2026 MTV VMAs: Everything to Know Before the Show

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are set to take place on Sunday, September 27, bringing together major names from music and entertainment for a night of performances, awards and special appearances.

The ceremony will be hosted by Snoop Dogg and will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will air live on CBS and MTV, with streaming available through Paramount+ in the United States. The show will also become available internationally through Paramount+ and MTV the following day.

When Are the 2026 MTV VMAs?

The 2026 MTV VMAs are scheduled for Sunday, September 27.

The live broadcast is scheduled for 7:30–9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, or 4:30–6:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

For viewers in Indonesia, the ceremony will take place in the early hours of Monday, September 28, depending on the local time zone.

Who Is Hosting the 2026 VMAs?

Snoop Dogg will host this year's ceremony.

The rapper and entertainer is also among the show's executive producers.

Madonna Is Returning to the VMAs Stage

One of the biggest moments expected during the ceremony is Madonna's return to the VMAs stage.

Madonna is scheduled to open the show, marking her first VMAs performance in 23 years. Her last performance at the event was the famous 2003 opening number featuring Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Madonna also leads the 2026 nominations with 11 nominations, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.

Taylor Swift Will Receive a New Honor

Taylor Swift is set to receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.

The new award recognizes artists whose work behind the camera has contributed to music videos and visual storytelling.

CBS and MTV have also announced that Swift's music video for "Patient Zero" will receive its world premiere during the ceremony. The video is directed by Swift and stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.

More Performances Are Planned

Alongside Madonna, the announced performers include GENER8ION, Gunna, LISA, RAYE, Shaboozey, SIENNA SPIRO and Yung Lean.

GENER8ION and Yung Lean are also scheduled to give the world premiere performance of "STORM II."

The ceremony will also include special tributes.

Kacey Musgraves is scheduled to perform a tribute to Dolly Parton, while RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims will honor George Michael.

Who Has the Most Nominations?

Madonna leads the 2026 nominations with 11.

Taylor Swift follows with nine nominations, while Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each have seven.

The nominations include major categories such as Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.

What to Expect

The 2026 VMAs combine new music, established artists, special honors and tributes to influential performers.

With Madonna opening the show, Snoop Dogg hosting, Taylor Swift receiving a new honor and several new performances planned, the ceremony is expected to be one of the major entertainment events of the weekend.

After the ceremony, Cerita Doeloe Aja will update this story with the major winners, performances and other confirmed highlights.

Sources

Information for this article was checked against announcements from CBS/MTV and other reputable entertainment news sources.