Entertainment

These 'Making The Video' Moments Were Too Perfect

by Kristie Rohwedder

Feb. 10, 2016

Once upon a time, in the Land of Music Television, there lived a very special program called Making the Video. From 1999 to 2009, the MTV original series pulled back the green screen, er, curtain and gave audiences a peek at how the music video sausage was made; we saw Janet Jackson navigate the tricky task of dancing atop a moving platform, *NSYNC sit still as makeup artists applied prosthetic doll masks to their darling faces, and Mariah Carey shoot an elaborate Mimi vs. Mimi fight scene. And at the end of each 30-minute episode, we reaped a most glorious reward: the world premiere of the very music video we just spent a half hour getting to know.

MTV's behind-the-scenes series gave the world so many iconic moments: Wade Robson fills in for Joey Fatone during the "Pop" dance break! Enrique Iglesias and then-girlfriend Anna Kournikova bat their eyes at each other all over the "Escape" set! Destiny's Child welcomes Queen Stevie Nicks to the "Bootylicious" shoot! As life-changing as those scenes and episodes were, may we never forget the minor moments that also helped make Making the Video the stunning, sparkling diamond of a show that it was. Here are some of the smaller scenes from MTV's MtV that deserve to be remembered always:

1. When Britney Spears Dreamt About Finding A Cold Place For Her Toes

Music video: “Stronger” by Britney Spears.

I hope she found a cold place for her toes.

2. When Director Dean Paraskavopoulos Broke The Fourth Wall

Music video: “Sweetest Sin” by Jessica Simpson.

He just wants to make sure we’re paying attention.

3. When Gwen Stefani & Tony Kanal Battled In The Air

Music video: “Ex-Girlfriend” by No Doubt.

Without the special effects, they look like two kittens tangled up in a ball of yarn. Paw-dorable.

4. When Jennifer Lopez Wouldn’t Let A Little Thing Like A Foot Injury Get In The Way Of Finishing A Music Video

Music video: “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” by Jennifer Lopez.

ICONIC.

5. When Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott Said Hello With A Hug

Music video: “Son Of A Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)” by Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott.

Every time I watch this episode, my heart explodes and pieces itself back together when the legendary Janet Jackson and the legendary Missy Elliott hug. I just love their friendship, OK?