Taylor Swift turned up, Madonna let loose and everybody smoked: The 2026 MTV VMAs, from every angle

The buzziest moments from the Video Music Awards, from the best red carpet trends to the most moving performance.

Not just any award show would get Taylor Swift to skip cheering on husband Travis Kelce from a private suite at Arrowhead (in fairness, the Chiefs had an away game). Then again, not every award show is the MTV Video Music Awards , where Madonna and her cameo-crammed opening performance proved that the Queen of Pop has one helluva Rolodex.

The 2026 VMAs on Sunday night saw host Snoop Dogg preside over a raucous night of twerking, tributes and Taylor, who premiered the music video for her new single "Patient Zero" and picked up the show's inaugural Artist Director Honors. Stars like Shaboozey, Bruno Mars and Raye took the stage, Kacey Musgraves made us cry and presenter/Dunkin' campaign star Rachel Dratch was … everywhere?! (Love that for her.)

Our experts were on hand (and, in some cases, in person) to soak up every moment. Here's what they made of it.

Read on to see who had the best performance of the night, what trends ruled the red carpet and what was happening behind the scenes with Taylor, Madonna and more.

La-la-Lisa showed up and refused to be missed — and I love her for it. The Blackpink star went for bold color and an even bolder silhouette in her sheer red The Attico dress paired with a furry, sculptural coat by Quine Li. The look felt sexy, glamorous and fun all at once — which is exactly what the VMAs are all about. She's clearly having a good time with fashion and not taking herself too seriously, while still knowing she's a star who can command the kind of attention this look demands. Bonus points for the outfit change she made before accepting her Best Pop award.

Kerry Justich , senior lifestyle reporter

Kacey Musgraves sang "I Will Always Love You" in tribute to Dolly Parton in a look that was exactly what Parton would have wanted: a long-sleeve bodycon gown covered in pink rhinestones with feathered cuffs. It was pure rhinestone cowgirl, and the Queen of Country would have signed off on every single sparkle. If I could wear pink sequins every single day, I would, so it's no surprise she's my pick for tonight's best dressed.

The beauty was just as good — Musgraves's hair was big (though not quite Dolly-high), and her lavender eyeshadow matched Parton's in the vintage clip that opened the tribute. This felt like the perfect love letter (and, of course, I now need to do a lavender eyeshadow look myself).

My favorite dress of the night never even hit the red carpet. Following her surprise performance with Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter joined Madge on stage yet again in custom 2004 Dolce & Gabbana. I love a Y2K moment: The sweetheart neckline gown was edged in black lace and tiered with layers of beaded fringe. It's romantic, vintage and entirely Sabrina while also giving Rose in Titanic in a way I didn't know I'd love so much.

The red carpet was ready to honor Madonna's VMAs comeback. There was plenty of lace, dramatic hemlines, chunky crosses and provocative slogan belts that were giving Material Girl — if the Material Girl had a goth phase — on the likes of Bebe Rexha, Bella Kay, Teyana Taylor, Sombr and Sophie Silva.

Call it the Shaboozey effect: Western wear has galloped onto the red carpet. Cowboy hats, leather and corsets were aplenty with hits of fur, fringe and leopard print on celebs from Orville Peck and Madisin Rian to Chanel West Coast and Ciara Miller, and even a hint at the back of Taylor Swift's Tamara Ralph look, which featured a lace-up corset tie that added a little unexpected saloon-girl drama. Yee — and I cannot emphasize this enough — haw .

It wouldn't be the VMAs without an ungodly amount of skin. Tonight, midriffs took center stage on JoJo, Charli xcx, Tyla and Nezza. Exposed waists and strategic cutouts proved time and time again that a full-length gown can still leave very little to the imagination.

Subtlety is never on the dress code at the VMAs, and this year's bejeweled looks lived up to the reputation. Between fully crystal-covered gowns, shimmering swaths of sequins and jewelry that could blind you from across the room, tonight's best looks made a strong case for dressing like the Moon Person itself. My faves? Nicky and Paris Hilton, Raye and Kacey Musgraves. Chloe Bailey and even Taylor Swift dipped a toe into the trend with a glittering Tamara Ralph skirt.

Personally, I consider animal print a neutral, but for plenty of people, it's the most flamboyant thing a person could wear, so I'm thrilled to see it showing up on red carpets more and more (Sandra Bullock may have helped kick things off last month at the Practical Magic 2 London premiere with her leopard-print moment) . Well, tonight, MTV's teal carpet was basically a safari.

Tyla led the pack in a blue snakeskin bra top and pencil skirt set from Mowalola's Spring 2027 collection, styled by Ron Hartleben.

