Retro VMAs: Only Madonna Dares to Be Dangerous

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards were criticized for a lack of genuine excitement and danger, with 68-year-old Madonna emerging as the sole artist injecting significant verve into the proceedings. Her elaborate opening medley, featuring guests like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, was a standout moment, underscoring her enduring influence.

In contrast, Taylor Swift's debut of her "Patient Zero" video and her Artist Director Honors acceptance speech were deemed underwhelming. Despite mentioning "music videos" nine times, Swift failed to articulate her passion for the medium, and her directorial efforts were seen as repetitive by some.

Several musical tributes also underwhelmed. While Kacey Musgraves honored Dolly Parton with a graceful rendition of "I Will Always Love You," Bruno Mars' pre-recorded performance of "Dance With Me" was criticized for its length and lack of energy. The tribute to George Michael also faltered, with Adam Lambert eventually rescuing the segment with a rendition of "Freedom! '90."

The ceremony's reliance on older stars and a perceived lack of connection with contemporary artists like Slayyyter, Ella Langley, and Troye Sivan, who were noted in background music, led to a general sentiment that the VMAs have lost their edge.