The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards brought pop spectacle, rising talent and musical tributes to Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on September 27. Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the ceremony aired on CBS and MTV, with Madonna opening the show and leading the night with seven awards.
Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia,” received the inaugural Artist Director Honors and premiered her “Patient Zero” video. Madonna earned Artist of the Year, BTS won Song of the Year for “Swim,” and Nirvana received the Video Vanguard Award.
Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx: Madonna’s first VMA performance since 2003 paired her with Carpenter for “Bring Your Love” and Charli for “Danceteria Afterhours.” Celebrity cameos added to an opening that connected an MTV original with two of today’s pop stars.
RAYE: Making her VMA performance debut, RAYE paired “I Will Overcome” with “Where Is My Husband!” The combination offered room for both emotional expression and the playful personality of her hit.
Bruno Mars: Mars contributed a prerecorded tour performance of “Dance With Me.” An extended guitar solo gave the number a concert-sized flourish and brought a taste of his touring show to the broadcast.
Kacey Musgraves: Musgraves honored Dolly Parton with “I Will Always Love You.” The familiar ballad gave the ceremony a moment of tenderness, placing songwriting and emotional connection at the center of the tribute.
Shaboozey and Gunna: Shaboozey performed “Cowgirl,” then teamed with Gunna for “High Noon.” Their pairing brought country and hip-hop together, continuing the evening’s movement across musical genres.
LISA: The BLACKPINK star performed “SaWaDiKa,” introducing the new single to television audiences. Her appearance also accompanied a Best Pop victory for “Dream,” giving her both a performance spotlight and an award to celebrate.
Sienna Spiro: Spiro performed “Great Expectation” and took home Best New Artist. The ballad offered an introduction to her voice for viewers discovering her through the ceremony.
The George Michael tribute: SOMBR performed “Faith” and “Father Figure,” RAYE sang “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” and Teddy Swims took on “Careless Whisper.” Adam Lambert, Saint Harison, MEEK and MNEK joined the celebration with “Freedom! ’90.” The selections traced Michael’s range from irresistible pop hooks to enduring soul ballads.
GENER8ION and Yung Lean: The collaborators presented the world premiere performance of “STORM II.” Their appearance brought an electronic and rap collaboration into a lineup that made space for both established stars and newer creative partnerships.
With Madonna’s return, emerging voices and tributes to beloved songwriters, the 2026 VMAs offered plenty beyond the acceptance speeches. The performances connected several generations of music, giving viewers fresh material alongside songs that have remained part of the cultural soundtrack for decades.
PERFORMANCES
- 00:00 - LISA Performs SaWaDiKa
- 03:53 - Adam Lambert, Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims, Meek, MNEK & Saint Harison Perform a George Michael Tribute
- 12:28 - GENER8ION feat. Yung Lean Perform STORM
- 15:54 - Raye Performs I Will Overcome / WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
- 19:23 - Madonna Performs Bring Your Love ft. Sabrina Carpenter & Danceteria Afterhours ft. Charli xcx
- 27:49 - Sienna Spiro Performs Great Expectation
- 30:51 - Shaboozey ft. Gunna Perform Cowgirl / High Noon
- 34:24 - Kacey Musgraves Performs I Will Always Love You
- 36:37 - Bruno Mars Performs Dance With Me
Performance Compilation
