Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images via People Magazine
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) were full of excitement this year, with many record-breaking events and outstanding performances.
The award show took place on Sept. 27 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. It was hosted by Snoop Dogg, and for the first time since 2009, there were no Pre-Show performances this year, according to Forbes.
Madonna opened the show with her first VMA performance in 23 years. It was her fifth time opening the VMAs, and as such, she set a new record for most openers, breaking her long-running tie with Rihanna. Madonna performed “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter and “Danceteria Afterhours” with Charli XCX in her set this year. She had the most nominations and wins of the night, with 13 nominations and seven wins. She won Artist of the Year, along with Best Collaboration for her song “Bring Your Love.”
Additionally, her song and album titled “Confessions II” won Best Album, Best Long Form Video, Best Dance, Best Choreography, and Best Cinematography. This puts her at 26 VMAs in competition, third behind Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, according to Billboard.
Swift entered the night with 11 nominations, second behind Madonna, and left with two awards: Video of the Year, for “The Fate of Ophelia,” and Best Direction, for “Opalite.” She was also the first ever recipient of the inaugural Artist Director Honours. Swift premiered the music video for her new song “Patient Zero” at the awards. The video, directed by Swift, stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.
BTS was the night’s runner-up, being nominated for three awards and winning all of them. The group won Song of the Year for “SWIM,” making it the second year in a row that the award went to a K-pop artist. “SWIM” also won Best K-pop, bringing the group’s total wins in that category up to four. In addition, the group received the award for Best Group. This is the fifth time they’ve won the award, the most out of any other group. However, BTS did not attend the award show.
Nirvana received the Video Vanguard award, making them the first group to win it since Duran Duran in 2003, according to Billboard. Nirvana members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear were present at the show to receive the award.
Ariana Grande won Best Visual Effects and Song of the Summer for “Hate That I Made You Love Me.” This makes her the second artist to win Song of the Summer twice, following Jung Kook of BTS, who won the award once solo and once with BTS.
Other highlights include Cardi B’s “Safe” winning Best Hip Hop, Bruno Mars’ “I Just Might” winning Best R&B, and Olivia Rodrigo’s “The Cure” winning Best Alternative. As well, Bad Bunny’s “Nuevayol” won Best Latin, and Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” won Best Country.
Best Editing went to Sabrina Carpenter’s “House Tour,” while Best Art Direction went to “Stateside” by PinkPantheress. LISA won Best Pop with “Dream” and later performed her newest single, “SaWaDiKa.” SIENNA SPIRO won Best New Artist and made her VMA stage debut with “Great Expectation.”
The night’s other stages were Raye with “I Will Overcome” and “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” Shaboozey and Gunna with “Cowgirl” and “High Noon,” and GENER8ION and Yung Lean with “Storm II.” A pre-recorded tour performance of “Dance With Me” by Bruno Mars was also played.
In addition, there were two tribute stages this year. Kacey Musgraves performed “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute to Dolly Parton. George Michael’s tribute consisted of “Faith” and “Father Figure” performed by Sombr, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” performed by RAYE, “Careless Whisper” performed by Teddy Swims, and “Freedom! ‘90” performed by Adam Lambert and featuring MNEK, MEEK & Saint Harison.
As usual, there were many big names on the presenters’ list. Presenters included Teyana Taylor, Paris Hilton, Ciara Miller, Isabel May, David Corenswet, Tyla, Chuck D, Rachel Dratch, Emma Bunton, Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Dakota Johnson, Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, Orville Peck, Alex Warren, Brandon Sklenar, and Jeff Probst.