MTV VMAs 2023 LIVE — Taylor Swift accepts first award of the night as Olivia Rodrigo's performance leaves fans confused | The Sun

TAYLOR Swift has won the first award of the night at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

The superstar, who came to the red carpet just moments before the show began, accepted the Best Pop Award from NSYNC.

The award came after Olivia Rodrigo kicked off the show by performing her hit single Vampire – which 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 overwhelmed 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…

  • By Carsen Holaday

    Best R&B goes to…

    The VMA for Best R&B goes to SZA for her song Shirt.

    SZA isn't at the show and the award has been accepted on her behalf.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    Madelyn Cline introduces Anitta

    Brazilian star Anitta is performing after being introduced by Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline.

    Anitta rose to fame after her 2013 single, Show das Poderosas.

    During her career, she has won five MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Brazilian Act.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    Stray Kids wins!

    Band Stray Kids has won the VMA for Best K-Pop.

    The group looked shocked as Dixie and Charli D'Amelio presented the award.

    "We have so much to show you guys, so please look forward to the future," the group says.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    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.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    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.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    *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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  • By Carsen Holaday

    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.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    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.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    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.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    Sabrina Carpenter performs

    Popstar Sabrina Carpenter is performing two of her hits for tonight's preshow.

    Sabrina will also present an award tonight.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    Dove Cameron wins VMA

    Singer Dove Cameron has won the Video For Good award for her song Breakfast's music video.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    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.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    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
  • By Carsen Holaday

    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
  • By Carsen Holaday

    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.

  • By Carsen Holaday

    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
  • By Carsen Holaday

    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.”

  • By Carsen Holaday

    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
  • By Carsen Holaday

    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."

  • By Carsen Holaday

    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
  • By Carsen Holaday

    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