The 2026 MTV VMAs delivered several standout performances, along with a handful of uncomfortable moments that viewers likely would have preferred to see cut from the broadcast.
Held Sunday at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre, this year’s ceremony marked the VMAs’ first return to the West Coast since 2017.
With major performances from Madonna, LISA and other stars, the evening ultimately belonged to Taylor Swift. The pop superstar premiered the music video for her new track, “Patient Zero,” and set a new VMAs record by becoming the most-awarded artist in the show’s history.
Here’s a look at the biggest highs and lowest points from the 2026 MTV VMAs.
WORST: The show’s catastrophic 20-minute delay
The night began with viewers already annoyed. Although the VMAs were set to air live on CBS and MTV at 7:30 p.m. ET, the ceremony was pushed back more than 20 minutes after the Baltimore Ravens–Dallas Cowboys NFL game ran overtime.
The delay became even more frustrating when clips from the ceremony appeared on social media before the broadcast began. Angry viewers quickly took to X, with one writing, “Who in the fvk scheduled the vmas after a football game??? Like wdym we are missing a Sabrina/madonna opening?”
BEST: Madonna opens the show with a risqué performance
When the show finally got underway, Madonna wasted no time making an impact, returning to the VMA stage for her first live performance at the ceremony in 23 years.
The pop legend was joined by high-profile collaborators, including Sabrina Carpenter for “Bring Your Love” and Charli XCX for “Danceteria Afterhours.”
Madonna also surprised the audience by bringing out longtime friend Debi Mazar and actress Julia Garner, who had been attached to portray her in the now-scrapped biopic. Together, they helped turn the medley into one of the evening’s most entertaining sequences.
True to her reputation for provocation, Madonna leaned fully into spectacle. Dancers appeared with lasers shooting from their lower bodies, while the performers moved through an elaborate set designed to resemble a row of bathroom stalls.
WORST: Snoop Dogg hosts the show
The rapper proved serviceable as host, but his performance was hardly memorable. Most of his scripted punchlines earned only scattered laughs, and his opening monologue struggled to gain momentum. He did, however, score one sharp joke at Madonna’s expense after her provocative set.
“Madonna just killed it, now that is an icon,” he told the cheering crowd, before adding, “One thing I want to say is, she ain’t no virgin no more.”
BEST: Kacey Musgraves pays tribute to Dolly Parton with an emotional performance
Musgraves headlined a tribute to the late country music legend, who died in August at 80 following a private battle with cancer.
With only a piano accompanying her, Musgraves delivered a beautifully restrained rendition of Parton’s 1974 classic, “I Will Always Love You.” The sparse arrangement put the full focus on her voice.
Its emotional power came from its simplicity, and Musgraves appeared close to tears as she brought the moving tribute to a close.
WORST: Nirvana’s underwhelming Video Vanguard Award acceptance speech
Nirvana received the VMAs’ prestigious Video Vanguard Award on Sunday, becoming the first band to take home the honor since Duran Duran in 2003.
Still, many Nirvana fans felt the moment fell short. Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear accepted the award, and after an introduction by Chuck D, the surviving members honored their late frontman Kurt Cobain. The tribute, however, lacked the emotional or theatrical impact some viewers had expected.
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WORST: Madonna’s rambling acceptance speeches
Madonna collected several Moon Person trophies, including Best Collaboration for her work with Carpenter, Artist of the Year and Best Dance. Her acceptance speeches, though, became increasingly rambling, with several odd details leaving the audience more puzzled than entertained.
While accepting Artist of the Year, she offered the unusual line, “First of all I would like to thank my fingers, because I can always count on them.”
Later, after winning Best Dance, Madonna acknowledged that she had completely forgotten what the award recognized.
The Material Girl might need a nap.
BEST: Taylor Swift debuts ‘Patient Zero’ music video
What can’t she do?
Swift debuted the music video for her new song, “Patient Zero,” after winning the first-ever Artist Director Honors award presented by her good friend, Dakota Johnson.
The music video stars Johnson as well as Colin Farrell, who plays a villainous abusive husband to Johnson.
Swifties no doubt gobbled up the new music video, which didn’t disappoint with its A-list talent and twist ending.
WORST: Sombr’s George Michaels tribute
Sombr, Raye, Teddy Swims and Adam Lambert were chosen to pay tribute to the legendary British singer, who died in 2016. He was 53 years old.
The tribute opened with Sombr singing Michael’s classics “Faith” and “Father Figure,” but he completely lacked energy.
Lambert later attempted to bring life back onto the stage with his high-energy cover of “Freedom! ’90,” but the tribute was definitely lacking given Michaels’ iconic legacy.
BEST: Swift honors ‘ultimate showgirl’ Parton
Swift dedicated her Video of the Year award for “The Fate of Ophelia” to Parton, calling Parton “the ultimate showgirl.”
“She handles this thing with such grace and joy and love and gratitude for the fact that she got to do this,” she said.
Swift closed the night on a perfect, heartwarming note
“We were all very, very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time,” she said.
WORST: Lack of celebs in the audience
We miss the days of Swift enthusiastically dancing in the audience with her celeb pals.
This year’s show surprisingly lacked cuts to celebs in the audience during the performances, a missed opportunity for fans to see the always viral candid reactions.