Watch Taylor Swift perform Lover songs at the 2019 MTV VMAs

Taylor Swift performed "You Need To Calm Down" and "Lover" from her seventh record Lover for the first time earlier tonight at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. Often a site of controversy for Swift — the VMAs was where, ten years ago, Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech for Best Female Video and sparked one of the longest running, most convoluted celebrity beefs ever — the VMAs stage was decorated with a huge inflatable rainbow, with drag queens taking to the stage during the first half of the pop star’s performance. Watch Swift’s performance below. Read our review of her new album here.

Lover was preceded by the singles “ME!” featuring Brandon Urie of Panic! At The Disco, “You Need To Calm Down,” “The Archer,” and “Lover.” Her first album since 2017’s Reputation, it has already logged the biggest sales week of the year in only a few days of tracking.

The 2019 VMAs are being held Monday evening at New Jersey's Prudential Center. Hosted by comedian Sebastian Maniscalo, the 36th annual award show has Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift leading the way with 10 nominations each, and Missy Elliott receiving the esteemed Video Vanguard Award. See the full list of winners here, and the best red carpet looks here.

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