VMAs 2024 LIVE updates: Chappell, Sabrina, Tate and more stars ...

Miss Americana herself has arrived, and she’s gone for a strong look this year, Donald Trump and his AI-generated images be damned. Swift is walking the red carpet solo, in a yellow tartan bustier and sweeping train, black thigh high platform boots and elbow-length leather motorcycle gloves. Kind of like if Cher in Clueless became a biker chick. Is a new era for Swift on the way?

Taylor Swift.Credit: Getty Images

The show has started. If you tune in now, you’ll see 51-year-old Eminem reprising his iconic performance where he entered the stage with hundreds of mini doppelgangers.

We also have our first cutaway to Taylor dancing!

There’s another clear trend emerging which we are calling “dishevelled party girl”. Tinashe, Paris Hilton and Katy Perry all have the look of the chewed up heroine at the end of a disaster movie.

Katy Perry, Tinashe and Paris Hilton.Credit: Getty Images

Paris Hilton has seemingly thrown her iconic 2002 Glomesh dress to the dogs, appearing in a torn-up silver mini with a diamond choker and sparkling heels. Pop singer Tinashe appears in a distressed, barely there leather look with a silver amulet around her neck, while Katy Perry is clearly still sticking with her edgy rebrand, donning a shredded denim set with a black chrome armband.

Our host Megan Thee Stallion, wearing an outfit that’s real bottom heavy, is already bringing some ridiculous energy to the black carpet. Trevor Noah wishes he had this much charisma.

She’s handed a trophy for her jam Mamushi, whose hook – “watashi wa star” – has taught me more Japanese than I ever learned in high school.

As well as hosting, the 29-year-old is up for a few awards today, including best hip-hop for Boa, another song that may or may not be a diss at Nicki Minaj (she has a lot of them).

Megan Thee Stallion arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards.Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Influencer-turned-pop star Addison Rae and Suki Waterhouse must have recently rewatched Black Swan because both have gone for rather birdlike looks. While Rae’s is more ballet-core, with white plumage springing from her shoulder, a tutu bustle and silky knickers, Waterhouse is the clear black swan in this duo with a thick feathered bolero and cut-out dress.

Addison Rae and Suki Waterhouse.Credit: Getty Images

Sabrina Carpenter oozes old Hollywood glamour in a vintage gown from iconic American designer Bob Mackie. The Espresso and Please, Please, Please singer has historically gone for more playful, youthful looks on the red carpet. But this archival number, reminiscent of Madonna’s ode to Marilyn Monroe at the 1991 Oscars, feels like a fresh chapter for the singer.

Madonna at the 1991 Oscars and Sabrina Carpenter.Credit: Getty Images

Following Chappell Roan’s medieval-inspired look this evening, we’re seeing a trend emerge this evening with bastardised interpretations of historical dress. Brazilian singer Aniita and Blackpink’s Lisa both have chosen to pair corsetry with veils – the former in a bridal look from Dolce & Gabbana, the latter in a draped gown from Mugler. They’re both giving a bit of sexy vigilante and runaway bride, and we’re not quite sure how to feel yet.

Lisa and Aniita.

Some of the men on this carpet seem to be dressed for entirely different events. Måneskin frontman Damiano David looks very dapper in a boxy chocolate brown Etro suit paired with one of the best moustaches we’ve seen so far.

Lenny Kravitz isquintessentially Lenny Kravitz, opting for a shirtless with a black leather jacket, boot cut trousers, detachable tie and black Ray-Bans.

Then there’s DJ Khaled, who’s gone for a dash of quiet luxury with a Bottega Veneta pink suede set that’s quite frankly gorgeous (the leatherwork is truly breathtaking), pink ombre sunglasses and white sneakers.

Finally, we’ve got Teen Wolf star Tyler Posey who looks like he’s dressed for the 2008 Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards in camo pants, a Dickie’s belt and chunky sneakers. It’s a bit of a head scratcher but we’re glad he’s doing him!

Damiano David, Lenny Kravitz, DJ Khaled and Tyler Posey.Credit: Getty Images