Dolly Parton tributes, Madonna’s bizarre speeches

The MTV VMAs 2026 featured a few great performances to keep it interesting, and some awkward moments that could have been left off the air.

This year’s ceremony was held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, marking the event’s first return to the West Coast since 2017.

Featuring knockout performances by Madonna, LISA, and more, the night still, of course, belonged to Taylor Swift. The pop star debuted her music video for her new song, “Patient Zero,” and made VMAs history as the most-awarded artist ever.

Here are the best and worst moments from this year’s VMAs.

WORST: The show’s catastrophic 20-minute delay

Viewers were left confused and frustrated before the show even started. The VMAs were scheduled to broadcast live at 7:30pm ET on CBS and MTV, but was delayed by over 20 minutes due to the Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys NFL game running long.

Fans saw footage of the show on social media before it even aired, leading to a barrage of angry posts on X including, “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

Once the show finally started, Madonna kicked it off with a bang, marking her first live VMA performance in 23 years.

The icon brought out A-list collaborators, including Sabrina Carpenter for their song “Bring Your Love,” and Charli XCX for their song “Danceteria Afterhours.”

She also brought out surprise guests like her longtime friend Debi Mazar as well as actress Julia Garner — who was supposed to play her in her now-canceled biopic — for the highly entertaining medley.

Madonna did what she did best — push the envelope — with dancers that had lasers shooting out of their nether regions, and bumping and grinding on an elaborate stage meant to look like bathroom stalls.

WORST: Snoop Dogg hosts the show

The rapper was a capable but boring host. His scripted jokes throughout the show failed to elicit more than a few chuckles, and his opening monologue fell flat — though he did land a zinger against Madonna after her racy performance.

“Madonna just killed it, now that is an icon,” he said as the crowd cheered, before quipping, “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 led the tribute to the late country music icon, who died in August at age 80 after a secret battle with cancer.

Musgraves sounded flawless as she sang a stripped-down version of Parton’s 1974 hit “I Will Always Love You,” letting her vocals shine with only a piano to back her.

The performance was perfect in its simplicity and raw emotion, with the singer fighting back tears by the end of it.

WORST: Nirvana’s underwhelming Video Vanguard Award acceptance speech

Nirvana was the recipient of MTV’s most coveted award on Sunday — the Video Vanguard Award — the first band to receive the honor since Duran Duran in 2003.

But Nirvana fans were left wanting more after members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear were present to accept the award. After an introduction from Chuck D, the three remaining members paid tribute to their late frontman, Kurt Cobain, but it wasn’t anything particularly memorable.

WORST: Madonna’s rambling acceptance speeches

Madonna won multiple Moon Men Sunday, including for Best Collaboration (with Carpenter), Artist of the Year, and Best Dance. But her messy acceptance speeches went uncomfortably long and included unnecessary tidbits that at times confused the audience.

“First of all I would like to thank my fingers, because I can always count on them,” she said while accepting the Artist of the Year award.

She later won the Best Dance award, and admitted she forgot what the award was for.

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.