Taylor Swift will become the most awarded artist in MTV VMAs history: A guide to the 2026 show

NEW YORK — Taylor Swift will once again break records. At the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, she will receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors, becoming the most awarded artist in VMA history.

Currently, Swift is tied with Beyoncé for the title of most-awarded musician in VMA history. They have 30 each. (Eminem is the male artist with the most VMAs, with 15.) The new award, which according to the VMAs is meant to recognize artists “whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling,” will bring her total to 31.

Here’s everything you need to know about the forthcoming award show.

When are the 2026 MTV VMAs? How to watch

The two-hour MTV Video Music Awards show will broadcast live on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern and 4:30 p.m. Pacific, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Hosted by Snoop Dogg, will also simulcast on MTV and be available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.

The show will become available to stream globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.

CBS is home to a number of award shows, including the Tony Awards and the American Music Awards. It has aired the Grammys since 1973, though that show will head to ABC in 2027.

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Who is nominated for the 2026 MTV VMAs?

Madonna leads this year’s ceremony, with 11 nominations that include video, artist and song of the year as well as best collaboration, dance, direction, art direction, cinematography, editing, choreography and visual effects.

Swift follows Madonna with the second-most nominations, with nine.

Those pop powerhouses are followed by Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter with seven nods to their name as well as Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson with five. Blackpink’s LISA has four and Shakira, Tate McRae, GENER8ION and Yung Lean are tied for three.

Rounding out the artist of the year category nominees are Grande, Mars, Carpenter and Morgan Wallen, in addition to Madonna and Swift.

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What’s new this year?

This year’s Video Music Awards features 26 first-time nominees, which include GENER8ION and Yung Lean (for their “Storm” collaboration) and the K-pop boy band CORTIS and viral “Boston” singer Stella Lefty with two each. Other notable first-time nominees include Don Toliver, Kali Uchis, Noah Kahan, Olivia Dean, Tucker Wetmore and Sienna Spiro.

The best dance category has returned for the first time in seven years. Nominees include McRae’s “Nobody’s Girl,” Bebe Rexha and Faithless’ “New Religion,” Harry Styles’ “Aperture,” Lady Gaga and Doechii’s “Runway,” Madonna’s “Confessions II - The Film,” PinkPantheress’ “Stateside” with Larsson and Slayyyter’s “Dance …”

Who is performing at the 2026 MTV VMAs?

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Madonna will open the show. It will mark her first performance at the VMAs in 23 years.

Other performers include GENER8ION with Yung Lean, Shaboozey with Gunna as well as Lisa, Raye and Sienna Spiro.

Who will receive the Video Vanguard Award?

Nirvana will receive the 2026 Video Vanguard Award.

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Previous recipients include Shakira, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Missy Elliott, Katy Perry and many more.

What about voting?

Fan voting began online in mid-August across 13 categories and ends Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. Eastern and 3 p.m. Pacific.

Voting in the best new artist category will remain active during the show.

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