See The 2013 MTV VMA Winners and Nominees Before They Were Stars!

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Miley Cyrus in 2002 as a Third Grader

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Miley Cyrus—Now

2013 has been a year of extremely short hair, media buzz about her on-again-off-again engagement to fiancé Liam Hemsworth, and risqué fashion choices that have transformed her into an under-the-microscope style icon. Thankfully, the dust has settled (she’s on with Liam) and Miley has rocked her short hair and new look into a hot new album and three nominations at the VMAs. Her video “We Can’t Stop” from Bangerz is up for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Best Editing.

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Beyoncé Knowles in 1996 as a Freshman

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Beyoncé Knowles—Now

Pop queen and music sensation Beyoncé is another celeb to transform her look with a drastic haircut. The hitmaker recently debuted a pixie cut, shocking fans, proving she can still keep us on our toes. This “Independent Woman” is nominated for Best Video With A Social Message for her 9/11-inspired song “I Was Here.”

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Pink (AKA Alecia Moore) in 1993

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Pink—Now

Like Miley, Pink is also up for three VMA nominations this year. Her 2012 album The Truth About Love was actually her first to reach number one in the United States, with hits like "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)," "Try," and "Just Give Me A Reason" burning up the air waves. Her music video for "Just Give Me A Reason" feat. Nate Ruess is up for Best Female Video, Best Collaboration, and Best Editing. WINNER: Best Collaboration

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Justin Timberlake as a Second Grader

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Justin Timberlake—Now

This 'N SYNC alum is up for SIX MTV VMAs this year. The pop powerhouse recently released The 20/20 Experience which is his third studio album. His song "Mirrors" is nominated for Video of the Year, Best Male Video, Best Pop Video, and "Best Editing." The single "Suit & Tie" feat. Jay-Z is nominated for Best Collaboration and Best Direction. It's safe to say the odds are in his favor to nab at least one Moon Man! WINNER: Video of the Year, Best Editing, and the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

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Rihanna in 2005

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Rihanna—Now

It's hard to believe that Rihanna is just 25 years old with seven albums, a slew of U.S. and international hit singles, and somehow manages business ventures like fragrances on the side. This stylista has had her fair share of bad press (re: Chris Brown), but we're confident RiRi is back on track and Unapologetic. Her single "Stay" feat. Mikky Ekko is nominated for Best Female Video.

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Taylor Swift in 2006 as a Sophomore

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Taylor Swift—Now

The talented Taylor Swift, famous for her expository song lyrics and albums dedicated to love and heartbreak has managed to learn some lessons and survive a country-to-pop music crossover. Her 2012 album Red literally describes how it feels to be "22" ("It's miserable and magical..."), and the hit single "I Knew You Were Trouble" is nominated for Video of the Year and Best Female Video. WINNER: Best Female Video

Drake in High School

Drake—Now

You may remember Drake for his TV role as Jimmy Brooks, a wheelchair-bound teen on Degrassi: The Next Generation, but everyone else knows him as a fresh, young rapper and songwriter. Hi first album Thank Me Later put the hitmaker on the map and he followed it up withTake Care and 2013's Nothing Was the Same. Drake is nominated twice for the category Best Hip Hop Video for his song "Starting From The Bottom" and ASAP Rocky's "F--ckin' Problems" which he is featured in.

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Lana Del Rey Singing in 2009, billed as "Lizze Grant"

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Lana Del Rey—Now

A self-described “"self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra,” Lana Del Rey has managed to ignore the naysayers who have dubbed her a fake or a sellout. Her 2012 album Born To Die is her second with Interscope Records and proved she and her persona are here to stay. She has two different music videos nominated for a VMA. “National Anthem” is nominated for Best Art Direction and “Ride” is up for Best Cinematography.

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Demi Lovato in 2008

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Demi Lovato—Now

After recovering in rehab, it’s no surprise that Demi Lovato has come back stronger than ever with a firm footing in the music industry, managing to put out a fourth album and land a stint on The X Factor as a judge. The pop song “Heart Attack” from her hot new album Demi has been one of the biggest hits of the summer; it is nominated for Best Female Video.

Selena Gomez on <em>Barney and Friends</em>

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Selena Gomez—Now

Another child-star-turned-pop-princess, Selena Gomez has blossomed into a 21-year-old teen queen. Her acting and music career are shooting for the moon, with movies like Spring Breakers and Getaway cementing her A-lister status. Her much-anticipated solo album is preceded by the single "Come & Get It," her first Top 10 hit, which is nominated for Best Pop Video. WINNER: Best Pop Video