2026 MTV Video Music Awards: Performances, Hosts, and Voting

Madonna Returns to the VMAs

Madonna will take the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards for the first time in over two decades, aiming to expand her collection of 20 career wins at the VMAs. Her last performance at the awards was in 2003, during significant moments in U.S. history.

Taylor Swift Sets a Milestone

Taylor Swift will receive the VMAs’ inaugural Artist Director Honors, recognizing her behind-the-camera contributions to music video artistry. Swift, up for 11 nominations, will debut her new “Patient Zero” music video, becoming the show’s most-awarded artist, surpassing Beyoncé’s record.

Additional Performers

The VMAs will also highlight Nirvana as this year’s Video Vanguard Award recipient. Madonna leads the night with 13 nominations. Her potential win could increase her VMA trophies to a total of 33.

Event Details

The VMAs will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. PT on September 27th. Snoop Dogg, familiar with the VMAs stage, hosts the event. He has performed and won multiple times since 1994.

Viewing Information

CBS television stations and MTV will broadcast the VMAs. Paramount+ will provide streaming access.

Fans can watch the red carpet live on CBS News Los Angeles from 6 p.m. ET, 3 p.m. PT featuring star arrivals and fashion highlights.

Line-Up of Performers

Aside from Madonna, performers include Kacey Musgraves, paying tribute to Dolly Parton. Others are:

• GENER8ION
• Gunna
• LISA
• Kacey Musgraves
• RAYE
• Shaboozey
• Sienna Spiro
• Sombr
• Teddy Swims
• Yung Lean

LISA from Blackpink will debut “SaWaDiKa.” GENER8ION and Yung Lean will premiere “Storm II,” while Sombr, RAYE, and Teddy Swims honor George Michael with a performance. Shaboozey and Gunna will perform “High Noon.” Sienna Spiro, nominated for best new artist, will also appear.

Presenters for 2026

• Alex Warren
• Belmont Cameli
• Brandon Sklenar
• Charli xcx
• Ciara Miller
• David Corenswet
• Ella Bright
• Isabel May
• Jeff Probst
• Rachel Dratch
• Teyana Taylor
• Troye Sivan
• Tyla

Fan Voting Details

Most categories closed voting on Friday, but fans still vote for best new artist and song of the summer. Song of the summer voting takes place on MTV’s Instagram Stories until 11 a.m. ET on Sunday. Voting for best new artist remains open online even after the show commences.

Venue Information

The 2026 VMAs return to the West Coast at the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, hosting the VMAs for the first time since 2017.

Recap of 2025 Winners

• Video of the Year: Ariana Grande, “Brighter Days Ahead”
• Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
• Song of the Year: Rosé and Bruno Mars, “APT.”
• Best New Artist: Alex Warren
• Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
• MTV Push Performance: KATSEYE, “Touch”
• Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile”
• Best Pop: Ariana Grande, “Brighter Days Ahead”
• Best Hip-Hop: Doechii, “Anxiety”
• Best R&B: Mariah Carey, “Type Dangerous”
• Best Alternative: Sombr, “Back to Friends”
• Best Rock: Coldplay, “ALL MY LOVE”
• Best Latin: Shakira, “Soltera”
• Best K-Pop: LISA featuring Doja Cat and RAYE, “Born Again”
• Best Afrobeats: Tyla, “PUSH 2 START”
• Best Country: Megan Moroney, “Am I Okay?”
• Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet”
• Best Long Form Video: Ariana Grande, “Brighter Days Ahead”
• Video for Good: Charli xcx, “Guess featuring Billie Eilish”
• Best Group: Blackpink
• Song of Summer: Tate McRae, “Just Keep Watching”
• Best Direction: Lady Gaga, “Abracadabra”
• Best Art Direction: Lady Gaga, “Abracadabra”
• Best Cinematography: Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”
• Best Editing: Tate McRae, “Just Keep Watching”
• Best Choreography: Doechii, “Anxiety”
• Best Visual Effects: Sabrina Carpenter, “Manchild”