Hold up, music lovers! The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations just dropped, and let me tell you, it’s a ‘fire’ lineup that’s got everyone talking. The Queen of Pop, Madonna, is leading the pack with a jaw-dropping eleven nominations, showing she’s still very much at the top of her game. Hot on her heels is the one and only Taylor Swift, racking up nine impressive nods. And for real, Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande are also killing it, each securing seven nominations. These VMA Noms are no joke, reflecting a seriously stacked year in music.
But the star power doesn’t stop there, dude. The competition for the coveted Moon Person trophy is looking stiff across the board. Bruno Mars, Zara Larsson, and PinkPantheress are all in the mix with five nominations each, proving their impact on the music scene. Not to be outdone, Blackpink’s Lisa snagged four nods, while Tate McRae and the legendary Shakira are tied with three nominations apiece. It’s clear the VMAs are aiming to celebrate a broad spectrum of talent, from global superstars to emerging artists making waves.
This year’s VMAs are also hitting different with a major venue change. The ceremony is slated to go down at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, marking the first time in nine years the show has been held on the West Coast. The last time the VMAs broadcast from L.A. was back in 2017, with the iconic Katy Perry leading the festivities from the pre-Kia Forum. This move to L.A. is a highkey moment, promising a fresh vibe and perhaps some epic West Coast energy for the broadcast.
Mark your calendars, because this two-hour spectacle is set to air live on September 27th across CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. East and West Coast viewers can catch it live, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Fans eager to weigh in can head over to vote.mtv.com, with voting open for 13 categories until September 25th. However, if you’re pulling for a ‘Best New Artist’, you’ve got even more time, as that category’s voting extends all the way into the live telecast, keeping the suspense alive until the very end.
The ‘Artist of the Year’ category is looking particularly spicy, featuring a heavyweight battle between Madonna, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars, and Morgan Wallen. And when it comes to ‘Video of the Year,’ the visual storytelling is set to be next level. The nominees include Madonna’s ‘Confessions II – The Film,’ Taylor Swift’s ‘The Fate of Ophelia,’ Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Tears,’ Ariana Grande’s ‘Hate That I Made You Love Me,’ Bruno Mars’ ‘I Just Might,’ and Gener8ion’s ‘Storm Starring Yung Lean.’ Choosing a winner there is going to be tough, no cap.
It’s also interesting to note that while some artists like Olivia Rodrigo, BTS, Harry Styles, and Charli xcx are prominent, according to the report, they received two nominations each. Morgan Wallen, known for having the biggest selling album of the year, secured a nomination in the top ‘Artist of the Year’ category, his sole nod. This highlights the VMAs’ knack for recognizing a diverse array of achievements, from mainstream success to critical acclaim across various genres. The awards have a long history of celebrating both established icons and giving a platform to fresh talent.
Behind the scenes, the 2026 VMAs are being brought to life by Gunpowder & Sky, with MTV veteran Van Toffler serving as the lead producer. Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barbara Bialkowski, Bruce Gillmer, Barry Barclay, and Floris Bauer are holding it down as executive producers, making sure this show is straight up on point. It’s a massive production effort to deliver such a significant event to millions of viewers, showcasing the intricate work involved in crafting a memorable awards ceremony.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
