The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards brought some memorable performances and a few cringe-worthy moments that viewers might have preferred to skip. This year’s event took place at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, marking its first return to the West Coast since 2017.
Here’s a mix of the highlights and lowlights from this year’s ceremony.
WORST: The disastrous 20-minute delay
Before the show even kicked off, viewers were left scratching their heads. The VMAs, planned to air live at 7:30 PM ET on CBS and MTV, didn’t start until 20 minutes later due to the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys running longer than expected.
Fans saw snippets of the event splashed around on social media before it officially began, leading to a wave of disgruntled reactions on X. One frustrated tweet noted, “Who decided to schedule the VMAs right after a football game??? We’re missing the opening!”
BEST: Madonna’s daring opening act
When the show finally got underway, Madonna electrified the audience with her first live VMA performance in over two decades. She was joined by prominent collaborators like Sabrina Carpenter for “Bring Your Love” and Charli XCX for “Danceteria Afterhours.” The performance featured surprise appearances from her friend Debi Mazar and actress Julia Garner, who was set to portray Madonna in an unfinished biopic.
True to form, she pushed boundaries with dancers using laser effects and a stage designed to resemble bathroom stalls.
WORST: Snoop Dogg’s uninspiring hosting
The rapper managed to host but failed to energize the crowd. His scripted jokes fell flat, and his opening comments didn’t land. He did manage a quip about Madonna after her performance, stating, “Madonna just rocked it, she’s an icon,” then jokingly adding, “One thing I want to say is, she ain’t no virgin no more.”
BEST: Kacey Musgraves honors Dolly Parton
Kacey Musgraves led a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton, who passed away in August after battling cancer. Musgraves delivered a stunning rendition of Parton’s 1974 classic “I Will Always Love You,” supported solely by piano. The performance was emotional, showcasing her powerful voice, and Musgraves seemed to fight back tears by the end.
WORST: Nirvana’s lackluster acceptance speech
Nirvana won the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, the first band to do so since Duran Duran in 2003. However, their acceptance speech disappointed fans. Members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear paid tribute to late frontman Kurt Cobain but ultimately delivered an underwhelming moment.
WORST: Madonna’s chaotic acceptance speeches
Madonna took home several awards, including Best Collaboration with Carpenter and Artist of the Year. However, her acceptance speeches often meandered and sometimes baffled the audience. For instance, at one point, she thanked her fingers, saying, “They always come through for me.” Later, she jokingly admitted to forgetting why she was receiving the Best Dance award.
BEST: Taylor Swift’s music video debut
What can’t Taylor Swift accomplish? She premiered her new song “Patient Zero” after winning the Artist Director Honors, presented by Dakota Johnson. The video features Johnson and Colin Farrell in a dramatic role as an abusive husband. Swift’s fans were likely thrilled with the engaging content and surprising conclusion.
WORST: Sombr’s tribute to George Michael
Sombr, along with Raye, Teddy Swims, and Adam Lambert, paid homage to George Michael, who passed away in 2016. Sombr’s performance of “Faith” and “Father Figure” was rather lackluster, and while Lambert tried to inject energy into the tribute with a spirited rendition of “Freedom! ’90,” it felt overshadowed by Michael’s legacy.
BEST: Swift’s sweet tribute to Dolly Parton
In her acceptance speech for the Video of the Year award for “The Fate of Ophelia,” Swift referred to Parton as “the ultimate showgirl,” expressing gratitude for having shared time on Earth with her.
WORST: Sparse celebrity audience
It was notable that there seemed to be fewer celebrity cutaways during the live broadcast than usual. Fans missed the excitement of seeing Swift and her star friends sharing light-hearted moments in the audience.