Both Chanel West Coast and drag queen Darlene Mitchell took the look out West in leopard cowgirl-inspired getups.

Keltie Knight and influencer Thaís Rodriguez's dresses were straight out of Roberto Cavalli's early-aughts, leopard-print playbook, the unofficial uniform of this trend. There's never too much animal print IMHO, so I'll be picking up yet another leopard-print dress , STAT.

I wasn't expecting secondhand smoke exposure at the VMAs, but it looks like Gen Z is right: cigarettes are back ! Multiple dancers during Madonna's opening performance puffed away — and yes, that was Seth Rogen smoking a joint during her set.

Watching Nirvana receive the Video Vanguard Award was definitely one of the coolest moments of the night — it's not every day you see literal grunge/rock/music royalty IRL. But I was taken aback when band member Pat Smear lit up onstage, quickly producing a cloud of smoke. That's rock 'n' roll, I guess.

Neia Balao , entertainment and lifestyle reporter

Among the evening's most anticipated presenters were none other than Off Campus costars Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli. In the months leading up to the VMAs, Bright and Cameli were plagued with rift rumors bolstered by the Off Campus fandom. But their VMAs interactions seemed to prove there was no bad blood at all. Even before the cameras started rolling, Bright and Cameli were giggling as they stood next to one another, waiting for their cue to speak. The vibes seemed genuinely chill between them. Nothing to see here, folks.

The VMAs are known for crazy moments — think Madonna and Britney in 2003 — but honestly, the craziest thing about Sunday's show is that we couldn't watch the first 20 minutes of it live because of … football? In a jocks vs. freaks clash for the ages, the Dallas Cowboys were trailing the Baltimore Ravens at 6:30 p.m. ET with one minute left to go in the fourth quarter. This usually wouldn't affect a major award show like the VMAs, except that the VMAs were scheduled to air at 6:30 p.m. ET on the same network that was showing the Cowboys-Ravens game: CBS. So, of course, CBS did what any good American broadcast network would do and just kept showing the football, even though show opener Madonna had already started performing on the VMAs stage. For some reason, CBS's cable partner (MTV) and streaming partner (Paramount+) didn't start on time, either, leaving fans unsure whether they would ever get to see the Queen of Pop's performance. Ultimately, the game went to overtime (Dallas lost 34-31), and the VMAs were aired with a 20-minute delay, so no one really missed anything. But in the year 2026, you'd think we could figure out how to do this sort of thing live.

The best performance: Kacey Musgraves's reverent Dolly Parton tribute

Kacey Musgraves stole the show with her sweet and reverent tribute to Dolly Parton during the show. The tribute started off with footage of Parton introducing a live performance of "I Will Always Love You." As she starts singing, the camera panned out to show Musgraves, on stage at the Peacock Theater, harmonizing with Parton before taking over the song herself.

Musgraves's cover was filled with genuine, tender emotion. Parton's original is often underrated in comparison to Whitney Houston's larger-than-life cover for The Bodyguard (and Parton was notably a huge, vocal fan of Houston's take), but Musgraves perfectly channeled the quiet anguish and grief in the track. It was a classy and stunning send-off that Parton herself would have sung the praises of.

Brittany Spanos, pop music journalist and writer of BRIT POP on Substack

Yung Lean is not new by any means, but he has certainly been long overdue for a breakthrough moment in the U.S. Getting four nominations this year, including Video of the Year, was a huge, impressive moment and a first in the Swedish rapper's career.

His performance of "Storm II," which was released under his new alias Gener8ion, was a barn-burner. He emerged to steal a Moon Person before recreating the video, in which he is the lone disheveled schoolboy among more put-together students. They danced on the bleachers while he licked a blue ice cream cone, not even attempting to do vocals on his song. It was hopefully baffling enough to turn some heads … and ears.

This is the second year the VMAs have been broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ alongside MTV. It came with some hiccups, like a massive delay due to a football game. They also decided to forego the pre-show, which usually has an up-and-coming artist or two performing in between red carpet interviews and early awards being given out.

A small, random dose of categories favored winners who were in the room, but also meant we saw Best Dance and not Best Hip-Hop. We didn't even get the big, more general categories like Best Album, Song of the Year, Best Group or Song of Summer. The show ended without even acknowledging the other categories or potential winners, which could've easily been done in lieu of at least two of those Pumpkin Spice commercials.

The VMAs have always prided themselves on being the "young," "hip" alternative to the Grammys and other music awards shows. But what struck me most about the 2026 edition was how heavily it leaned on nostalgia. In some ways, this throwback vibe was obvious and intentional. Madonna (one of the most iconic MTV acts of the 1980s) was nominated more than anyone else; by the end of the night, she had won Best Artist, Best Dance and Best Collaboration — her first VMAs in 27 years.

