The 2026 VMAs are set for Sunday (Sept. 27). The show is scheduled to run just two hours, about half the length of the Grammys or the Oscars — but the show’s producer, Van Toffler, is planning to pack a lot of performances and presentations into that running time.
Madonna is set to open the show, in what will be her first performance at the VMAs in 23 years. It will be her fifth time opening the show, which sets a new VMAs record. (She had been tied with Rihanna with four show-openers each.)
There will be two tribute performances to honor late, great artists: Kacey Musgraves will perform a tribute to Dolly Parton, while RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims will honor George Michael. In addition, Nirvana will receive the video vanguard award. There has not been an announcement if there will be a performance element associated with this award, as there usually is.
RAYE will also have a solo spot on the show, as will Sienna Spiro. Both artists are serious Grammy contenders in marquee categories. (Grammy first-round voting opens Sept. 12.) Shaboozey will perform two songs on the show – his solo hit “Cowgirl,” and “High Noon” in tandem with Gunna.
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 will receive the inaugural VMA Artist Director honors. She has won the VMA for best direction a record four times, for “The Man,” “All Too Well: The Short Film,” “Anti-Hero” and “Fortnight.” In addition, the music video for Swift’s new single, “Patient Zero,” is set to premiere at the awards.
Alex Warren, who performed “Ordinary” and “Eternity” on last year’s show and also won best new artist, is set to present this year — along with such other artists as Charli xcx, Teyana Taylor, Tyla and Troye Sivan.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the VMAs will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27 (7:30-9:30 p.m. ET/4:30-6:30 p.m. PT) on CBS, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.
The VMAs are produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler serves as producer. Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer serve as executive producers alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Melanie Block serves as co-executive producer and Gary Lanvy as co-producer. Snoop Dogg is executive producer alongside producers Sara Ramaker and Jasmin Ratansi. Jen Proctor is executive talent producer.
Here’s the list of all performers and presenters who have been announced. If any additional performers are announced before showtime, this post will be updated.
Performers
Gener8tion & Yung Lean
Kacey Musgraves
Lisa
Madonna
Raye, Sombr & Teddy Swims (also Raye solo)
Shaboozey & Gunna (also Shaboozey solo)
Sienna Spiro
Presenters
Alex Warren
Belmont Cameli
Charli xcx
Ciara Miller
David Corenswet
Ella Bright
Isabel May
Jeff Probst
Rachel Dratch
Teyana Taylor
Tyla
Troye Sivan
