VMAs 2026: How to Watch, Performers, and Predictions

The 2026 MTV VMAs are this Sunday. Madonna opens the show, Snoop Dogg hosts, and Taylor Swift is about to break an all-time record. Here's what time the VMAs start, how to watch (including free options), who's performing, and who we think will win.

What Time Are the VMAs 2026?

• Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
• Length: about 2 hours
• Where: Peacock Theater, Los Angeles. It's the first time the show has been on the West Coast since 2017.
• Host: Snoop Dogg

How to Watch the VMAs 2026

On TV: The show airs live on CBS and MTV at the same time. If you have cable, just turn on either channel.

Streaming:

• Paramount+ Premium: streams your local CBS channel live. The basic Paramount+ plan does not include live CBS.
• YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV: all carry CBS and MTV.
• Philo: the cheapest option. It has MTV, but not CBS.

How to Watch the VMAs for Free

• Use a free trial. YouTube TV, Philo, DirecTV, and Fubo usually offer free trials that last a few days. Sign up before Sunday, then cancel if you don't want to keep paying.
• Use a TV antenna. CBS is a free local channel. A basic indoor antenna picks it up with no subscription.

VMAs 2026 Performers

Here's who's performing, and what they're expected to sing.

• Madonna: opens the show. It's her first VMAs performance in 23 years. Her song hasn't been announced.
• Lisa: "Sawadika"
• Shaboozey and Gunna: "Cowgirl" and "High Noon"
• Gener8ion and Yung Lean: "Storm II"
• Raye: song not announced yet
• Sienna Spiro: song not announced yet. She's also up for Best New Artist.
• Kacey Musgraves: a tribute to Dolly Parton
• Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims: a tribute to George Michael

VMAs 2026 Setlist Predictions

Some songs haven't been announced. Here's our best guess for the rest.

• Madonna: expect songs from her new album, Confessions II. Our guess is "Bring Your Love," her song with Sabrina Carpenter. If Sabrina shows up, it'll be the moment of the night.
• Raye: most likely "Where Is My Husband!", which is up for Song of the Year.
• Kacey Musgraves' Dolly tribute: "Jolene" is the safe bet. "9 to 5" could come next.
• George Michael tribute: look for "Faith," "Careless Whisper," and "Freedom! '90."

Presenters and Special Awards

• Presenters: Charli XCX, Tyla, Troye Sivan, Alex Warren, Teyana Taylor, David Corenswet, Jeff Probst, Rachel Dratch, Belmont Cameli, Ciara Miller, Ella Bright, and Isabel May.
• Nirvana gets the Video Vanguard Award, MTV's biggest lifetime honor.
• Taylor Swift gets the first-ever Artist Director Honors, for directing her own music videos. She'll also premiere her new music video, "Patient Zero."

Watch Last Year's Vanguard Performance

Mariah Carey's Vanguard medley from the 2025 VMAs. This year the award goes to Nirvana.

Taylor Swift Is About to Make VMAs History

Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are tied for the most VMAs ever, with 30 each. Taylor's new special award makes it 31, so she'll be the most-awarded artist in VMAs history before the night is over. Any other trophy she wins on Sunday adds to her lead.

Who Has the Most VMA Nominations in 2026?

• Madonna: 13 nominations, the most she's ever had in one year
• Taylor Swift: 11
• Sabrina Carpenter: 9
• Ariana Grande: 8
• Bruno Mars: 7

VMAs 2026 Predictions: Who Will Win?

These are our picks, based on the nominations, past VMAs winners, and which fan bases vote the most.

Video of the Year

Will win: Taylor Swift, "The Fate of Ophelia." She's won this award 3 times in the last 4 years, and MTV is celebrating her as a director this year.
Could surprise: Madonna, "Confessions II – The Film." She has 13 nominations and opens the show.

Artist of the Year

Will win: Taylor Swift. The Life of a Showgirl set the record for the biggest first week of album sales ever, and her fans always turn out to vote.
Could surprise: Sabrina Carpenter.

Song of the Year

Will win: "Golden" by Huntr/X from KPop Demon Hunters. No song on this list was bigger.
Could surprise: BTS, "Swim." BTS fans are some of the most active voters out there.

Best New Artist

Will win: Sienna Spiro. She's performing on the show, and fans can keep voting in this category during the broadcast.
Could surprise: Cortis. K-pop fans could push them over the top.

Best Collaboration

Will win: Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter, "Bring Your Love." It brings two generations of pop together, and voters love that.
Could surprise: Shakira and Burna Boy, "Dai Dai."

Best Pop

Will win: Taylor Swift, "The Fate of Ophelia."
Could surprise: Sabrina Carpenter, "House Tour."

Best Hip-Hop

Will win: Drake, "Janice STFU," from his album Iceman. Drake fans vote hard.
Could surprise: Tyler, the Creator, "Sugar on My Tongue."

Best K-Pop

Will win: BTS, "Swim." It's their big comeback year.
Could surprise: Lisa, "Dream." She's performing on the show.

Best Album

Will win: Taylor Swift, The Life of a Showgirl.
Could surprise: Madonna, Confessions II.

VibeSynced Particles for VMAs Night

Watching with friends? Put on the performers' songs and let VibeSynced turn your screen into a light show. Tap a particle scene to jump straight into the app with it already running.

• Techno: fast, flashing lights for Madonna's dance hits.
• Vortex: a spinning tunnel for big pop moments like "The Fate of Ophelia."
• Galaxy: dreamy space visuals for slower songs.