23 Must-See Moments You Might Have Missed From The 2026 VMAs

The presence of stars like Madonna, Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter meant there was plenty to talk about.

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

Madonna opened the show by bringing her Confessions II short film to life on stage – vagina lasers and all

Madonna opening the VMAs 2026 (featuring Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX) pic.twitter.com/yREADRC8G7— Madonna Madgesty 🪩👑 (@MadonnaMadgesty) September 28, 2026

Madonna opening the VMAs 2026 (featuring Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX) pic.twitter.com/yREADRC8G7

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!)

There was the slightest of technical hitches during Madonna’s performance involving some playback which… yeah

Madonna singing without moving her mouth!?? 😭😭 #VMAS pic.twitter.com/uKVHB8P6GZ— Nick | ❤️❤️ (@EnjoyMissJanet) September 28, 2026

Madonna singing without moving her mouth!?? 😭😭 #VMAS pic.twitter.com/uKVHB8P6GZ

Madonna also brought out no end of surprise guests when she teamed up........

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