VMAs 2026 LIVE: All the action as Madonna returns and Taylor Swift makes history
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Welcome to the MTV VMAs 2026 live blog
It’s VMA day!
Yes, that’s right, music is back on MTV and we’ll be with you as the industry’s biggest names hit the red carpet and beyond.
There’s plenty of action to look forward to: Madonna will return to the VMA stage for the first time in more than two decades, while Taylor Swift will debut her Patient Zero music video and make history as the first-ever recipient of the Artist Director Honors.
Plus, prepare your tissues now, because Kasey Musgraves will lead a tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton.
The red carpet is getting underway now, before the show kicks off at 9.30am AEST.
The show is starting
It’s here, it’s happening … we are moments away from Madonna taking to the stage.
Strap in for what’s sure to be a fun show!
Taylor Swift is here!
FINALLY.
Taylor Swift has graced the carpet and gotta say, I’m obsessed.
Sparkles, draping, a sheer, lace up back, THE HAIRCUT.
Finally. Getty Images
Worth the wait. Thanks Tay!
Still waiting for the women of the hour...
We’re still very impatiently waiting for the night’s biggest stars.
The arrivals have fully slowed down now but neither Madonna nor Taylor Swift have been spotted yet.
Madonna is opening the show, so she probably won’t walk the carpet, but Swift is still coming – we hope!
The carpet is almost over, but she’s, well, she’s Taylor Swift, so a last-minute or late arrival isn’t out of the question.
Music’s newest nepo baby
You might not recognise this man by face but how about by name?
It’s Magnus Paulin Ferrell. No? Ferrell. As in comedic genius, Hollywood chaos agent Will Ferrell.
That’s his son! Getty
Magnus is his eldest son and makes (honestly, pretty good) R&B, soul-inspired music. The opposite of what you’d imagine a Ferrell tune to sound like, basically.
It’s clearly working well for him too, because he’s nominated for Best New Artist tonight.
2026, year of the ... torso?
This red carpet’s biggest accessory? Abs.
As a millennial, I always knew bringing back low rise jeans was a slippery slope and look at us now!
There are tummies on display left, right and centre on this red carpet, proving that in 2026 it is alllll about the torso.
Charli XCX was giving Morticia vibes in this outfit. Frazer Harrison/Getty
JoJo arrives at the ceremony. Getty Images
Just when you thought we were all torso’d out! Frazer Harrison/Getty
Even Sombr has gotten in on the action, going shirtless underneath a big ol’ fur coat.
He added an X-rated accessory … a big belt buckle that says “SEX”. Just, ya know, because.
Sombr let his belt do the talking. Frazer Harrison/Getty
What a difference a year makes for Teddy Swims
Our final ever NRL Grand Final performer, perhaps!? Getty Images
This time last year, Teddy Swims was preparing to perform at the NRL Grand Final.
Now, he’s at the VMAs about to take part in a George Michael tribute.
We wonder if anyone’s filled him in on the Tones and I drama?
Considering the NRL’s decision to drop the final entertainment altogether, Swims may just go down as the final ever NRL Grand Final performer. What an unexpected … honour!?
The red carpet is heating up now
The stars are coming in fast now, with some very wild looks!
Australian Troye Sivan is dressed for any and all occasions, with a suit, draping fabric and feathers.
Troye Sivan. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Black seems to be dominating so far, but special shoutout to Adam Lambert and LISA for bringing the drama and fun we want from a VMA red carpet!
Adam Lambert came with a very fresh take on a name tag! Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
DRAMA. Getty Images
Nirvana reunites ahead of major honour
It’s been more than 30 years since Nirvana first appeared at the VMAs, and now the band is set to receive the Video Vanguard Award – MTV’s lifetime achievement award.
Members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, and Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear, have arrived ahead of the honour.
The kings of grunge have turned up looking, well, not-so-grungy. Getty Images
Not a flannel or pair of distressed jeans in sight!
The first stars walk the red (well, blue) carpet
We have our first looks!
JoJo, of Leave (Get Out) fame, leads the pack in a bejewelled bralette and a matching skirt.
Plus, is ombre hair back?!?! Millennials, rejoice!
Well, isn’t this a saucy look from JoJo! Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Because it’s the VMAs, she’s not the only one with bling!
This red carpet is all about getting a little wild, so sparkles, sequins and leopard print is the name of the game.
Real Housewives royalty Lisa Rinna is also here, in a naked-style dress that has to be seen to be believed.
It’s only early, so there’s plenty more to come, but you can follow along here to make sure you don’t miss any of the arrivals!
Lisa rocking the naked dress trend in a very bold way. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Guaranteed tear-jerker among this year’s performances
Country star Kasey Musgraves will lead what is sure to be a very emotional tribute to the late Dolly Parton following her death last month.
We’ll also see a special George Michael tribute featuring Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims, as well as performances from Shaboozey, Lisa, Sienna Spiro, Gunna, GENER8ION and Yung Lean.
