2026 MTV VMAs: How to Watch with Sling
Madonna. Taylor. Bruno. The biggest artists of all-time hit the stage as the 2026 VMAs return to Los Angeles. Here’s a full preview and how to watch with Sling.
You can always count on the MTV Video Music Awards to deliver at least one moment that will break the internet. From meat dresses and impromptu pregnancy reveals to unscripted mic-grabs, the VMAs are pop culture’s most unpredictable playground.
The 2026 VMAs, MTV’s 43rd annual ceremony, will air live on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. Returning to the West Coast for the first time since 2017, the show brings together a dizzying lineup of chart-topping rookies and certified legends. With historic records on the line and massive world premieres on deck, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 VMAs, including how to catch the full ceremony with Sling.
How to watch the 2026 VMAs with Sling
The 2026 VMAs air live on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT across CBS and MTV. You can catch all the action with Sling TV by subscribing to Sling Orange or Blue and adding the Entertainment Extra pack. You can also subscribe to a 1 Day Pass and add the Entertainment Extra pack for a 24-hour subscription to watch the show.
Who are the nominees at the 2026 VMAs?
https://youtu.be/tMR2R_gjgLs?si=dTn5zrnGy048CUo0
The nominations for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards read like a who’s-who of global pop royalty and viral streaming sensations. Leading the pack is the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, who snagged 11 nominations (up to 13 if you count the social categories) for her Confessions II album and its accompanying short film. Right on her heels is Taylor Swift with 9 general nods (11 overall), continuing her absolute stranglehold on the VMA record books. They’re followed closely by Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter with 7 nominations each, while Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress, and Zara Larsson all notched five nominations.
Here is a quick look at the heavyweight fights in the major categories:
- Video of the Year: The marquee matchup features Ariana Grande ("hate that i made you love me"), Bruno Mars ("I Just Might"), French producers GENER8ION featuring Yung Lean ("STORM"), Madonna ("Confessions II – The Film"), Sabrina Carpenter ("Tears"), and Taylor Swift ("The Fate of Ophelia").
- Artist of the Year: Pure star power colliding. Contenders include Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Madonna, country juggernaut Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift.
- Song of the Year: The tracks you couldn't escape this year. Nominees include BTS ("Swim"), Ella Langley ("Choosin' Texas"), HUNTR/X ("Golden"), Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter ("Bring Your Love"), Olivia Dean ("Man I Need"), PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson ("Stateside"), and RAYE ("WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!").
- Best New Artist: The rookie class includes Bella Kay, CORTIS, Magnus Ferrell, Malcolm Todd, Myles Smith, Sienna Spiro, and Stella Lefty.
- Best Collaboration: Hip-hop royalty meets pop crossovers. Contenders include Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, and Malice ("Chains & Whips"), French Montana x Max B ("Ever Since U Left Me"), Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson, Shakira & Burna Boy ("Dai Dai"), and Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye ("Hard Part").
- Best Pop: Ariana Grande, Charli xcx ("SS26"), LISA ("Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi"), Olivia Rodrigo ("drop dead"), Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae ("Nobody's Girl"), and Taylor Swift.
- Best Hip-Hop: Cardi B ft. Kehlani ("Safe"), Don Toliver ("E85"), Drake ("Janice STFU"), Megan Thee Stallion ("LOVER GIRL"), and Travis Scott ("DUMB").
Who is performing at the 2026 VMAs?
The VMA stage is famous for launching iconic, career-defining performances, and this year’s lineup is swinging for the fences:
- Madonna: The Queen of Pop is opening the show, marking her highly anticipated first live VMA performance in 23 years.
- GENER8ION and Yung Lean: Delivering the world premiere and first-ever broadcast performance of their track "STORM II".
- LISA: The K-pop sensation and BLACKPINK superstar drops the television debut of her new single "SaWaDiKa" from her upcoming PRESS PLAY EP.
- RAYE: Making her solo VMA debut to perform the massively viral hit "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!".
- Shaboozey and Gunna: Country/hip-hop star Shaboozey will perform "Cowgirl" before teaming up with Gunna for their hit "High Noon".
- SIENNA SPIRO: The acclaimed British singer-songwriter makes her VMA debut with tracks from her album Visitor.
- George Michael Tribute: Honoring the 40th anniversary of FAITH, this multi-genre tribute features RAYE, Teddy Swims, and Sombr, led by musical director Adam Blackstone.
Who are the presenters and host at the VMAs?
https://youtu.be/NebifGrv94c?si=1Yi3SsbShW9nZWws
UPDATE: In addition to her VMA Artist Director honor, Taylor Swift announced that the video for her new single “Patient Zero” will premiere during the VMAs.
Hip-hop icon, legendary pitchman, and undisputed rap mogul Snoop Dogg is taking the reins as the host of the 2026 VMAs. A 13-time nominee and 3-time winner, Snoop is also serving as an executive producer, bringing his signature charisma full-circle decades after his iconic 1994 VMA performance debut.
While the full list of presenters is still under lock and key, the broadcast will feature two massive special honors:
- Video Vanguard Award: Legendary grunge rockers Nirvana will receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, cementing their monumental pop culture legacy 34 years after they first rocked the VMAs in 1992.
- MTV VMA Artist Director Honors: Taylor Swift is picking up the inaugural Artist Director Honors, celebrating her pioneering work behind the camera as a visual storyteller.
Catch every jaw-dropping performance, surprise guest, and unscripted moment live. Subscribe to Sling today to stream the 2026 VMAs, and make sure your screens are ready for music's most unforgettable night.