storytelling.

“Thriller” was more than just a music video—it was a short film that pushed the boundaries of what music videos could achieve. With a budget of over $1 million, it featured groundbreaking special effects, a star-studded cast, and a narrative that captivated audiences worldwide. It’s no wonder it remains one of the most iconic music videos of all time.

A Flock of Seagulls: From Obscurity to Stardom

While Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper were the big winners of the night, A Flock of Seagulls also made a splash with their win for Best New Artist. Their hit single “I Ran (So Far Away)” became a massive success, and their unique look—complete with big hair and bold fashion—made them stand out in the crowded 80s music scene.

But who were A Flock of Seagulls, really? Here’s a quick look at their rise to fame:

• Formed in Liverpool, UK, in 1980
• Known for their distinctive haircuts and fashion sense
• Hit the charts with “I Ran (So Far Away)” in 1983
• Won Best New Artist at the 1985 VMAs

Iconic Performances of the Night

Of course, the 1985 MTV VMAs wasn’t just about the winners—it was also about the performances. The show featured some of the most memorable performances in music history, including:

Cyndi Lauper - "Time After Time"

Cyndi Lauper’s performance of “Time After Time” was a highlight of the night. Her unique style and powerful vocals left the audience in awe, and it cemented her status as a pop icon.

Michael Jackson - "Billie Jean"

Michael Jackson’s performance of “Billie Jean” was legendary. His moonwalk dance move became an instant sensation, and it remains one of the most iconic moments in music history.

Whitney Houston - "How Will I Know"

Whitney Houston’s performance of “How Will I Know” was a showcase of her incredible vocal range. It was a reminder of why she was one of the most talented singers of her time.

The Impact of the 1985 VMAs on Music

The 1985 MTV VMAs had a lasting impact on the music industry. It set new standards for what music videos could achieve, and it helped launch the careers of several artists who went on to become legends. The event also solidified MTV’s role as a cultural influencer, shaping the way we consume music and entertainment.

But the impact of the 1985 VMAs wasn’t just limited to the music industry. It also influenced fashion, language, and even politics. The event was a reflection of the times, and it captured the spirit of the 80s in a way that no other awards show could.

Music Video Trends in the 80s

The 1985 MTV VMAs was a reflection of the music video trends of the 80s. During this decade, music videos became an essential part of an artist’s career, and they were used to tell stories, showcase creativity, and push boundaries. Some of the key trends of the time included:

• Elaborate production values
• Storytelling through visuals
• Use of special effects and technology
• Focus on fashion and style

These trends helped shape the music industry and paved the way for the artists and videos we love today.

Legacy of the 1985 MTV VMAs

The 1985 MTV VMAs remains one of the most iconic events in music history. It was a celebration of creativity, artistry, and innovation, and it set the stage for future generations of artists. The event also helped solidify the importance of music videos in the entertainment industry, and it remains a benchmark for excellence in the field.

Today, the VMAs continue to be one of the biggest events in the music world, and they still celebrate the best of the best in music videos. But the 1985 edition will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans and artists alike, as it was a true game-changer for the industry.

Conclusion: Why This Event Still Matters

So, there you have it—a comprehensive look at the 1985 MTV VMAs and why it still matters today. From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking “Thriller” to Cyndi Lauper’s iconic performances, this event was a celebration of creativity and innovation. It set new standards for what music videos could achieve, and it helped launch the careers of several legendary artists.

But the 1985 VMAs wasn’t just about the winners and performances—it was about the impact it had on the music industry and pop culture as a whole. It was a reflection of the times, and it captured the spirit of the 80s in a way that no other event could. So, the next time you watch a music video or attend an awards show, remember the legacy of the 1985 MTV VMAs and the impact it had on the world.

Now, it’s your turn. What did you think of the 1985 VMAs? Who was your favorite artist or performance? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends! Until next time, keep grooving to the beats of the 80s!