Taylor Swift wins new MTV VMAs as Madonna returns: 5 things to know about the 2026 awards | Today’s news
Taylor Swift is set to receive a new honor at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, adding yet another accolade to her long list of accolades. CBS and MTV announced Monday that Swift will be the first recipient of the MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at this year’s Sept. 27 ceremony.
According to a press release, the new award honors “groundbreaking music artists whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling.”
The award also “celebrates the enduring and influential work of artists who have pushed creative boundaries and developed a clear directorial voice,” according to a press release.
Swift also received nine nominations at this year’s VMAs, including Video of the Year and Artist of the Year.
When and where will the 2026 MTV VMAs be held?
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The ceremony will be held in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on CBS. It will also be simulcast on MTV and streamed on Paramount+.
Who are the top nominees?
In addition to Swift, this year’s nominated artists are Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, GENER8ION, LISA, PinkPantheress, Sabrina Carpenter and Shakira.
Madonna leads the nominations with 11 nods. Her nominations include Song of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter, Video of the Year for “Confessions II – The Film”, Artist of the Year and Best Dance.
Snoop Dogg will host the VMAs
Snoop Dogg will host the awards for the first time. The rapper is a three-time VMA winner.
In a statement shared in a press release, Snoop Dogg said, “MTV and the VMAs have been a part of my story from the beginning.”
He continued, “Some of the biggest moments of my career happened on this stage and on MTV — they gave hip hop a place where it was loud, fearless, and seen by the world. So to come back now and host the VMAs all these years later, that’s a full-circle moment for me.”
Madonna will return to the VMA stage
Madonna will open this year’s ceremony, marking her first live performance at the VMAs in 23 years.
Her last VMA performance came in 2003, when she opened the ceremony alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott.
Other performers announced for this year’s show include LISA, GENER8ION, RAYE, Shaboozey, Gunna and Sienna Spiro.
Nirvana receives the Video Vanguard Award
Nirvana will receive the Video Vanguard Award, nearly 35 years after the band’s first VMA performance.
MTV’s Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a musician or artist for their influence on music video culture and pop culture. Last year’s winner was Mariah Carey.
