the 2026 vmas somehow felt like pop culture looking backward and forward at the same time.
taylor swift became the most awarded artist in vma history, madonna won seven awards, snoop dogg hosted, and nirvana received the video vanguard award. there was even a tribute to dolly parton.
kind of wild that an awards show built around “what’s next” ended up being one of the biggest celebrations of artists who have already shaped decades of music.