Madonna is back on the VMAs stage for the first time in more than 20 years, and she is not the only one making history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. The red carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles is packed with nominees, performers and host Snoop Dogg as the stars arrive ahead of the ceremony Sunday night.
The Associated Press is live at the venue, and The Hollywood Reporter is following the action throughout the night. A livestream of the red carpet runs below, and the paper will update with which artists take home the MTV “Moon Person” trophies.
The Nomination Race
Madonna leads the field with 13 nominations. Taylor Swift follows with 11, and Sabrina Carpenter comes in third with nine. Ariana Grande has eight, and Bruno Mars rounds out the top five with seven.
The competition is tight. With Snoop Dogg hosting and a stacked lineup of performers, the show promises to move fast. Here is how the top five nominees rank:
- Madonna — 13 nominations
- Taylor Swift — 11 nominations
- Sabrina Carpenter — nine nominations
- Ariana Grande — eight nominations
- Bruno Mars — seven nominations
Madonna Returns to the Stage
Madonna’s performance is a highlight of the evening. She last appeared on the VMAs stage more than 20 years ago, and her return has generated real buzz.
The lineup of performers is deep. Lisa and Shaboozey join Raye and Sienna Spiro on the bill. Kacey Musgraves, Teddy Swims, SOMBR, GENER8ION, Gunna and Yung Lean round out the list, along with several other acts.
Swift and the Awards
Swift has been tapped to receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. It is a significant recognition.
Nirvana will also receive the video vanguard award. Special tributes are set for Dolly Parton and George Michael.
Toffler on the Show
VMAs producer Van Toffler teased the show to The Hollywood Reporter. He described it as “a kick-ass, fast-paced show.”
Toffler also spoke about Snoop Dogg handling hosting duties. “There’s no cooler human on the planet,” he said. “He’s so facile with movie stars and music stars and celebrities and athletes. Everyone’s comfortable with him. I think that interplay with the performers will be a big part of the show.”
Where to Watch
The 2026 VMAs air Sunday at 7:30-9:30 p.m. ET/4:30-6:30 p.m. PT on CBS and MTV. Streaming viewers can watch on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S.
The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.
The Night Ahead
Stars will arrive at the Peacock Theater ahead of the ceremony. The Hollywood Reporter will keep readers updated throughout the night. As the awards are handed out, the paper will report on the winners and the performances that mattered.
What to Expect
The show is a celebration of music and video, and this year’s lineup reflects that spirit. From Madonna’s return to the stage to the tribute acts, the VMAs have assembled a slate rich with talent.
The moon person trophies are the prize, and the nominees are locked in a fierce battle. The night will determine who walks away with the hardware.
Key Facts Box
- Madonna leads with 13 nominations
- Taylor Swift has 11 nominations
- Sabrina Carpenter has nine nominations
- Ariana Grande has eight nominations
- Bruno Mars has seven nominations
- MTV VMA Artist Director Honors goes to Swift
- Video vanguard award goes to Nirvana
- The show airs Sunday on CBS and MTV
- Streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S.
- Available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards promise to be a memorable night. Madonna’s return to the stage after more than 20 years sets up a carpet full of history, newcomers and surprises. The show moves fast, the stars are out, and the trophies are waiting.
Follow The Hollywood Reporter throughout the night for updates on the winners and the performances. The livestream of the red carpet runs below, and the paper will keep readers posted on everything that happens.
Source material: “2026 MTV Video Music Awards: Watch the Red Carpet Livestream,” The Hollywood Reporter.
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