Tyla arrived at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards looking confident and barely clothed.
The South African singer stepped onto the carpet in a skimpy two-piece, and while plenty of fans were swooning, a vocal group of critics showed up with very specific commentary about what they saw.
Tyla Brings Venom To The VMAs In Mowalola
The look came from Nigerian designer Mowalola and made an impression the moment she walked in. Tyla wore a turquoise snake-print ensemble featuring a plunging bra top and a low-rise knee-length skirt with a back slit.
The look exposed her entire midsection, with her belly button piercing catching the light at the center. A matching python-print choker in the same fabric sat at her throat, adding a layered edge to the minimal coverage.
Her black hair cascaded down her back with several braids running through the middle, snakeskin pointed-toe pumps elevated her frame, while what appeared to be a Tiffany blue watch was strapped at one ankle for a flash of color.
Tyla’s jewelry was understated, just two rings and stud earrings, letting the outfit take the lead.
Online Users Scrutinize Her Appearance
X users have been brutal with their comments on the “Water” hitmaker’s look.
Someone wrote, “That waist is getting bigger and bigger.” Another person added, “She’s not skinny anymore, why is she still wearing those skanky outfit?” “Omg the waist is fading awayyy,” a third chimed in.
A different crowd skipped the body commentary entirely and focused on the fact that she showed up in so little fabric, with one person announcing simply that she was “allergic to clothes.”
Even some users who appeared to like her were not sold on the styling. One asked, “Who dressed my good sis and why do they hate her?”
Fans Are Convinced She’s ‘That Girl’
On the other side of the conversation, fans were fully in their feelings. “That beauty and elegance are on another level,” an admirer gushed. Someone took it further, claiming she “might be badder than Rih,” while others kept calling her “that girl.”
When Tyla posted photos to her own Instagram, Victoria’s Secret dropped into the comments with three words, “Gorgeous. Stunning. Perfection.”
Some fans acknowledged the physical changes in her body, but framed it entirely as a positive, noting she was filling out in ways they appreciated.
Earlier at the Met Gala, the conversation around Tyla was dominated by her rumored beef with Rihanna rather than her look.
She previously drew “malnourished” comments from critics, a stark contrast to the “bigger waist” conversation now.
The South African singer also turned heads in a striking string bikini.
She’s Been In The Gym
Tyla’s weight gain conversation didn’t start at the VMAs. About a week ago, she shared an Instagram carousel featuring some gym snaps that had people talking.
The opening slide caught her in profile wearing a navy bra top and blue snake-print capris, the growing swell of her backside easy to spot in the fitted fabric. A swipe left revealed a shot of the singer hard at work on the StairMaster.
The final slide switched gears to announce the city schedule for her upcoming tour, set to begin October 12. In the caption, she asked fans which city they would be attending, and plenty responded. However, the most widely liked comment had nothing to do with the tour.
“Asssss getting thicker, cashhh getting largerrr,” it read, pulling in thousands of likes from users who appeared to agree.
Tyla Is A ‘Pretty Girl’
Whatever the debate about her figure, one thing fans and critics alike tend to agree on is that Tyla is a “pretty girl.” Even with the latest debate about her weight following the 2026 VMAs, a few critics claimed her “face card” is the only thing carrying her while dismissing her talent.
