A star-studded night unfolded at the MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday, with a Colombian video vanguard, a global icon, and America’s favorite antihero all gathering at New Jersey’s Prudential Center. The evening delivered everything from surprises to high-energy performances, captivating the audience both in the arena and those watching at home.

One of the night’s most dramatic moments came during Olivia Rodrigo’s performance, where she recreated the chaos of her “Vampire” music video. As the set dramatically fell apart around her, fans held their breath, wondering if the singer would be alright. But unlike in her video, Rodrigo wasn’t left injured. She swiftly transitioned behind a blue curtain and re-emerged, performing “Get Him Back!” backed by a group of dancers dressed as her lookalikes in bright pink skirts.

While Rodrigo’s performance brought the energy, it was the nostalgic reunion of *NSYNC that stole the hearts of the crowd. The iconic boy band, featuring Joey Fatone, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, and Chris Kirkpatrick, reunited to present Taylor Swift with the award for Best Pop Video, her first win of the night.

For many, the highlight wasn’t just *NSYNC’s return but Taylor Swift’s reaction as the camera caught her leaping to her feet, cheering in disbelief before they even announced her name. It was a full-circle moment for the pop icon, who has long been a fan of the legendary boy band.

As the night carried on, the VMAs continued to deliver on spectacle, with music’s biggest names celebrating the intersection of past and present pop culture. It was a night of high emotions, surprise wins, and unforgettable performances that will surely be remembered in VMA history.