The Most Iconic Stage Costumes of Your Favourite Stars

Celebrity fashion is an amazing thing but the costumes of some of the world’s best performers? Well, that’s a whole level of over-the-top that can’t be outdone. And every once in a while, a star takes the stage and blows the minds of an audience — with their musical skills and their outrageous ensembles. These are the ones we can’t get out of our heads.

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Michael Jackson

MJ's flair for the dramatic provides so many to choose from but it's this military jacket with all the gold that will live in our hearts forever as one of the pop star's most iconic costumes. He looked right in his element; a far cry from these top 20 uncomfortable-looking outfits ever spotted on the stars.

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Madonna

Madge's Blond Ambition World Tour is remembered as one of the greatest concerts ever, and it's where her outrageous cone bra became a thing on stage. We have Jean-Paul Gauthier to thank for the iconic, brassy brassiere the Material Girl made famous.

See more outrageous, unusual celebrity fashion trends that will make you look twice.

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Britney Spears

It was the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards where Britney belly-dancing on stage to "I'm A Slave 4 U" wowed the crowd. We're not sure what was more impressive, though — her abs or the LIVE SNAKE draped upon her shoulders as she continued to dance. Icon.

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The Supremes

Not only were they perfectly coordinated for on stage performances but Florence Ballard, Diana Ross and Mary Wilson were glamorous, tasteful and timeless.

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David Bowie

Long before he married Iman, Bowie had many alter egos, from the Thin White Duke to Major Tom. But it was his Ziggy Stardust that remains one of the iconic in pop history, as he brought gender-bending fashion centre stage.

Check out more of the most important style moments of the 20th century.

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Prince

Prince — or, at this time, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince — could pull anything off, on stage or not — especially this purple lacy number.

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Spice Girls

Sporty, Baby, Scary, Posh and Ginger all boasted very different stage costumes, but somehow, their style always worked together.

We happen to think they make a great Halloween costume option for your girl gang. For more ideas, don't miss the best and worst celebrity costumes.

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TLC

They were the epitome of crazy, sexy, cool, especially when their clothes boasted political and/or important messages for musical performances.

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Lady Gaga

The queen of the stage costume (and bad outfit), there are too many showstopping ensembles to count. This one in Paris, though, where she performed under a canopy of human hair created by Charlie le Mindu, might take the cake as most iconic.

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Jackson 5

All you have to do is look back at the bell-bottoms, platform boots, and oversized collars and put them on arguably the most talented family act ever and you've got '70s swag in spades.

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Elton John

He's still wild but his fashion choices have definitely calmed down significantly. Back in the day, though, Elton was a sight to behold during on-stage musical performances, from the pom-pom sweaters, bell-bottomed jumpsuits, feather boas, funky glasses and big hats. That piano, though ... now that's what we call iconic!

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Cher

Only Cher could make an over-the-top Vegas showgirl look good.

Speaking of Cher and her iconic outfit choices, we'll also never forget the outrageous head piece she wore to the Oscars back in the day.

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MC Hammer

Hammer time, baby. Though you may think it's one of those fashion trends that should never come back, this iconic music outfit became so memorable, people still wear versions of these pants to this day!

Red Hot Chili Peppers with lightbulbs on head

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Red Hot Chili Peppers

Their iconic light bulb stage costume the band wore to open their set at Woodstock '94 seemed fun and original but it wasn't exactly the brightest idea since it was almost impossible for them to actually play their instruments. Still, we'll never forget it.

Wham! wearing their name on their shirts

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Wham!

Hey, a little self-promotion never hurt anyone. Especially on stage.

Janet Jackson superbowl performance outfit

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Janet Jackson

She's performed in many worthy ensembles but it's her bustier from Super Bowl XXXVIII that will live in infamy. Yes, it was one of the worst celebrity wardrobe malfunctions ever caught on camera. Nipplegate or not, it was a stunning, iconic outfit for the pop star. And honestly? It's just a nipple. Just ask her baby boy.

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Kanye West

Kanye managed to transform a regular ol' outfit with one not-so-simple accessory during a concert: a bedazzled Maison Martin Margiela mask which he wore on stage. Ahh, he's a man of many surprises.

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Miley Cyrus

What with Miley's PVC bikini, her tongue, the foam finger, Robin Thicke's Beetlejuice-style outfit, that performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards will forever be seared into our brains. Unfortunately. Oh, and the 2015 VMAs weren't great either.

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Daft Punk

Performing in helmets might seem like a pain but not for the French electronic duo who've been doing it for decades, making it their iconic costume anytime they're on stage.