Jean_Nelson/Depositphotos
Taylor skips the big night
Taylor Swift has become a regular fixture at the MTV Video Music Awards, but this year she’ll be skipping the big night. On September 7, the VMAs return to UBS Arena in New York, and her absence will be felt.
Fans often expect Taylor to bring surprises or heartfelt speeches, but this year her focus is elsewhere. Instead of being on stage, she’s preparing for one of the busiest seasons of her career, proving even icons sometimes need to choose priorities.
info.cineberg.com/Depositphotos
Busy with new album launch
Taylor’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, is set to drop on October 3, just after the VMAs. Every album rollout for her involves careful timing, secret rehearsals, and nonstop planning.
Skipping the ceremony allows her to give full energy to this new era. Fans know she thrives on delivering polished performances, and the work behind that means giving up some appearances along the way.
Jean_Nelson/Depositphotos
A history-making possibility
Taylor isn’t just skipping any award show; she could have made history at this one. Currently tied with Beyoncé at 30 wins each, she’s on the edge of becoming the single most awarded artist.
Even if she’s not in the audience, her name could still be called. That means Taylor might make history from afar, proving her impact doesn’t rely on simply showing up.
Image Press Agency/Depositphotos
Engaged and cheering Travis on
Life for Taylor isn’t only about music right now. She’s also celebrating her recent engagement to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.
Travis is opening the NFL season against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil just two days before the VMAs. With such a major game on his schedule, it’s no surprise Taylor is choosing to prioritize personal milestones too.
rafapress/Depositphotos
Her first VMA absence in years
Taylor hasn’t skipped the VMAs in a long time. The last time she missed the show was in 2021, making her absence this year stand out.
Over the past few years, fans have come to expect her to take the stage with surprises, awards, or big fashion moments. This break changes that streak but highlights her shifting focus.
Depositphotos
Last year’s sweet shoutout
In 2024, Taylor accepted Video of the Year for “Fortnight” with Post Malone. That speech became memorable for more than just the win.
It was the first time she openly acknowledged Travis as her boyfriend, a moment fans loved. Her playful note about hearing him cheer from across the studio added warmth to her acceptance.
Depositphots
The Midnights reveal in 2022
Taylor Swift loves giving fans surprises during big moments. At the 2022 VMAs, she shocked everyone by announcing her Midnights album.
The announcement instantly went viral, kicking off an entirely new era for her music. Without her presence this year, fans will miss out on one of those magical reveals.
Image Press Agency/Depositphotos
Her first VMA wins in 2009
Taylor’s VMA journey started more than a decade ago. In 2009, she won Best Female Video for “You Belong With Me.”
It wasn’t just a career milestone; it marked the beginning of her long and dramatic history with the awards show. That night made Taylor a permanent part of VMA history.
Image Press Agency/Depositphotos
Iconic fashion moments
Taylor doesn’t just win trophies at the VMAs. She’s also a fashion icon on the red carpet, turning heads with bold and glamorous outfits.
From glittering gowns to edgy minis, her looks often reflect the era of her career she’s in. This year, fans will definitely miss her style choices as much as her music moments.
Image_Press_Agency/Depositphotos
Fierce competition in 2025
This year’s Artist of the Year category is especially competitive. Alongside Taylor, the nominees include Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, and The Weeknd.
It’s a lineup filled with global heavyweights. Even if Taylor can’t be there, her nomination proves she continues to stand among the best of the best.
kohanova1991/Depositphotos
Beyoncé and Taylor’s record tie
Taylor and Beyoncé share one of the most talked-about records in VMA history. Both currently hold 30 wins, tying them for the most ever.
This year could have broken that tie if Taylor wins again. Fans will be eager to see if she pulls ahead, even if she isn’t in the arena.
Depositphotos
A career built on moments
Taylor Swift’s award show appearances are about more than just trophies. They’ve become cultural events, filled with surprise announcements, heartfelt speeches, and unforgettable performances.
Each time Taylor steps on stage, she creates memories that are talked about for years. Skipping this year’s VMAs means one less chance for a signature moment, but fans can still celebrate her achievements from afar as she continues to make history in music and pop culture.
Depositphotos
Juggling music and personal life
Taylor Swift’s life is a nonstop whirlwind of recording, touring, and public appearances. Her schedule demands constant focus, leaving little downtime.
Add in her recent engagement to Travis Kelce and family commitments, and it’s clear why missing one event is a small compromise. Balancing superstardom and personal life isn’t easy, and skipping the VMAs allows her to prioritize where she’s most needed.
Depositphotos
Her unforgettable speeches
Taylor’s award show speeches are part of her signature charm. They combine humor, heartfelt gratitude, and often include surprise announcements that fans love.
From acknowledging longtime fans to teasing new music, every word feels personal and intentional. The VMAs audience will miss hearing her live, as her speeches are often cultural highlights that trend worldwide.
Depositphotos
The family-first decision
Choosing family over an award show reflects where Taylor’s priorities lie. She’s not just a global superstar; she’s a partner and someone who values personal relationships. With Travis Kelce starting his NFL season, her support carries real significance.
Attending one less ceremony is a small sacrifice compared to showing up for loved ones. Taylor’s choice reminds fans that even celebrities need balance and that personal milestones can sometimes outweigh professional recognition.
Curious about their big news? Check out the full engagement story.
AlexKozachenko/Depsitphotos
Swifties keep the excitement alive
Taylor’s fans, known as Swifties, never let her momentum falter. Online communities will buzz during the VMAs, celebrating every nomination and win in real time.
Even without her on stage, fans create a shared energy, discussing outfits, performances, and potential winners. Her success feels communal, with every tweet, post, and thread reinforcing the excitement.
Even with Taylor away, the VMAs will still be buzzing. See which stars, including Jelly Roll and Doja Cat, are set to light up the stage this year.
Which VMA performance are you most excited for? Share your thoughts in the comments and hit like if you’re cheering along with the Swifties.
Read More From This Brand:
Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.
If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE email. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
This is exclusive content for our subscribers
Enter your email address to subscribe and get instant FREE access to all of our articles
Last Updated: September 7, 2025
Lucky you! This thread is empty,
which means you've got dibs on the first comment.
Go for it!