The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are nearly here and the full lineup for the VMAs performers and presenters is now set.
The show takes place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27, 2026, and will air live on CBS, simulcast on MTV and stream on Paramount+. Snoop Dogg is hosting and the broadcast runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT).
Alongside a star-studded lineup of performers and presenters, this year’s VMAs will also include the world premiere of Taylor Swift’s new “Patient Zero” music video from her just-released The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore deluxe album. Directed by Swift herself, the visual is set to star Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson. The premiere comes alongside Taylor being honored with the MTV VMA Artist Director Honors award.
2026 VMAs Performers Include VMA History & Two Tributes
Madonna opens the show with her first VMAs performance in 23 years. The last time she took the VMAs stage was in 2003 with her famous performance kissing Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. It’s Madge’s fifth time opening, which sets a new record for the show. She and Rihanna were previously tied at four openers each. Madonna is also this year’s most-nominated artist, with 13 nods.
The rest of the performance lineup includes Lisa, RAYE, Sienna Spiro, Shaboozey, Gunna, GENER8ION and Yung Lean.
For K-pop fans, Lisa’s slot stands out in particular. The BLACKPINK star returns to the VMAs stage as a nominee, with her personal “Dream” video featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi among this year’s nominated videos, coming ahead of the Thai star releasing her new single “SaWaDiKa” earlier this month.
The night also includes two tributes. Kacey Musgraves will honor Dolly Parton, while RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims will pay tribute to George Michael. It’s Musgraves’ first time back on the VMAs stage in five years.
Paramount also shared in a media alert that “surprise guests” will appear at the ceremony.
Curiously, this year’s VMAs seems to not include any Pre-Show performances for the first time since the 2009. Historically, the Pre-Show has been an important stage for future superstars with the likes of Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Demi Lovato, Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, Cardi B, Sabrina Carepenter, LE SSERAFIM, Megan Thee Stallion, KATSEYE and having played that stage in the past 17 years.
Full 2026 VMAs Performers List and Songs:
- Madonna
- RAYE
- Sienna Spiro
- Lisa – “SaWaDiKa”
- Shaboozey & Gunna – “Cowgirl”
- GENER8ION & Yung Lean – “Storm II“
- Kacey Musgraves – Tribute to Dolly Parton
- RAYE, Sombr & Teddy Swims – Tribute to George Michael
2026 VMAs Presenters
Several names have strong VMA history including Alex Warren, who performed “Ordinary” and “Eternity” at last year’s show, as well as Tyla, who has taken home the trophy for Best Afrobeats the past two years.
Full 2026 VMAs Presenters:
- Alex Warren
- Belmont Cameli
- Charli XCX
- Chuck D
- Ciara Miller
- David Corenswet
- Ella Bright
- Emma Bunton of Spice Girls
- Isabel May
- Jeff Probst
- Orville Peck
- Paris Hilton
- Rachel Dratch
- Teyana Taylor
- Tyla
- Troye Sivan
The 2026 MTV VMAs air live on CBS, MTV and Paramount+ from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT)
