The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show may be best known for its iconic Angels and elaborate lingerie looks, but its musical performances have always been just as memorable. Over the years, the runway has hosted some truly unforgettable musicians—from Rihanna’s legendary catwalk performance to Taylor Swift’s matching black lace moment with Karlie Kloss to The Weeknd singing as his ex, Bella Hadid, strutted past him down the runway.
Although the inaugural VS Fashion Show debuted in 1995, it wasn’t until 2001 that the event had its first musical performers: Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli (talk about range). Ahead of the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, we’re taking a look back at the most unforgettable VS performances of all time, from Justin Timberlake's very on-brand “SexyBack” in 2006 to the iconic Destiny's Child performance you probably forgot about and last year's comeback show with none other than Cher.
In no particular order, these are the standout runway performances worth rewatching.
1) Rihanna, 2012
Rihanna was tapped as the musical performer at the 2012 VS Fashion Show, but she showed up doing double the work as a model, too. Performing during a segment titled “Dangerous Liaisons,” Bad Gal Riri delivered a stunning rendition of “Diamonds” in a black gown and sunglasses. Later on in the show, she returned to serve up a legendary performance of “Phresh Off the Runway,” in which she proceeded to deliver one of the fiercest catwalks of all time, wearing a pink lace look. Confirmed: the VS runway hasn’t been the same since.
2) Justin Timberlake, 2006
Bringing "SexyBack" to an entirely new level, Justin Timberlake's performance at the 2006 Victoria's Secret Show was one of the most on-brand of all time. It started with the models in a Cell Block Tango-inspired set, followed by Gisele Bündchen hitting the runway first as Justin delivered his signature dance moves. Quite frankly, the legendary performance was proof that the song should've never been performed without the VS models on backup.
3) Destiny's Child, 2002
Back in the glory days when Destiny's Child was still together, they brought holiday cheer to the VS catwalk with a rendition of "8 Days of Christmas" dressed in matching gold outfits. While we were treated to another reunion on the Cowboy Carter tour, this early aughts performance is worth rewatching again and again.
4) Taylor Swift, 2014
Who could forget Taylor Swift's takeover of the 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show? Performing songs off her freshly-released 1989 album, the singer hit the runway alongside her then-bestie Karlie Kloss as the duo walked hand-in-hand in matching black lace looks for "Style." She also performed "Blank Space" in a pink satin robe during another number, looking perfectly in sync with the VS models.
5) Spice Girls, 2007
The chances of another reunion from this bunch are slim, so consider this performance a true gem. They took on their '90s hit "Stop," complete with satin '40s Army girl outfits and male backup dancers, and literally made the runway their stage—no models walked during their set.
6) Mary J. Blige and Eve, 2003
MJB first took on the VS show in 2001 as its first-ever musical performer, and made a soulful return two years later to perform her Eve collab, "Not Today," with the rapper. Talk about a dream duo performance.
7) Justin Bieber, 2012
There was no more fitting place for Justin Bieber to perform his hit song "Beauty and a Beat" than at the 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Performing during the PINK setlist, the singer lit up the runway with his Usher-inspired choreography, iconic hairstyle, and serenading of all the models. As he ran and danced up and down the runway, it instantly became one of the greatest VS show performances of all time.
8) The Weeknd, 2016
The Weeknd performed at the VS Fashion Show two years in a row, but it was his 2016 appearance at the Paris show that went instantly viral and left a mark. Why? As he sang his hit song "Starboy," his recent ex-girlfriend, Bella Hadid, was making her VS runway debut, strutting past him fiercely. It made for the ultimate meme-worthy moment, while also going down as one of the show's most memorable musical performances.
9) Usher, 2008
The R&B singer opened the 2008 Miami show with back-to-back performances of “What’s Your Name?” and, of course, “Yeah.” Angels, including Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, opened the show while Usher serenaded them and the crowd. The only thing that could make the VS models walk even better? A little bit of classic Usher choreo sprinkled on the runway.
10) Andrea Bocelli, 2001
Perhaps the most magical Victoria's Secret performance of all was one that took place the first time it was ever televised. There was a light-up forest, a string orchestra, and, most of all, there was Andrea Bocelli singing "Mascagni" from a balcony as the models strutted below. The most unexpected performer of all time? Yes, but also one of the most iconic.
11) Tyla, 2024
Following her breakout year in music, Victoria's Secret tapped Tyla to perform last year's fashion show in Brooklyn. With a lethal catwalk strut, the singer doubled as a model in the show as she performed her hits "Push 2 Start" and "Water." Despite the fact that she blended in perfectly with the runway lineup she sang during, it was also an instant 10/10 performance, no notes.
12) Cher, 2024
After a six-year hiatus, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show made its grand return in 2024 and brought with it one of its most surprising musical performers yet: the one and only Cher. The 78-year-old icon performed her hits "Believe" and "Strong Enough" with a group of dancers as models strutted down the runway. Not only was she the oldest performer to take the stage at the show, but she also proved that age is just a number with her infectious set.