Biggest VMAs moments, from Madonna's performance to Taylor Swift's new record - USA Today

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 being played by Sabrina Carpenter, her partner in hit “Bring Your Love.” The pair scampered through the song – Madonna flinging her long blond hair, Carpenter in a signature glitter-shorts outfit – before Madonna unveiled her own red ensemble as she writhed on a table that encircled a gospel choir.

Charlie XCX, tossing a cigarette as she strode out in sunglasses and fishnets, sashayed with Madonna through a “Danceteria” filled with nods to Madonna’s history. From the bathroom hand dryer (hi, “Desperately Seeking Susan”) to a platform of dancers dressed as Madonna through her numerous incarnations, the nods were obvious and fun, particularly the snippet of Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” – a fitting wink to Madonna’s mirror ball ode to New York City.

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

But Madonna’s connection to VMAs fame stretches back to her “Like a Virgin” spectacle during the inaugural show in 1984 with a provocative, wedding dress-clad performance etched in pop culture history. Since then, the iconic singer has been tied to the VMAs numerous times, including being christened as the first solo female 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"), artist of the year and song of the year ("Bring Your Love,” with Sabrina Carpenter).

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

After making her positively "Bejeweled" red carpet appearance in Tamara Ralph, the pop superstar won three trophies: artist director honors; video of the year for "The Fate of Ophelia" and best direction for “Opalite.” With a new all-time tally of 33 wins, she overtook Beyoncé's 30 to become the most decorated artist in the show's history.

Swift also premiered her new "Patient Zero" music video after accepting the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors in celebration of what she estimated were "roughly 60 music videos" she's made in 20 years.

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

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

The enigmatic British superstar, who died in 2016 at age 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 homage, honoring that “Faith” video with his own fashion – leather pants and torso-baring jacket - as he bopped 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 Michael tribute had to have good sax, and it arrived on cue for “Careless Whisper,” handled with decent depth by Swims, who performed in a lighted 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 spunkiness in his heyday.

Though Michael was notoriously press shy, he did make a lone 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 “Faith” album, as well as the live album “George Michael: The Faith Tour” (out Nov. 6) and the concert film of the same name, which arrives in theaters Dec. 11.