Shaboozey and Gunna Turned the 2026 VMAs Into a Western With Saloon Set and Chariot Entrance

Shaboozey brought a full Western movie to the 2026 MTV VMAs stage in Los Angeles on Sept. 27. He opened with“Cowgirl”inside a saloon set inspired by his favorite Western films, then switched into“High Noon”and brought out Gunna, who made his entrance on a chariot carriage in leather pants and a trench coat. Gunna’s guest verse even nods to his own country roots, and the two artists matched aesthetics the whole way through.

The performance quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments online. Fans praised the staging and vocals, with some comparing it to Chappell Roan’s“Good Luck, Babe!”performance from a couple of years ago. Shaboozey also holds two 2026 VMA nominations for“Cowgirl,”best country and best cinematography, adding to a strong stretch for the DMV native.

That stretch includes his album“The Outlaw Cherie Lee&Other Western Tales,”which dropped July 31 via EMPIRE, debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, and topped the Independent Albums chart. It’s a clear sign that the country-hip-hop crossover isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Did the saloon set and chariot entrance live up to the hype for you? Tell us your favorite VMA moment of the night.