J Lo at the 2006 VMAs

Everything about this is amazing and perfect. J Lo, please PLEASE do me a solid and wear this again.

Beyonce at the 2006 VMAs

In case you forgot about the time Beyonce's mother designed all her clothes. That said: Her face looks great here, and also Beyonce has barely aged in ten years.

Rihanna at the 2006 VMAs

Look at Baby Rihanna! Everything about this is so sweet, and you'll never find a better time capsule for 2006 than a sequined stretchy belt plonked on top of what I used to call a "going out skirt."

Ciara at the 2006 VMAs

YES. THIS IS CIARA. I am overflowing with thoughts. (a) The past ten years have been extraordinarily good to her face [she is only 20 years old here, officially, and maybe actually], (b) this dress is still kinda cute, and (c) she has never worn this much continuous body coverage since.

The Pussycat Dolls at the 2006 VMAs

Hey, remember when the Pussycat Dolls were a thing? And apparently, on this night they all decided to dress like the back sale rack of formals at Forever 21.

Jessica Simpson at the 2006 VMAs

As ever in her life, Jessica Simpson could have stood to go up a size -- she loves a snug frock! -- but I have to admit that this brief embrace of minimalism is NOT what any of us wanted from J Simp. I prefer my Jessica Simpson to be taking her style cues from Dolly Parton. (Although this haircut is cute on her.) Bonus points for Dad Joe Simpson floating aimless behind her. Her divorce from Nick Lachey had been final for about three months here, so this might have been Jessica's Breakup Haircut.

Vanessa Minnillo at the 2006 VMAs

ALSO present at said VMAs: Vanessa Minnillo AND her now current spouse...NICK LACHEY. Cue soap opera music sting.

Christina at the 2006 VMAs

Remember Xtina's Hollywood Glamour Phase? I liked it then and I like it now, although this is SO MUCH BLING for the VMAs. This wasn't the Oscars, Christina.

Lil' Kim at the 2006 VMAs

This seems like a rather impressive display of modesty from Lil' Kim, honestly.

Pink at the 2006 VMAs

Speaking of things that could technically be re-worn this weekend without anyone totally raising a brow.

2006 in a Nutshell

In case you were wondering what 2006 was like, one of the attendees at this event was "Parker, the Herbal Essence New 'It Girl.'" I feel like Parker herself is reading this and being like, "I KNOW, RIGHT? It was a weird time."

Fergie at the 2006 VMAs

This is kind of a cute top on Fergie. I mean, yes, she's wearing it as a dress here, but STILL.

Paris Hilton at the 2006 VMAs

OBVIOUSLY Paris Hilton was the host of the VMAs in 2006. At the time, I felt a kinship to the befuddled-looking man in the front row, and over the last decade, that kinship has only grown.

Jared Leto at the 2006 VMAs

And then Jared Leto showed up.

Ten-Year Fugtrospective: The 2006 VMAs

In preparation for this year's VMAs, which are this Sunday, we all step into the WayBack Machine to revisit its red carpet, ten years ago. And, you guys, the 2006 VMAs were NOT well attended. I was looking at our coverage and thought, "maybe Heather and I were just REALLY HUNGOVER this week and didn't feel like writing about this?" -- we were much younger then; it was wholly possible -- but I actually think it was not a celeb hot ticket that year for some reason. Red carpet attendees including everyone from The Hills (which is peak 2006), including Brent Bolthouse, and also, like, Rocco DiSpirito? Which is not to say that some of these flashbacks will not thrill and delight you, because THEY WILL. Oh, they WILL.