Who will be at the MTV VMAs 2026? Complete list of performers at this year’s awards show
Madonna leads the lineup with her first live VMA performance in 23 years
The MTV Video Music Awards have always treated their performances as part concert, part spectacle, and this year’s show is leaning heavily into both.
Madonna will return to the VMAs stage on Sunday, September 27, opening the ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles in what will be her first live performance at the event since 2003.
Her appearance immediately gives the night a sense of history. Madonna has been tied to some of the awards show’s most memorable moments, from “Like a Virgin” at the inaugural VMAs in 1984 to her famous 2003 performance with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera .
This time, she will open the show with material from Confessions II as the VMAs return to Los Angeles.
Complete list of performers at the 2026 MTV VMAs
Madonna — Opening the ceremony with songs from Confessions II in her first live VMAs performance in 23 years.
LISA — The Blackpink star will give the television debut of her new single, “SaWaDiKa.”
GENER8ION and Yung Lean — The pair are set to perform “Storm II” together for the first time at the VMAs.
RAYE — Making her VMA performance debut and also taking part in a tribute to George Michael.
Sombr — Returning to the show and joining the George Michael tribute.
Teddy Swims — Also part of the George Michael tribute performance.
Sienna Spiro — The Best New Artist nominee will make her first performance appearance at the VMAs.
Shaboozey and Gunna — The pair will perform their collaboration “High Noon.”
Kacey Musgraves — Returning to the VMAs stage after five years to lead a special tribute to Dolly Parton.
Tributes and first-time performances add to lineup
Two tribute performances will provide some of the night’s biggest emotional moments. Kacey Musgraves will honor Dolly Parton, while RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims are expected to join a separate tribute to George Michael.
The show will also give several artists their first major VMA performance opportunity, including Sienna Spiro, GENER8ION and Yung Lean .
That mix of established stars and newer names has long been central to the VMAs, which frequently uses its stage to pair major pop culture moments with breakthrough performances.
Snoop Dogg will host the 2026 VMAs
Snoop Dogg will serve as host, returning to an event he says has played a major role throughout his career.
“MTV and the VMAs have been part of my story since the beginning,” Snoop said in a statement. “Some of the biggest moments of my career happened on that stage and on MTV.
"They gave hip hop a place to be loud, fearless and seen by the whole world.” He called hosting the show “a full-circle moment.”
The 2026 MTV VMAs will air live at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV, with Paramount+ also streaming the ceremony live.
With Madonna opening, multiple debuts and two tribute performances scheduled, this year’s show is shaping up as much around the stage as the awards themselves.
