Madonna’s Return to the VMAs
Madonna will perform at the MTV Video Music Awards today, marking her return after more than 20 years. She aims to add to her impressive 20 career VMA wins. This year, Madonna leads the nominations with 13. If she wins in all categories, her total will reach 33. Her performance at the VMAs comes after her last appearance in 2003.
Taylor Swift Receives New Honor
Taylor Swift is set to receive the VMAs’ first Artist Director Honors. This new accolade recognizes artists who have made significant contributions to music video and visual storytelling. Swift is also nominated in 11 categories and will debut her new “Patient Zero” music video during the event. She is currently tied with Beyoncé in the number of awards won, with 30 each as of 2024.
Video Vanguard Award: Nirvana
The iconic band Nirvana will be honored with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2026 VMAs.
Event Details
The VMAs are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. PT. Snoop Dogg will host the event, bringing his experience and charisma to the stage. The show will be aired on CBS television stations and MTV, and streamed on Paramount+.
Red Carpet Coverage
CBS News Los Angeles will provide live streaming of the red carpet starting at 6 p.m. ET, 3 p.m. PT, showcasing the stars’ arrivals and top looks.
Performers at the 2026 VMAs
Performances will include a tribute to Dolly Parton by Kacey Musgraves, Madonna’s performance, and many others. Here is a list of performers:
- GENER8ION
- Gunna
- LISA
- Madonna
- Kacey Musgraves
- RAYE
- Shaboozey
- Sienna Spiro
- Sombr
- Teddy Swims
- Yung Lean
Notable Performances
LISA from Blackpink will perform her new single “SaWaDiKa.” Yung Lean will debut “Storm II” alongside GENER8ION. Sombr, RAYE, and Teddy Swims will honor George Michael with a tribute performance.
Presenters Revealed
The presenters include:
- Alex Warren
- Belmont Cameli
- Brandon Sklenar
- Charli xcx
- Ciara Miller
- David Corenswet
- Ella Bright
- Isabel May
- Jeff Probst
- Rachel Dratch
- Teyana Taylor
- Troye Sivan
- Tyla
Voting Information
Fan voting ends Friday for most categories. Voting for best new artist and song of summer continues on MTV’s Instagram Stories until Sunday. Fans can also vote for best new artist online during the show.
Location and Venue
The VMAs return to the West Coast at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This venue last hosted the awards in 2015, when it was the Microsoft Theater.
2025 VMAs Winners Recap
The 2025 VMAs were held in New York. Notable winners included:
- Video of the Year: Ariana Grande for “Brighter Days Ahead”
- Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
- Song of the Year: Rosé and Bruno Mars for “APT”
- Best New Artist: Alex Warren
- Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
- Best Pop: Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead”
- Best Hip-Hop: Doechii’s “Anxiety”
- Best R&B: Mariah Carey’s “Type Dangerous”
- Best Alternative: Sombr’s “Back to Friends”
- Best Rock: Coldplay’s “ALL MY LOVE”
- Best Latin: Shakira’s “Soltera”
- Best K-Pop: LISA featuring Doja Cat and RAYE’s “Born Again”
- Best Afrobeats: Tyla’s “PUSH 2 START”
- Best Country: Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?”
- Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet”
- Best Long Form Video: Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead”
- Video for Good: Charli xcx’s “Guess featuring Billie Eilish”
- Best Group: Blackpink
- Song of Summer: Tate McRae’s “Just Keep Watching”
- Best Direction: Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra”
- Best Art Direction: Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra”
- Best Cinematography: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”
- Best Editing: Tate McRae’s “Just Keep Watching”
- Best Choreography: Doechii’s “Anxiety”
- Best Visual Effects: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild”
Leave a Reply