The 2026 MTV VMAs are live tonight from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and Madonna is leading the pack with 13 nominations. She’s also opening the show, which sets up a pretty great question for the rest of the night: can anyone catch her? Taylor Swift enters with 11 nominations and a record 30 career Moon Person wins, so every trophy she takes home tonight extends a record that’s already untouchable.
The nominee list runs deep beyond those two. Sabrina Carpenter has nine nods, Ariana Grande has eight, Bruno Mars has six, and PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson each have five. Snoop Dogg is hosting and executive producing the ceremony, while LISA, RAYE, Sienna Spiro, Shaboozey, and GENER8ION&Yung Lean are all set to perform.
Then there are the moments people will be clipping all night. Kacey Musgraves is performing a tribute to Dolly Parton. RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims are honoring George Michael. Nirvana receives the Video Vanguard Award. Winners are announced live throughout the show, so the night is wide open. Who are you rooting for to take home the most Moon Persons?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.