The superstar, who came to the red carpet just moments before the show began, accepted the Best Pop Award from NSYNC after Olivia Rodrigo kicked off the show by performing her hit single Vampire.
The electric performance left fans confused after sparks flew and pieces of the stage fell during the song.
Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their confusion during the chaos as one wrote: “One of the fake trees fell.. was that part of it? Looked strange.”
“Bro idk what is going on,” another added.
Even though the chaos appeared to be a part of the show, based on the nominated music video, even celebrities in the crowd seemed confused as Selena Gomez was shown covering her ears.
Alongside Taylor and Selena, celebrities like Doja Cat, Demi Lovato, and Shakira are in attendance at tonight’s ceremony at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Viewers can watch the MTV Video Music Awards ceremony live on MTV and the Paramount Network, or purchase a membership to stream the show on Paramount+ tomorrow here.
Read our VMA Awards live blog for the latest updates…
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Taylor praises *NSYNC
Taylor Swift asks *NSYNC if they’re going to get back together and says that they gave her the award from their “golden hands.”
“Thank you for the friendship bracelets,” she tells the group.
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The VMA goes to…
TAYLOR SWIFT won the first award of the night for Anti-Hero.
Her best friend, Selena Gomez, is seen standing and applauding for her as she accepts the award.
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*NSYNC returns
Iconic boy band *NSYNC has taken to the stage to present an award.
The legendary group is announcing the first award of the night for Best Pop.
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Stars look shocked
As Olivia Rodrigo transitions from Vampire to Get Him Back off her new album, stars in the crowd looked stunned as the singer was surrounded by chaos on stage.
Selena Gomez was even seen covering her ears during the excitement.
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Olivia kicks off the show
Olivia Rodrigo is starting tonight’s ceremony by performing her hit single Vampire.
Tune in to the show now on MTV and follow along with our live blog here.
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Kathy Hilton speaks out about sister’s split
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kathy Hilton spoke to The U.S. Sun about her younger sister’s recent split from longtime husband Mauricio Umansky.
Kathy said about Kyle Richard’s separation: “It is what it is.”
The star added that she hopes that Kyle and Mauricio can reconcile.
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Sabrina Carpenter performs
Popstar Sabrina Carpenter is performing two of her hits for tonight’s preshow.
Sabrina will also present an award tonight.
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Dove Cameron wins VMA
Singer Dove Cameron has won the Video For Good award for her song Breakfast’s music video.
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Demi Lovato is singing a medley
It’s been six years since Demi Lovato has performed on the VMAs stage – and tonight she’s performing a “medley of some of her biggest songs.”
The star is promoting her new album, Revamped, which will see her old songs reimagined as rock songs.
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Selena Gomez has arrived
Singer and actress Selena Gomez arrived on tonight’s red carpet wearing a lacy, red dress.
The star is nominated for three awards tonight.
Selena Gomez is up for three awards tonightCredit: Reuters -
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes match in red
Country star Kelsea Ballerini and her Outer Banks star partner, Chase Stokes, arrived on tonight’s red carpet in matching red outfits.
Kelsea Ballerini will perform at tonight’s ceremonyCredit: AP -
Kelsea Ballerini celebrates her birthday
Singer Kelsea Ballerini is celebrating her 30th birthday at tonight’s ceremony with her boyfriend, actor Chase Stokes.
The country star will perform during the show – and revealed on the red carpet that she’ll be singing her song Penthouse.
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Former Bachelorette makes it red carpet official
Bachelorette alum Tayshia Adams and Bravo’s Summer House star Luke Gulbranson were spotted by The U.S. Sun on tonight’s red carpet.
The pair have been linked together since spring of this year – but this is their first formal outing together.
Tayshia Adams and Luke Gulbranson hold hands on the red carpetCredit: Teresa Roca / The U.S. Sun -
Shakira teases ‘dynamic’ performance
Singer Shakira took to the red carpet to tease her performance ahead of tonight’s VMAs ceremony.
“I tried to synthesize my entire career in like 10 minutes,” the star said.
“I think it’s a pretty dynamic performance.”
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Cardi B and Offset pack on PDA
Rapper Cardi B and her husband Offset are packing on the PDA on tonight’s red carpet.
Cardi is set to perform with Megan Thee Stallion tonight.
Cardi B and Offset have been married since 2017Credit: Reuters
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Nicki Minaj promises a gift to fans
Host Nicki Minaj took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to tell her fans to use the hashtag for tonight’s show – where she is hosting and performing, as well as being nominated for six awards.
“Sooooooooo grateful for the @MTV @vmas!!!!!” the legend wrote.
“#Barbz let’s show them how appreciative we are for their continued love & support!!!!”
She added: “If you use the hashtag all night, I’ll give you a VERY special GIFT tonight.”
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Stray Kids take MTV for the first time
K-Pop group Stray Kids is walking the red carpet now as first-timers at the MTV Video Music Awards.
The band is set to perform during tonight’s show – and they’re nominated for the Best K-Pop Award.
Stray Kids will perform at tonight’s MTV Video Music AwardsCredit: Reuters -
Demi Lovato is up for two awards tonight
Singer Demi Lovato has arrived on the red carpet in an all-black look.
Demi will perform her single Swine during tonight’s show – which is nominated for two awards.
Demi is set to perform during tonight’s ceremonyCredit: AP -
Preshow officially starts now!
Red carpet and preshow coverage of the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards starts now!
To see what your favorite stars are wearing to the event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, tune in to MTV.
Follow along with our live blog here for the latest updates on the huge night.
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Group of the Year nominees
Nominees for Group of The Year are:
- BLACKPINK
- FIFTY FIFTY
- FLO
- Jonas Brothers
- Måneskin
- NewJeans
- SEVENTEEN
- TOMORROW X TOGETHER
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Olivia Rodrigo shines on red carpet
Star Olivia Rodrigo is stunning in a silver gown on tonight’s red carpet, less than a week after the release of her sophomore album Guts.
The singer will perform at tonight’s show, and she’s up for six awards – all for her single Vampire.
Olivia Rodrigo is nominated for six awards tonightCredit: AP
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Saweetie is pretty in pink
Rapper Saweetie looks stunning on tonight’s red carpet in a pink gown that is accessorized, naturally, by a few fake bones.
Saweetie arrives bones and all to the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards red carpetCredit: Getty -
Doja Cat shows skin
Singer Doja Cat is kicking off tonight’s red carpet in the nude as she appears to be draped in cobwebs.
Doja Cat has arrived at the 2023 MTV Video Music AwardsCredit: Getty -
Best K-Pop nominees
The nominees for Best R&B include:
- Aespa – Girls
- BLACKPINK – Pink Venom
- FIFTY FIFTY – Cupid
- SEVENTEEN – Super
- Stray Kids – S-Class
- TOMORROW X TOGETHER – Sugar Rush Ride