Biggest VMAs moments, from Madonna’s performance to Taylor Swift’s new record

Whether honoring the past with an accolade for Nirvana or christening the vocal spitfire Raye, the MTV Video Music Awards crisscrossed demographics and genres while sparking a few notable moments.

The VMAs, hosted by Snoop Dogg, returned to Los Angeles on Sept. 27, with Madonna – the only artist gracing the stage who also performed at the inaugural VMAs in 1984 – opening the proceedings with a celeb-packed medley of new songs and ending with Taylor Swift, now the most awarded artist in VMAs history with 33, dedicating her video of the year award ("The Fate of Ophelia") to the late Dolly Parton.

Madonna demonstrated her continued relevancy as the night's most-nominated artist and took home seven awards from her 11 nominations, while Swift also premiered her video for "Patient Zero," from "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore" album that bowed Sept. 25.

From that long-awaited Madonna return to a starry tribute to George Michael, here were the best and buzziest moments from the 2026 VMAs.

Madonna opened the 2026 VMAs by proclaiming, “It’s mother…” before bouncing into an eight-minute performance stocked with guest appearances.

From a blur of smoke, lasers and writhing bodies, Madonna emerged atop a piano…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/