VMAs 2026: 23 Must-See Moments You Might Have Missed

Over the last five decades, the MTV VMAs have become known as one of the most chaotic and unpredictable awards shows of them all.

And given that this year featured another performance from Madonna, who was also the year’s most-nominated artist, you could pretty much count on the 2026 Video Music Awards giving us plenty “to talk about”.

Here’s a quick round-up of everything you might have missed from Sunday night’s ceremony…

First of all, we have to shout out some of the stand-out red carpets, beginning with Lisa

If there’s one thing Tyla knows how to do it’s serve at all times

Troye Sivan paid homage to the underrated Disney icon that is the feather duster from Beauty And The Beast on the red carpet

Sombr also took a bold fashion risk and whether or not it paid off is entirely up to you to decide

Let’s just take a moment to celebrate this Normani look

And surprise performer Adam Lambert also went all out with his VMAs ensemble

She began by reuniting with Bring Your Love star Sabrina Carpenter, marking the Espresso singer’s third VMAs performance in as many years (and her first playing the piano!)

Madonna also brought out no end of surprise guests when she teamed up with Charli XCX on a live rendition of their new Danceteria remix

Raye’s Where Is My Husband! performance only cemented why that song has become such an international hit

PinkPantheress seemed a little distracted during Madonna’s speech

The top prize of the night, Video Of The Year, went to Taylor Swift for The Fate Of Ophelia – and she was also honoured with the never-before-presented VMA Artist Director Honours in recognition of how many of her videos she’s directed herself

Naturally, whoever was in charge of the cameras at the VMAs couldn’t resist a shady cut to Charli XCX during Taylor Swift’s speech