Madonna to Perform at 2026 MTV Video Music Awards as Host Snoop Dogg Leads Ceremony in Los Angeles

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marking the show's return to the West Coast after nine years in New York City. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Long-time hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg, a native of Long Beach, California, has been announced as the host. "MTV and the VMAs have been part of my story since the beginning," he said, adding that the event represents a "full-circle moment" for him.

Madonna leads the nominations with a career-high 13 nods, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, and will perform for the first time since 2003. Other performers slated for the night include Lisa, Raye, Shaboozey, Gener8ion, Yung Lean and Best New Artist nominee Sienna Spiro. Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims will join a tribute to George Michael, while Kacey Musgraves will present a Dolly Parton tribute.

Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, recognizing her sustained contributions to visual storytelling. The award follows her previous wins for direction on videos such as "The Man," "All Too Well: The Short Film," "Anti-Hero" and "Fortnight." With the honor, Swift will tie Beyoncé for the most MTV Video Music Awards in history, reaching 31 wins.

The nominees this year are dominated by female artists, with Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, and emerging talent Bella Kay, Cortis, Magnus Ferrell, Malcolm Todd, Myles Smith, Sienna Spiro and Stella Lefty also in contention. Presenters announced so far 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 and Tyla.