The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) were perhaps one of the most memorable ever. They set themselves apart through likeability, humility and true glamour. Those who attended it, like Eric Schiffer, still say that the show stood out from all other past and subsequent VMAs. It was a show in which all levels of entertainment, from the downright mediocre to the true stars, stood side by side. For once, it was less about lewdness and more about true talent. Of course, there were some clear exceptions, such as Nicki Minaj’s performance, but even that was tame by her standards.

In fact, it seemed as if, for once, sexuality was not even present at the VMAs. That was until the end of the show, however, which Beyonce closed with a beautiful medley lasting some 15 minutes. This was characterized with some truly explosive group dances and some sultry slithering only Beyonce can get away with. She was surrounded by a huge group of very young performers, making her stand out as the true adult and representing her true showmanship. She was compared to Justin Timberlake, who performed the closing act at the 2013 show, but hers was actually much better.

There was a true message in her medley as well. She wanted to bring feminism back to the foreground, and that feminism is not about hating men but about finding a place within the family unit that is based on wants and needs, not on gender role. She was joined on stage by her husband Jay-Z, her and their then two-year-old daughter. It was strange to see her be so outspoken when she was surprisingly quiet while accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. In fact, few people said much during their acceptances, with two exceptions: Miley Cyrus, whose award was accepted by a proxy, discussed the plight of runaway children, and Common discussed Ferguson and the racial situation that was occurring there at that time. This marked the VMAs of 2014, which seemed to be less about glitz and glamor and more about racial disparity, childhood poverty and feminism.

These VMAs were the 31st, and they were held in the Forum. During the show, various top 40 hits were played, giving the whole event a 1980s feel. There was rap, but there were also female singers with sultry, subtle voices and true powerhouse tones. Maroon 5 and 5 Seconds of Summer provided some rock guitar, although even they seemed to tone it down a bit and go for lighter pop. Of course, the same evening, Lorde also won the award for rock, another precedent for the overall tone of the event.

The VMAs were fun and flashy in 2014. Some of the greater performers included Grande, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift, each presenting their hit songs (“Bandg Bang,” Anaconda and “Break Free,” respectively), but in such a way that was almost more mellow than what people are used to from these performances. In fact, even Usher showed up with a rhythm section and four horns, making him sound not like an R&B artist, but more like Earth Wind & Fire. It seemed that every song was slow to mid-tempo in speed, with an almost lethargic feeling to it.

To this day, it isn’t clear what set the tone for the VMAs 2014, and whether the artists had agreed to keep it down or not. Most feel that it was a sign of respect, commemorating the fact that 2014 had been a year of particular turmoil. Either way, the event was classy and truly a night to remember.