The 2026 Video Music Awards are right around the corner, and more performers have just been announced. Shaboozey, RAYE, and Lisa are among the pack.
Lisa will perform “SaWaDiKa” while RAYE makes her VMAS debut. Shaboozey will be joined by Gunna for their collab, “High Noon,” and Shaboozey’s “Cowgirl.”
Other performers include Yung Lean and GENER8ION, who will debut their performance of “Storm II,” as well as Sienna Spiro. Additional performers, presenters, and special guests to be revealed next week.
The awards used to air strictly on MTV, but as of 2025, they began airing on CBS as well. The VMAs will continue to simulcast in 2026.
The VMAs celebrate the year’s biggest artists and music videos with awards, performances, and more. Among its top honors is the Video Vanguard Award, which recognizes an artist’s career and contributions to music videos and is typically accompanied by a special performance. Winners take home the show’s iconic Moon Person trophy.
Here is everything we know about the 2026 awards.
When are the 2026 Video Music Awards?
The VMAs will air live for two hours on both coasts on Sunday, September 27, at 8/7c. For the first time since 2017, the awards will be held in Los Angeles. The awards have been held in New York and New Jersey since then.
Who is hosting the awards?
Snoop Dogg will host the VMAs for the first time. The rap mogul has been nominated for 13 VMAs and has won three times. Snoop’s previous milestone moments on the VMAs stage include a first-of-its-kind performance with Eminem inspired by the world of the Otherside metaverse, a tribute to the Notorious B.I.G., closing the show with Dr. Dre and Eminem, and his main stage debut in 1994.
“MTV and the VMAs have been part of my story since the beginning,” Snoop Dogg said in a press release. “Some of the biggest moments of my career happened on that stage and on MTV – they gave hip hop a place to be loud, fearless and seen by the whole world. So to come back now and host the VMAs, all these years later, that’s a full-circle moment for me. And doing it with my brother Van Toffler makes it even more special. Van was there during those early MTV days when we were changing the culture in real time, and we’ve got a whole lot of history together. Now we get to make some new history. The VMAs have always been about those moments you don’t forget – and trust me, we’re gonna give y’all a few more. See you at the VMAs.”
Who has been nominated for the VMAs?
The nominees were announced on August 18. Madonna and Taylor Swift lead the pack. Find out who was nominated here.
Who is performing?
Madonna, who has the most nominations this year, will be the first performer of the night. Her last performance at the VMAs was when she performed with and kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera 23 years ago.
Shaboozey and Gunna, RAYE, Lisa, Yung Lean and GENER8ION, and Sienna Spiro will also perform.
Who are the presenters?
Presenters are slated to be announced in the coming weeks.
How can you vote?
Fans vote on MTV’s website and on the channel’s Instagram Story. However, some awards like the Video Vanguard and Visionary Awards are not decided by fans.
Who will receive special honors?
The VMAs give away the Video Vanguard Award and the Visionary Award. The Video Vanguard recipient has been announced as Nirvana. The Visionary Award has not yet been announced.
One of the most influential rock bands of the 1990s, Nirvana helped bring grunge into the mainstream and became one of the defining acts of the decade. Known for hits including “Come As You Are,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Lithium,” and “Heart-Shaped Box,” the band first took the VMAs stage in 1992. Nirvana will return to perform some of its biggest songs, deliver a speech, and accept the special award.
The band consists of founding members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, as well as other touring members. The band disbanded after the suicide of singer Kurt Cobain in 1994.
Who has the most VMAs?
Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are both tied at 30 for the lead. Beyoncé has won solo, with Destiny’s Child, and with the Carters.
2026 Video Music Awards, Sunday, September 29, 8/7c, CBS, MTV, and Paramount+
