She’s back at the VMAs for the first time in 23 years, and Madonna is opening the show. The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards take place Sunday, Sept. 27, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ET/4:30-6:30 p.m. PT, airing on CBS with a simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. It will also be available globally the following day on Paramount+ and MTV.
Madonna Opens After 23 Years
The biggest draw at the VMAs this year is Madonna’s return to the stage. It marks her fifth time taking on the opening slot, a first for the event. Previously, she and Rihanna had shared the honor, each having opened the show four times.
The program lasts two hours, roughly half the duration of the Grammys or the Oscars. That means producer Van Toffler has to squeeze in both performances and presentations within that limited window.
Tribute Performances Honor Late Artists
Kacey Musgraves is set to pay tribute to Dolly Parton during the show, with RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims instead marking the death of George Michael.
The video vanguard award is going to Nirvana. It remains unclear whether the prize includes a performance, as is typical for such honors.
Grammy Contenders Get Their Own Spots
Several artists who are serious Grammy contenders in marquee categories will perform solo. Grammy first-round voting opens Sept. 12.
- RAYE gets a solo spot on the show.
- Sienna Spiro performs solo.
- Shaboozey performs two songs: his solo hit “Cowgirl,” and “High Noon” in tandem with Gunna.
Gener8ion and Yung Lean Team Up
GENER8ION and Yung Lean will team to perform “Storm II,” the second half of their surprise nominee for video of the year, “Storm.”
LISA from BLACKPINK will perform her song “SaWaDiKa.”
Taylor Swift’s Director Award
The VMA Artist Director award is being given to Taylor Swift for the first time ever. She holds the record for most wins in the category of best direction, having claimed that honor four times: for “The Man,” “All Too Well: The Short Film,” “Anti-Hero”, and “Fortnight.”.
Swift’s new single, “Patient Zero,” will premiere its music video at the awards. She directed it herself, with Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson starring in it.
The Full Nominee Field
Swift follows Madonna at the top with 11 nominations, while Madonna leads with 13. Other artists who have received multiple nominations include:
- Sabrina Carpenter (nine)
- Ariana Grande (eight)
- Bruno Mars (seven)
- Ella Langley, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson (five each)
- Charli xcx, GENER8ION, KATSEYE, LISA, Olivia Rodrigo and Yung Lean (four each)
Presenters Join the Lineup
Alex Warren is among the presenters, having performed “Ordinary” and “Eternity” on last year’s show and winning best new artist. The other presenters are Charli xcx, Teyana Taylor, Tyla and Troye Sivan.
The lineup includes four presenters: Chuck D, who became famous as part of Public Enemy; Emma Bunton, who became famous as part of the Spice Girls; mask-wearing country musician Orville Peck; and media personality Paris Hilton.
Behind the Scenes
Gunpowder & Sky produces the VMAs, with Van Toffler serving as producer. The executive producers include Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer. Melanie Block holds the title of co-executive producer, while Gary Lanvy works as co-producer. Snoop Dogg also serves as executive producer alongside Sara Ramaker and Jasmin Ratansi, and Jen Proctor functions as executive talent producer.
What to Watch For
The show opens with Madonna, whose appearance draws the largest crowd, while the rest of the lineup pairs tribute performances with the premiere of “Patient Zero”, offering both old favorites and new material.
Snoop Dogg hosts the show, which streams live from Los Angeles. Viewers can watch it the following day worldwide on Paramount+ and MTV. At two hours, the format runs about half the length of the Grammys or the Oscars, giving Toffler less time to work with.
The broadcast is set for two hours, roughly half the duration of the Grammys or the Oscars — and the show’s producer, Van Toffler, is aiming to squeeze many performances and presentations into that window.
Source material: “Here Are the Performers & Presenters for the 2026 VMAs,” Billboard.
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