TheMTV Video Music Awards are back, and the star power will be in full force.
Not only is the Queen of Pop, Madonna, slated to return to the show for the first time in 23 years, but Taylor Swift is set to receive a first-of-its-kind award (and debut a new music video). The new honor officially makes her the most-awarded artist in the show's history.
The 2026 MTV VMAs will also feature performances by Lisa, Raye and Sombr, and a tribute to Dolly Parton, George Michael and more.
Ready to tune in to pop music's biggest night? Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 MTV VMAs.
When are the 2026 MTV VMAs?
The 2026 MTV VMAs are set to take place on Sunday, Sept. 27.
What time are the 2026 MTV VMAs?
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. ET. The 2026 MTV VMAs will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.
It marks the first time since 2017 that the VMAs have been held in the L.A. area. It's slated to take two hours, ending at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Who is hosting the 2026 MTV VMAs?
Legendary rapper and California native Snoop Dogg is hosting the 2026 VMAs for the first time.
Will Taylor Swift be at the 2026 VMAs? Will she perform?
Fresh off her "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore" release, it's widely expected that Taylor Swift will attend the 2026 MTV VMAs, but she's not slated to perform.
Instead, Swift will debut the music video for her new single "Patient Zero," starring Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.
She will also receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. A press release statesthat the new award recognizes "groundbreaking music artists whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling."
Swift is a seven-time VMAs Best Director nominee and a four-time winner. She is also the second most-nominated artist of the night with nine nominations, trailing just behind Madonna's eleven
Who will perform at the 2026 MTV VMAs?
Madonna will open the VMAs, returning to the award show's stage for the first time in 23 years. Her last VMAs performance was the controversial 2003 performance with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Other performers include:
- Raye.
- Siena Spiro.
- Kacey Musgraves
- Lisa.
- GENER8ION.
- Young Lean.
- Shaboozey
- Gunna.
- Sombr.
- Teddy Swims.
How to watch the 2026 MTV VMAs
The 2026 MTV VMAs will air live on CBS and MTV, with streaming available on Paramount+.
- TV channels: MTV and CBS (WRKC-TV, channel 13 in Cincinnati).
- Streaming: Paramount+
Watch the 2026 MTV VMAs on Paramount+
Viewers will need a Paramount+ Premium subscription plan to watch the VMAs live and on demand on Sept. 27. The award show will be available to watch Sept. 28 on any Paramount+ plan.
Top 2026 VMAs nominees to watch
Madonna leads the field with a career-best 11 nominations, her biggest haul since she racked up nine nods back in 1990 and 1998. Taylor Swift follows with nine and enters the night tied with Beyoncé at 30 career VMAs, meaning a single win could push her into the lead outright.
Here's a look at the top 2026 VMAs nominees to watch:
- Madonna: 11 nominations.
- Taylor Swift: 9 nominations.
- Ariana Grande: 7 nominations.
- Sabrina Carpenter: 7 nominations.
- Bruno Mars: 5 nominations.
- PinkPantheress: 5 nominations.
- Zara Larsson: 5 nominations.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Is Taylor Swift performing at the 2026 VMAs?
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
