Brutally honest reviews of every VMAs 2026 performance

Hear this story The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards tapped one of the most legendary stars – Madonna – to open its 2026 soiree, but plenty of upstarts were on the performance docket.

From K-pop ( Lisa of Blackpink ) to hip-hop ( Gunna) to British-pop ( Raye ), this year’s show generated its usual array of genre-hopping that has defined MTV.

Broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles Sept. 27 – the first time the show has been held out west since 2017 – the 42nd VMAs also looked to another veteran, the inimitable Snoop Dogg , to host, who handled his duties with his signature laid-back presence.

Madonna led the nominations with 11 and took home three awards during the telecast, including artist of the year.