Nirvana (one of the most iconic MTV acts of the 1990s) returned to accept the Video Vanguard Award, which is basically a lifetime achievement prize. Chuck D of Public Enemy presented. So did Paris Hilton and Rachel Dratch. The host was Snoop Dogg. Dolly Parton was honored with a performance of "I Will Always Love You," a song she wrote in 1973. George Michael was remembered with a medley of hits from 1984 ("Careless Whisper") and 1987 ("Father Figure," "Faith").

But the nostalgia ran deeper than that, actually. Raye's ruby-red VMAs debut was decidedly retro. This year's Best New Artist — Sienna Spiro — is also a glam throwback. And Bruno Mars might as well have been performing "Dance with Me" from 1966 rather than Colorado. On Sunday night, even the new stuff sounded kind of … old. There were exceptions, of course. But for me, only one really stood out: Gener8ion and Yung Lean's striking recreation of the music video for "Storm II," the conclusion of their collaborative double-single project set at a repressive British boarding school in the year 2034. It was angry and eye-catching. It felt like the future.

What was up with the George Michael tribute?

This Christmas will mark the 10th anniversary of George Michael's death. It's an odd anniversary for the VMAs to mark to begin with, but they did so with an even odder lineup. Offering nothing to the table, in my opinion, were Sombr and Teddy Swims; neither could totally live up to Michael's charm and showmanship.

Raye sounded lovely singing "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" but felt a bit wasted. Thankfully, Adam Lambert was there to truly steal the show. He took on "Freedom! '90" and did so with not only a soaring vocal performance but alongside three young, queer and British artists: Saint Harison, MNEK and Meek. Lambert proved exactly what the tribute should've honored all along and steered it away from being a total wash.

Madonna and the VMAs are enmeshed in each other's legacies, so naturally, the pop legend had an iconic return. Her 2026 appearance was her first since 2003, when she infamously kissed both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on stage. That was a moment of her passing the pop torch, so it feels special that she did the same this year (albeit with less smooching).

Madonna kicked off the show with Sabrina Carpenter for "Bring Your Love." The pair started at the piano before bolting into a high-energy dance performance. As the set changed over, Madonna gave a mesmerizing, dizzying table performance before Charli xcx emerged from a recreation of the "Danceteria" video set that featured cameos from Seth Rogen, Sombr, Debi Mazar and Julia Garner.

All led to Madonna taking home Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration. The night was a reminder of not just the stellar year Madonna has had with Confessions II , but also how important it is to honor legends while they're still thriving and creating. While receiving all the love in the room, Madonna gave it back tenfold to the friends and artists who were on stage with her.

How Madonna's moment was received in the room

If you watched Madonna open the VMAs from your couch, you may have had thoughts. Inside the Peacock Theater, there wasn't much debate. Everyone was on their feet and having a blast. That was true when Madonna opened the show alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx, and it was true every time she appeared inside the theater afterward. The fans sitting around me would immediately stand up, phones in the air, trying to capture a video or simply get a glimpse of her. You could feel when Madonna was nearby because suddenly everyone was looking in the same direction.

Later, Taylor Swift sought her out inside the theater, where the two shared a quiet conversation before posing for a photo together. Everywhere you looked, another generation of pop royalty seemed to be orbiting the woman who helped write the blueprint. The internet can debate a performance or a speech. Inside the room, what struck me was the reverence. Madonna may have spent the night surrounded by some of the biggest pop stars in the world, but there was never much question about who the queen was.

Taylor Swift has made it inside the Peacock Theater and finds Madonna #VMAs pic.twitter.com/vjPGLWuBny — Taryn Ryder (@taryder) September 28, 2026

Taylor Swift has made it inside the Peacock Theater and finds Madonna #VMAs pic.twitter.com/vjPGLWuBny

Taryn Ryder (@taryder) September 28, 2026

Taryn Ryder , senior entertainment reporter

Madonna's still the reigning queen of lingerie as outerwear

When Madonna first performed at the VMAs in 1984, she rolled across the stage in a white bridal bustier and full skirt with lace gloves, a veil and her "Boy Toy" belt. More than 40 years later, if tonight's performance is any evidence, she's still the patron saint of lingerie as outerwear.

For her VMAs comeback, she wore a structured black silk robe over a deep-red lingerie leotard with a black corset cinched on top. The look was dreamed up by her longtime stylist, Rita Melssen, and finished with fingerless gloves, fishnets and black knee-high boots. Mid-performance, she swapped the robe for a black leather jacket. Clearly, the Queen of Pop still loves an outfit change.

