Biggest VMAs moments, from Madonna's performance to Taylor Swift's new record - USA Today

Hear this story Whether honoring the past with an accolade for Nirvana or christening the vocal spitfire Raye , the MTV Video Music Awards crisscrossed demographics and genres while sparking a few notable moments.

The VMAs, hosted by Snoop Dogg, returned to Los Angeles on Sept. 27, with Madonna – the only artist gracing the stage who also performed at the inaugural VMAs in 1984 – opening the proceedings with a celeb-packed medley of new songs and ending with Taylor Swift , now the most awarded artist in VMAs history with 33 , dedicating her video of the year award ("The Fate of Ophelia") to the late Dolly Parton.

Madonna demonstrated her continued relevancy as the night's most-nominated artist and took home seven awards from her 11 nominations, while Swift also premiered her video for "Patient Zero," from "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore" album that bowed Sept. 25.