The MTV VMAs return on Sunday, September 27, promising a night of high-energy performances and industry recognition. While the list of nominees features a mix of legacy acts and established stars, the anticipation surrounding the night’s potential winners remains high. If you are looking for how to watch the 2026 MTV VMAs, we have compiled all the essential details to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.

KATSEYE perform at the 2025 VMAs.Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

How to Stream the Ceremony

You can watch the MTV Video Music Awards live on Sunday starting at 7:30 p.m. Eastern or 4:30 p.m. Pacific. The broadcast will be available via Paramount+, Hulu + Live TV, or through traditional cable providers including CBS and MTV.

Performers and Nominees

The stage will host a diverse array of talent. Yung Lean and Gener8ion are set to perform “Storm II,” while LISA will deliver a performance of “Sawadika.” The evening will also feature a special tribute to Dolly Parton by Kacey Musgraves, as well as a collaborative performance from Gunna and Shaboozey. Additionally, Madonna, who leads the pack with 13 nominations for CONFESSIONS II, is confirmed to perform.

The competition is fierce this year. Taylor Swift follows closely with 11 nominations, while Sabrina Carpenter has earned nine. Ariana Grande and Bruno Mars round out the top contenders with eight and seven nominations, respectively. Other notable nominees include PinkPantheress, Zara Larson, Ella Langley, Charli XCX, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Presenters

The star-studded list of presenters for the 2026 VMAs includes Charli XCX, Tyla, Teyana Taylor, Troye Sivan, and Jeff Probst, who will help guide the audience through the night’s festivities.