Madonna is back, Dolly Parton is being celebrated, and Taylor Swift is premiering a new video — and that is just the first hour of the 2026 MTV VMAs. The show, hosted by Snoop Dogg, returns to Los Angeles for the first time since 2017, and the lineup is packed with debuts, collaborations and tributes.
Madonna’s Long-Awaited Return
Madonna is performing at the VMAs for the first time in over two decades. She is joined by a string of debuts and returning acts across the night.
The Dolly Parton Tribute
Kacey Musgraves will perform the Dolly Parton tribute. It is her first appearance on the VMAs stage in five years. Musgraves is also nominated for best country for “Dry Spell.”
RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims will perform a tribute to George Michael.
Swift’s Video Premiere and New Award
Swift’s “Patient Zero” music video gets its world premiere at the show. She is also being honored with the inaugural Artist-Director Award.
The Full Performance Lineup
The night’s performances cover a wide range of artists, some of whom are making their VMAs debuts. Here is who is performing:
- LISA, RAYE, Shaboozey, Gunna, Sienna Spiro, GENER8ION and Yung Lean
- Madonna and Musgraves
- The George Michael tribute trio
- The Nirvana Vanguard Award ceremony
RAYE and Sienna Spiro are both making their VMAs debut performances. Shaboozey performs “Cowgirl” and then joins Gunna for the first broadcast performance of their collaboration “High Noon.” LISA debuts her new single “SaWaDiKa” on television. GENER8ION and Yung Lean premiere “STORM II” onstage.
The Red Carpet Stars
The red carpet was a star-studded affair. Among those spotted were Chloe Bailey, JoJo, Ciara Miller, Stella Lefty, Rei Ami, Blu DeTiger, Bella Poarch, Orville Peck, Raye, Slayyyter, Troye Sivan, French Montana, Bebe Rexha, Teyana Taylor, Ella Bright, Lisa, Andrew Watt, Meek, Charli XCX, Sombr, Paris Hilton, Alex Warren and Tyla.
A Night of Firsts
The show marks several firsts. The Artist-Director Award is brand new. And the show itself is back in Los Angeles after a long absence.
What to Watch For
The night’s biggest moments will be Madonna’s performance, the Dolly Parton tribute and the “Patient Zero” premiere. The George Michael tribute and the Nirvana Vanguard Award ceremony add depth to an already dense evening.
The VMAs air live Sunday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The show promises to be a jam-packed evening of music, tribute and spectacle.
This is a night built for superfans. It is a reminder that the VMAs remain a platform for debuts, collaborations and the occasional career-defining moment. Madonna’s return, the Dolly tribute and Swift’s premiere all in one show is a statement of intent. The VMAs are back, bigger than ever, and ready to deliver.
The Vanguard Award for Nirvana, awarded 34 years after the band first performed at the VMAs in 1992, is a reminder of the show’s history.
The VMAs have been a staple of pop culture for decades. The 2026 edition continues that tradition with a lineup that spans generations and genres.
The return to Los Angeles after a long absence adds a sense of occasion. The lineup is designed to appeal to a wide audience, from fans of classic pop to newcomers to the scene.
Source material: “2026 MTV VMAs Red Carpet: Raye, Lisa, Sienna Spiro and More,” Variety.
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