MTV VMAs 2026: Nominees, Performers, Host and How to Watch

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are almost here, and this year's show is serious nostalgia bait. Madonna is returning to the VMAs stage for the first time in 23 years, and Snoop Dogg is hosting for the very first time. Yes, really.

The VMAs take place on Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It's the first time the show has been in LA since 2017. It airs live from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) on CBS and MTV, and you can stream it on Paramount+.

Snoop Dogg Hosts, and the VMAs Head Back to LA

Snoop has been part of VMAs history for decades, but somehow he's never hosted until now. Expect a looser, funnier show than usual.

After several years bouncing between New York and New Jersey, the ceremony is also back on the West Coast. And as always, the music is only half of it. The VMAs are just as famous for wild fashion, surprise moments and big, over-the-top performances.

2026 MTV VMAs Nominations

Madonna leads the pack with 11 nominations, followed by Taylor Swift with nine. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter have seven each, while Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson each have five.

Video of the Year

Ariana Grande, "hate that i made you love me"; Bruno Mars, "I Just Might"; GENER8ION featuring Yung Lean, "STORM"; Madonna, "Confessions II - The Film"; Sabrina Carpenter, "Tears"; and Taylor Swift, "The Fate of Ophelia."

Artist of the Year

Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift.

Song of the Year

BTS, "Swim"; Ella Langley, "Choosin' Texas"; HUNTR/X, "Golden"; Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter, "Bring Your Love"; Olivia Dean, "Man I Need"; PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson, "Stateside"; and RAYE, "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!"

There are also awards for Best Pop, Best Hip-Hop, Best R&B, Best Collaboration, Best Direction, Best Choreography and Best Visual Effects.

Who Is Performing at the 2026 VMAs?

Madonna opens the show, her first VMAs performance since 2003. Considering she's also the most nominated artist of the night, it's going to be hard to top.

LISA returns to the VMAs stage to give her new single "SaWaDiKa" its TV debut. She's up for four awards this year and has already won VMAs before.

RAYE makes her VMAs performance debut, Shaboozey performs "Cowgirl" and then teams up with Gunna for the first broadcast performance of "High Noon." Sienna Spiro is also on the bill, while Yung Lean and GENER8ION will world-premiere "STORM II."

There are two big tributes too. Sombr and Teddy Swims join RAYE for a George Michael tribute, and Kacey Musgraves performs as part of a tribute to Dolly Parton.

Full List of Announced Performers

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

Taylor Swift Gets a Brand New Honor

Taylor's night is about more than her nine nominations. The VMAs are launching a new award, the Artist Director Honors, for artists whose work behind the camera has pushed music videos forward, and she's the very first recipient.

She'll also premiere the video for "Patient Zero," which she directed herself, starring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell. The new honor brings her to 31 career VMAs, passing Beyoncé's 30 and making her the most awarded artist in the show's history.

What Else to Know

Nirvana is receiving this year's Video Vanguard Award, and the Best Dance category is back after seven years away. Fans can vote in 13 categories, although some awards, including the Vanguard, aren't decided by fan votes.

And for anyone who watches mainly for the outfits (no judgment), the VMAs are always the one awards show where stars take real fashion risks. Expect dramatic gowns, weird and wonderful looks, and at least one outfit everyone's still talking about the next morning.

Remember the 2025 VMAs Fashion?

If last year is anything to go by, the red carpet is going to be good.

Sabrina Carpenter's Valentino and vintage Bob Mackie looks were among the most talked-about of the night, including a vintage Bob Mackie piece linked to Madonna. That feels extra fitting now that the two of them are nominated together this year.

Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Doja Cat bring bold and memorable fashion moments to the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.

Then there was Lady Gaga's massive Marc Jacobs gown, an oversized black creation that completely changed the shape of a red carpet dress. And Ariana Grande's pink loofah-style final look was a voluminous pale-pink tulle moment that the internet instantly compared to a bath sponge.

Earlier in the night, Sabrina had also turned heads in a sheer red Valentino gown with sparkles, a lilac feather boa and retro showgirl vibes.

And Doja Cat's Balmain look and lipstick clutch gave the night a totally different energy: a plunging gown, platform heels, statement earrings and a crystal Judith Leiber clutch shaped like a lipstick.

Now it's 2026's turn. We'll be watching.