The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are taking over LA on Sunday night (Sept. 27), and some of the biggest names in music are gathered in the Peacock Theater to find out who will take home a Moon Person (or two). Billboard will be following along as winners are revealed all night, and you can stick with us as we update our winners list in real time.
So who’s coming into the show as the ones to beat? Madonna is returning to the VMAs stage as the night’s leading nominee, with 13 nods — a familiar place for the legend with a deep history on the MTV awards show. Taylor Swift, who has won a record 30 Moon Persons, is second on the leaderboard with 11 nominations. Other top contenders: Sabrina Carpenter (nine nods); Ariana Grande (eight); Bruno Mars (six); and PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson (five each).
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the VMAs are airing live on Sunday night. Performers and special honorees include Madonna opening the show; Kacey Musgraves performing a tribute to Dolly Parton; RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims honoring George Michael; Nirvana receiving the Video Vanguard Award; and LISA, RAYE, Sienna Spiro, Shaboozey (with and without Gunna) and GENER8ION & Yung Lean hitting the stage.
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.
Stick with Billboard all night and follow along with our updating winners list below.