Madonna came back onstage with Sabrina Carpenter to accept Best Collaboration for "Bring Your Love," this time in a black corset with attached lace sleeves over a glossy black leotard, skipping pants entirely. She returned again to accept Artist of the Year, throwing an oversize leather jacket on top. At 68, she's still treating pants as optional, and I love to see it. Good thing fall weather is on its way, because I'm going to need a new leather jacket myself. (Still thinking about the patent leather leotard though …)

On the beauty front, I love how she matched Carpenter's signature babydoll blush with her own blush maximalism. Her makeup was done by her makeup artist Marcelo Gutierrez, using Kiko Milano products. (Madonna became the Italian brand's global ambassador in June.) I know she's worn their Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush in the past, so I wouldn't be surprised if that's the flush she's wearing tonight. I'm adding it to my cart as we speak.

Taylor Swift's look was basically two dresses in one

This was the new Mrs. Kelce's highly anticipated red carpet appearance since her July nuptials. Swift slipped onto the carpet in Tamara Ralph fall 2026 couture with just minutes to spare before the show's scheduled start.

The dress's black velvet bodice featured a high neck and sheer, waist-framing panels. Its lace-up corset tie at the back spoke to a major trend of the night. She paired the look with a silver sequined skirt that nailed even more trends of the moment; its draped, asymmetrical waist and gathered ruching gave the look a sculptural twist, while the sparkle fit right in at the show. She finished it off with cascading jewels and similarly blinged-out strappy Le Silla stiletto sandals.

Per usual, her fashion choice was polarizing. Some loved it , others weren't as sold . Personally, I'm not wowed. The top and skirt felt disjointed, almost like two different outfits. Her hair seemed like an afterthought, though I was relieved to see her give the signature red lip a night off.

I knew Taylor Swift was in the house before I actually saw her. Throughout the VMAs, a very specific kind of roar would erupt inside the Peacock Theater whenever someone spotted Swift moving through the room. The first few times it happened, my head immediately went on a swivel: Where is she? Where is she? After plenty of speculation over whether she'd attend, I got my answer when I spotted Swift descending into the theater in an elevator before making her way to the carpet. And once she was inside, it didn't take long for one queen to find another. Swift and Madonna eventually posed for an official photo, but I loved the quieter moment before that: I watched the two whisper and chat for several seconds, with Swift looking genuinely thrilled to see the woman whose relationship with the VMAs stretches back more than four decades.

Taylor Swift and Dakota Johnson were walking off stage when "Patient Zero" video premiered and didn't realize they could watch it with us in the theater. Naturally they stopped! How cute are these two?! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/pViThpQHKh — Taryn Ryder (@taryder) September 28, 2026

Taylor Swift and Dakota Johnson were walking off stage when "Patient Zero" video premiered and didn't realize they could watch it with us in the theater. Naturally they stopped! How cute are these two?! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/pViThpQHKh

But my favorite Swift moment of the night came courtesy of Dakota Johnson, who presented her with the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. Johnson also stars alongside Colin Farrell in Swift's new "Patient Zero" music video, which premiered during Sunday's show. As Swift and Johnson started walking offstage after her speech, "Patient Zero" began playing on the massive screen behind them. They seemed to realize what was happening at the same time, stopped in their tracks and turned around to watch it with the rest of us. And that's where they stayed. With their arms around each other for much of the video, Swift danced and sang along, occasionally pointing excitedly at the screen and leaning over to talk to Johnson.

And yes, Taylor Swift is dancing along to her own "Patient Zero" music video with the rest of us #VMAs pic.twitter.com/uVKNdwtpjG — Taryn Ryder (@taryder) September 28, 2026

And yes, Taylor Swift is dancing along to her own "Patient Zero" music video with the rest of us #VMAs pic.twitter.com/uVKNdwtpjG

Watching a Taylor Swift music video premiere is one thing. Watching it for the first time with Taylor Swift , as she reacts to it a few feet away, is something else entirely. Swift returned to the stage one more time — with Johnson, her date for the evening, by her side — to accept Video of the Year. Her other date was slightly occupied: Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs were busy beating the Miami Dolphins earlier today. There were a few audible gasps in my row as Swift began her final speech — perhaps from those expecting a Kelce shout-out. Instead, she dedicated the night's biggest award to Dolly Parton.

And really, who better? It was a big night for Swift, but from where I was sitting, the most striking thing was that after all these years, all those awards and all those record-breaking moments, she can still walk into a room and make the whole place shimmer.