The biggest moments from the VMAs, from Madonna’s performance to Taylor Swift’s new album

From honoring the past with an accolade for Nirvana to christening the vocal spitfire Raye, the MTV Video Music Awards crisscrossed demographics and genres while sparking some standout moments.

The VMAs, host Dolly. Parton.

Madonna demonstrated her relevance as the most nominated artist of the evening and won seven awards from her 11 nominations, while Swift also presented her video for “Patient Zero”, from the album “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore”, which was praised on September 25.

From Madonna’s long-awaited return to a star-studded tribute to George Michael, here are the best and liveliest moments from the 2026 VMAs.

Madonna returns with provocative performance and celebrity appearances

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

From a blur of smoke, lasers and writhing bodies, Madonna emerged atop a piano played by Sabrina Carpenter, her partner in the hit “Bring Your Love.” The duo ran through the song – Madonna tossing her long blonde hair, Carpenter in a signature outfit with sequined shorts – before Madonna revealed her own red ensemble as she writhed on a table that surrounded a gospel choir.

But the guest photos weren’t finished.

Charlie From the bathroom hand dryer (hi, “Desperately Seeking Susan”) to a podium of dancers dressed as Madonna through her many incarnations, the nods were obvious and fun, especially the sample from Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” – a fitting nod to Madonna’s ode to the disco ball in New York.

In July, Madonna, 68, released “Confessions II.” Her Sept. 27 performance was her first live performance at the VMAs in 23 years — the last coming in 2003 with her highly publicized kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during a mashup of “Like a Virgin” and “Hollywood.”

But Madonna’s connection to VMA fame dates back to her “Like a Virgin” performance at the inaugural show in 1984 with a provocative wedding dress performance etched in pop culture history. Since then, the iconic singer has been associated with the VMAs on numerous occasions, including being named the first solo artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1986.

Madonna was the night’s biggest winner, taking home seven of her 11 nominations, including video of the year (“Confessions II − The Film”), entertainer of the year and song of the year (“Bring Your Love,” featuring Sabrina Carpenter).

Taylor Swift becomes the most awarded artist in VMA history

Taylor Swift added another handful of Moon People to her record-breaking collection at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

After making her positive appearance on the “Bejeweled” red carpet in Tamara Ralph, the pop superstar took home three trophies: creative director honors; video of the year for “Le Destin d’Ophélie” and best direction for “Opalite”. With a new total of 33 wins, she surpassed Beyoncé’s 30 to become the most decorated artist in the show’s history.

Swift also debuted her new music video “Patient Zero” after accepting the first MTV VMA Artist Director Honors to celebrate what she estimates are “about 60 music videos” she’s made in 20 years.

Swift shouted out “the ultimate showgirl,” Dolly Parton, as she accepted the night’s top award, video of the year, noting that the accomplishment “wouldn’t have been possible without her.”

George Michael honored by Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims and Adam Lambert

George Michael and MTV were synonymous in the ’80s with his solo work (those “Faith” jeans!) and Wham! (that “Wake Me Before You Go-Go” neon sign!).

The enigmatic British superstar, who died in 2016 aged 53, was remembered for his contributions – both musical and visual – with a tribute from Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims and surprise guest Adam Lambert.

Sombr opened the tribute, gracing that “Faith” video with his own fashion — leather pants and a shirtless jacket — as he ran through a horn-infused version of the classic.

As photos of Michael rose above the stage, Raye arrived for a gospel-flavored “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” Michael’s 1986 hit with Aretha Franklin.

Of course, any tribute to Michael had to be accompanied by good sax, and it came at just the right time for “Careless Whisper”, handled with decent depth by Swims, who played in a lit circle within the crowd.

Lambert closed out the well-crafted nod to Michael, bringing his electrifying presence to “Freedom!” ’90,” a perfect embodiment of Michael’s courage at its peak.

Although Michael is notoriously press shy, he made a single appearance at the VMAs in 1989 to accept the Video Vanguard Award. He also won four VMAs in the late ’80s and ’90s. This year’s tribute is tied to the 40th anniversary of his landmark album “Faith”, as well as the live album “George Michael: The Faith Tour” (released November 6) and the concert film of the same name, which arrives in theaters December 11.

Contributor: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY; Bryan West, USA TODAY Network

This article was originally published on USA TODAY: The biggest moments from the VMAs, from Madonna’s performance to Taylor Swift’s new album