A recap of the biggest moments from the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards

Taylor Swift makes history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards... These were the biggest moments at the VMAs

Taylor Swift made history at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night (27.09.26) by becoming the artist with the most VMAs wins.

Taylor's trio of trophies brought her grand total to 33 wins, eclipsing Beyoncé on 30.

Accepting the Video of the Year accolade for The Fate of Ophelia - from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl - Taylor paid tribute to the "ultimate showgirl" Dolly Parton, adding her achievement "wouldn't have been possible without her".

But what were the other big moments?

Charli XCX opens show with Madonna

Madonna opened the 2026 show with a medley.

After being joined by Sabrina Carpenter on Bring Your Love, the Queen of Pop transitioned to Danceteria, and her remix collaborator Charli XCX burst out of a bathroom stall to join Madonna on stage.

Blackpink’s Lisa shines as a solo artist

Blackpink member Lisa made history as the first K-pop artist to win the Best Pop prize for Dream, featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.

Lisa then had a standout moment as a solo star when she performed her new single, Sawadika for the first time on television.

Adam Lambert has crowd on their feet

It was Adam Lambert who stole the show during the George Michael tribute.

The Queen frontman had the crowd on their feet and dancing thanks to his rousing rendition of George's Freedom ‘90.

Adam - who has filled in for Freddie Mercury for over a decade - was joined by MNEK, Saint Harrison and Meek.

Sienna Spiro crowned Best New Artist

Sienna Spiro's ascent to the top of the pop world continued.

The English singer/songwriter was named Best New Artist at the ceremony, and was shocked to be called to the stage.

Paris Hilton is still the ultimate red carpet star

Paris Hilton was joined by her sister Nicky on the red carpet.

Paris, 45, proved after two decades in the spotlight that she still knows how to make an entrance that grabs all of the attention.