The VMAs Happened. I Have Some Thoughts.

I’m not going to recap the VMAs.

There are approximately 10,000 places on the internet that will happily tell you who won what, who wore what and who thanked whom.

I have other things I want to talk about.

So here are the moments from the 2026 VMAs that made me stop, smile, laugh—or simply have something to say.

1. Madonna kicks off the VMAs with a risqué performance.

And it was provocative.

In other groundbreaking news…the sky is blue.

Forty-plus years into her career, Madonna still understands that if you’re going to invite the Material Girl to open your awards show, you probably shouldn’t expect sensible shoes and a tasteful medley.

She also walked away with seven Moonmen.

An impressive haul for the Material Girl.

Then again, she’s always had a way with these fellas.

Go Madge.

2. Adam Lambert shows up for George Michael. And sings that song.

Adam Lambert was the surprise we didn’t know was coming, stepping into the George Michael tribute with Freedom! ’90. And did he ever.

Of all the songs. Of all the singers.

A song about throwing off expectations, handed to an artist who’s spent much of his own career refusing to fit neatly inside them.

Perfect song. Perfect fit. Bravo.

3. Taylor Swift apparently makes short films now.

Taylor Swift world-premiered her new video for Patient Zero during the show. She directed it. Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell star in it.

That’s already quite the trio.

But then there’s the cinematography.

Enter three-time Academy Award winner Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki, the man who shot Gravity, Birdman and The Revenant.

Dakota Johnson. Colin Farrell. Chivo.

At some point we’re going to have to stop calling these things music videos and admit Taylor Swift is making very short movies between albums.

Okay, Taylor.

We see you.

4. Hail to the Tennessee Queen.

Kacey Musgraves honored Dolly Parton with I Will Always Love You, in a tribute that began with archival footage of Dolly herself.

I have very little commentary to add here.

Except this:

Dolly should have a glowing honorary moment at every music awards ceremony.

Like, forever.

Done.

5. Never forget what Nirvana did from those plaid couches in Seattle.

Nirvana received this year’s Video Vanguard Award, with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear reuniting to accept it.

And perhaps this is a good time to remember just how dramatically the musical landscape changed when those guys showed up.

There was a moment when a bunch of musicians who looked like they'd just woken up and stumbled into Starbucks for a cup of Seattle's best brew practically obliterated an entire generation of hairspray, spandex and hair-metal excess.

And right in the middle of it was the strange, uncomfortable genius of Kurt Cobain.

Grunge didn’t ask permission.

It just showed up and rearranged the furniture.

Thirty-four years later, MTV handed Nirvana the Vanguard Award.

Seems about right.

6. Snoop Dogg at the helm.

Snoop hosted the VMAs by doing what Snoop has somehow perfected over the last three decades: being Snoop.

At this point, that’s practically a public service. 😂

Despite mixed reviews and a couple of joke mishaps throughout the night, Snoop still hit the mark by bringing to the table what I think we all kind of expected.

Laid-back. West Coast. Completely unbothered. 

And he announced to the world that Madonna is no longer a virgin.

Where would we be without you, Dog?

That's my take. What's yours? The mic is on. 🎤