The 2026 VMAs are live tonight, Sunday, Sept. 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV, and the show is stacked. Snoop Dogg hosts for the very first time, Madonna opens the ceremony with her first VMAs performance in 23 years, and she leads all nominees with 11. Taylor Swift is close behind with nine and will receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors, while Nirvana takes home the Video Vanguard Award. The whole thing goes down at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marking the show’s return to the city for the first time since 2017.
The tribute performances are the emotional core of the night. Kacey Musgraves is honoring Dolly Parton, and RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims are paying tribute to the late George Michael, with RAYE making her VMA performance debut. Between those moments and Madonna’s return, expect a night built for reaction posts and group-chat debates.
If you don’t have cable, you’ve still got options. Free trials on DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV or Fubo will get you through the broadcast, while Sling and Paramount+ Premium work without a trial. Miss the live show entirely? Paramount+ Essential has it on demand starting Monday, Sept. 28. So who are you most excited to see tonight: Madonna, Snoop or Taylor? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.