Taylor Swift — who shared the lead with Ariana Grande for the most nominations (10) coming into the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards held at the Prudential Center on Monday night — opened the show with a two-song parade of her new album “Lover.”

First was a colorful version of her single “You Need to Calm Down,” its LGBTQ-positive message emphasized with a rainbow flashing over the stage. There were even “Drag Race” stars portraying various pop icons.

But the best part was when Swift picked up her acoustic guitar to perform “Lover,” the gorgeous title track of her new LP, to which the audience seemed to already know all the words. No bells or whistles needed, it brought the focus back to her music, where it belongs.