CBS and MTV have revealed the performers for this year’s 2026 VMAs. Madonna is set to open the broadcast, with the rest of the lineup following her, including Lisa, Shaboozey, Raye, Sienna Spiro, GENER8ION, Gunna and Yung Lean.
On Sept. 27, the ceremony goes live from Los Angeles for the first time in nearly a decade. The last edition held in the city took place at The Forum, where Katy Perry served as host in 2017.
Madonna Opens, Lisa Returns
The evening opens with Madonna performing first, establishing the mood for what follows. Then Lisa takes the stage, delivering the TV premiere of her single “SaWaDiKa,” a cut from her forthcoming EP, Press Play.
The singer’s latest public appearance arrives soon after the premiere of Always Lalisa in Toronto over the weekend. The documentary provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at her rise out of the K-pop system.
Debut Performers Abound
This year Raye has two nominations, including song of the year for her smash hit “Where Is My Husband!” and she’s performing at the VMAs for the very first time. Shaboozey is also debuting on the bill, bringing his hit single “Cowgirl.”
Shaboozey will perform alongside Gunna during the first television appearance of their joint effort, “High Noon.”
Shaboozey and Raye make their VMAs performance debuts alongside Sienna Spiro, a first-time nominee for best new artist. GENER8ION and Yung Lean complete the list of newcomers, delivering the world premiere performance of “Storm II.”
| Artist | Role | Notable Nominations |
|---|---|---|
| Madonna | Show opener | None listed |
| Lisa | Returning performer | Upcoming EP Press Play |
| Raye | Performance debut | Song of the year (“Where Is My Husband!”) |
| Shaboozey | Performance debut | Hit single “Cowgirl” |
| Sienna Spiro | Performance debut | Best new artist |
| GENER8ION | Performance debut | video of the year, best direction, best choreography |
| Yung Lean | Performance debut | video of the year, best direction, best choreography |
The Production Team Behind It
Gunpowder & Sky produces the ceremony. Van Toffler serves as producer, while Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer appear as executive producers along with Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer.
Gary Lanvy is the co-producer on the project, with Melanie Block joining him as a co-executive producer. Snoop also holds an executive producer credit, along with Sara Ramaker and Jasmin Ratansi, who serve as producers. Jen Proctor rounds out the team as the executive talent producer.
What We Still Don’t Know
Next week is expected to bring the unveiling of the additional performers, presenters and special guests. Until then, the complete lineup remains a secret.
“Set to air live from Los Angeles on Sept. 27.”
The 2026 MTV VMAs have a solid lineup with real variety. Madonna, Lisa, Shaboozey and Raye anchor a field that also includes Gunna, Yung Lean and Sienna Spiro.
The fact that the show has returned to Los Angeles is a significant development, given that the last edition held there was 2017. Its cast combines well-known stars with up-and-coming talent, and the number of premieres and debuts keeps audiences engaged throughout the entire broadcast.
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