The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet brought a glittering line-up of music stars to Los Angeles, with Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, JoJo and a host of other high-profile arrivals embracing bold gowns, metallic finishes and daring silhouettes.
Swift was among the most closely watched guests at the Peacock Theater, arriving in a figure-hugging Tamara Ralph Couture outfit. The look paired a halterneck black top with a sheer back and a sparkling silver skirt, finished with silver heels and flowing earrings.
The 36-year-old attended without her husband, NFL star Travis Kelce, who had played for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Dolphins in Miami earlier in the day.
Swift arrived at the ceremony with nine nominations and was due to receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors, recognising artists whose work has developed a distinctive visual and directorial style.
Her appearance came days after the release of The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, the deluxe edition of her 12th studio album. She also premiered the music video for Patient Zero, starring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell.
Stars bring sparkle and drama to the VMAs red carpet
Paris Hilton opted for a shimmering silver mini dress by The Blonds as she posed alongside her sister Nicky Hilton, who wore a complementary sparkling look.
JoJo made an early statement in a revealing Nué ensemble featuring a tiny bra top and a sweeping skirt. She completed the outfit with chunky silver jewellery and wore her long hair in soft waves.
Chloe Bailey, 28, drew attention in a bedazzled silver gown, while Oscar nominee Teyana Taylor chose a plunging black lace creation by Zuhair Murad Couture.
Normani appeared in a dark metallic Robert Wun Couture gown with an intricate floral embellishment. Charli XCX showed off her midriff in a small black top and matching long skirt from Saint Laurent.
British singer-songwriter Raye, 28, brought further sparkle to the arrivals in a plunging Georges Hobeika Couture gown. Bebe Rexha wore a black lace mini dress with lace-up high-heeled boots.
Model Haley Kalil chose a shimmering silver Marc Bouwer gown, while Love Island USA star Olandria wore a lace-up brown leather dress.
Other arrivals included Yellowstone star Hassie Harrison, who wore a floor-length black Ralph Lauren dress, and Off Campus actor Ella Bright, who opted for a black corset dress.
Emma Bunton, 50, kept her look sleek in a black dress by Annie’s Ibiza, styled with towering heels. Summer House star Ciara Miller wore a brown bra with lace-up leather trousers in an Aidan Euan look.
Model Madisin Rian brought a more theatrical approach in a dramatic cow-print outfit and matching wide-brimmed hat. Keltie Knight wore a cheetah-print mini dress with over-the-knee studded boots, while Chanel West Coast paired a cheetah lace dress with a cowboy hat.
PinkPantheress chose a frilled romantic red dress, and the members of FLO — Stella Quaresma, Jorja Douglas and Renee Downer — coordinated in low-cut beige dresses.
Elsewhere, Alyssa Smith added a vivid splash of colour in a bright green gown and matching heels. Juliet Schroder wore a silver mini dress, while Eva Gutowski went for a gothic corset ensemble.
Swift leads a night of major VMA moments
Swift’s evening continued beyond the red carpet. She was presented with the Artist Director Honors by Johnson and later accepted the Video of the Year award for The Fate of Ophelia from host Snoop Dogg.
The singer’s haul added to a fiercely contested year at the ceremony. Madonna led the nominations with 11, while Swift followed with nine. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each received seven nominations.
Swift and Madonna were both in contention for Video of the Year, alongside Grande, Carpenter, Bruno Mars and Gener8ion, whose nominated video stars Yung Lean.
Madonna also returned to the VMAs alongside Carpenter for a performance of Bring Your Love, 23 years after her much-discussed appearance with Britney Spears. The pair later accepted the award for Best Collaboration.
The ceremony also featured performances from Raye, Lisa, Gunna, Shaboozey and Bruno Mars. Sombr performed a tribute to the late George Michael, while Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to Dolly Parton.
Rock group Nirvana were reunited on the red carpet, with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear later accepting the Video Vanguard Award. Grohl’s wife, Jordyn Blum, also made a rare appearance at the event.
