MTV aired its first Video Music Awards in 1984 -- the year Madonna unforgettably seduced the stage while performing "Like a Virgin." At that show and every subsequent VMAs for the past 29 years, winners took home a trophy shaped as an astronaut on the moon.
But this year, the "Moonman" got an edgy makeover from Brooklyn artist KAWS to celebrate the VMAs being the first major awards show to be held in Brooklyn, New York.
MTV will dole out the Kid Robot-esque Moonman only at the 2013 VMAs, which will broadcast live from the Barclays Center starting at 9 p.m. ET Sunday.
The new Moonman will be hard to miss, as this 60-foot inflatable version of the Moonman awaits attendees inside Barclays, which Mashable photographed Saturday:
KAWS, who has previously worked with Kanye West and Pharrell, wanted to keep the Moonman's original shape while infusing his signature skull-and-crossbone flair. In the past, he has given new looks to Mickey Mouse, SpongeBob SquarePants and the Smurfs.
Brooklyn artist KAWS (center) poses in front of the 60-foot version of his redesigned Moonman.
VMA performances this year include Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Justin Timberlake (likely with 'N Sync), Bruno Mars and Drake. Presenters will be Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jared Leto, Kevin Hart, Emeli Sande and A$AP Rocky, with a "special appearance" from One Direction.
BONUS: Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peek at 2013 VMAs
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