VMAs 2026 live: Taylor Swift set for 'special' appearance after making history with new award

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By KATRINA SCHOLLENBERGER, US HEAD OF LIVE NEWS

Updated: 22:57 BST, 27 September 2026

Taylor Swift will make history at the MTV Video Music Awards tonight as the first artist to receive the Artist Director Honors award at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. 

It will be Swift's 31st Moon Man trophy, breaking the Love Story hitmaker's tie with Beyonce as the most decorated artist in the history of the VMAs.

Madonna is also set to make her long-awaited return to the award show 23 years after she last stoked controversy at the ceremony. 

The 68-year-old pop icon last performed at the VMAs in 2003, when she shocked audiences by sharing same-sex kisses on stage with both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Madonna is in competition for a staggering 11 prizes, narrowly beating out Swift, who has nods in nine categories. 

The show is expected to kick off at 7.30pm ET/4.30pm PT, hosted by Snoop Dogg and featuring performances from artists like Lisa, Shaboozey, and RAYE, with tributes to the late music legends Dolly Parton and George Michael. 

Follow the Daily Mail for more updates... 

Foo Fighters star Dave Grohl dons all black on the carpet

 Dave Grohl attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Love Island star Olandria stuns in a brown leather corseted gown

 Olandria attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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 Doug Peters/PA Wire

VMAs 2026 WORST dressed: The biggest red carpet fashion flops

The music industry's hottest stars have all descended on the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

This year marks the return of the VMAs to the West Coast for the first time in nine years, after it was last broadcast from Los Angeles, California, in 2017.

Tonight, the star-studded ceremony is being held at the Peacock Theatre, which recently also hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards.

With celebrities flocking to the red carpet in their droves, there are some outstanding ensembles on display, complete with elegant trains, luxury materials and inspiring design choices.

But not everyone's outfits have been standing up to scrutiny under the sartorial spotlight.

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Singer MNEK arrives to the show in a quirky grey shirt and shorts set

 MNEK attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Lisa Rinna dons a statuesque white gown on the carpet

 Lisa Rinna attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Singer JoJo looks sultry in a black bra and skirt

 Doug Peters/PA Wire

 Doug Peters/PA Wire

Chloe Bailey dazzles on the blue carpet in a cutout mirrored gown

 Chloe Bailey attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Chloe Bailey arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

RnB group Flo look identical in matching hairstyles and dresses on the VMAs carpet

 (L-R) Stella Quaresma, Jorja Douglas and Renée Downer of FLO attend the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Harry Jowsey cuts a sharp figure in an understated brown suit after Netflix show controversy

 Harry Jowsey attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Fifth Harmony hitmaker Lauren Jauregui dons a low cut black gown on the carpet

 Image contains partial nudity.) Lauren Jauregui attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/WireImage)

Moneybagg Yo hits the blue carpet in a casual white shirt and grey trousers

 Moneybagg Yo attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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