VMAs 2026 LIVE: All the action as Madonna returns and Taylor Swift makes history
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Welcome to the MTV VMAs 2026 live blog
It’s VMA day!
Yes, that’s right, music is back on MTV and we’ll be with you as the industry’s biggest names hit the red carpet and beyond.
There’s plenty of action to look forward to: Madonna will return to the VMA stage for the first time in more than two decades, while Taylor Swift will debut her Patient Zero music video and make history as the first-ever recipient of the Artist Director Honors.
Plus, prepare your tissues now, because Kasey Musgraves will lead a tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton.
The red carpet is getting underway now, before the show kicks off at 9.30am AEST.
What a difference a year makes for Teddy Swims
Our final ever NRL Grand Final performer, perhaps!? Getty Images
This time last year, Teddy Swims was preparing to perform at the NRL Grand Final.
Now, he’s at the VMAs about to take part in a George Michael tribute.
We wonder if anyone’s filled him in on the Tones and I drama?
Considering the NRL’s decision to drop the final entertainment altogether, Swims may just go down as the final ever NRL Grand Final performer. What an unexpected … honour!?
The red carpet is heating up now
The stars are coming in fast now, with some very wild looks!
Australian Troye Sivan is dressed for any and all occasions, with a suit, draping fabric and feathers.
Troye Sivan. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Black seems to be dominating so far, but special shoutout to Adam Lambert and LISA for bringing the drama and fun we want from a VMA red carpet!
Adam Lambert came with a very fresh take on a name tag! Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
DRAMA. Getty Images
Nirvana reunites ahead of major honour
It’s been more than 30 years since Nirvana first appeared at the VMAs, and now the band is set to receive the Video Vanguard Award – MTV’s lifetime achievement award.
Members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, and Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear, have arrived ahead of the honour.
The kings of grunge have turned up looking, well, not-so-grungy. Getty Images
Not a flannel or pair of distressed jeans in sight!
The first stars walk the red (well, blue) carpet
We have our first looks!
JoJo, of Leave (Get Out) fame, leads the pack in a bejewelled bralette and a matching skirt.
Plus, is ombre hair back?!?! Millennials, rejoice!
Well, isn’t this a saucy look from JoJo! Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Because it’s the VMAs, she’s not the only one with bling!
This red carpet is all about getting a little wild, so sparkles, sequins and leopard print is the name of the game.
Real Housewives royalty Lisa Rinna is also here, in a naked-style dress that has to be seen to be believed.
It’s only early, so there’s plenty more to come, but you can follow along here to make sure you don’t miss any of the arrivals!
Lisa rocking the naked dress trend in a very bold way. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Guaranteed tear-jerker among this year’s performances
Country star Kasey Musgraves will lead what is sure to be a very emotional tribute to the late Dolly Parton following her death last month.
We’ll also see a special George Michael tribute featuring Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims, as well as performances from Shaboozey, Lisa, Sienna Spiro, Gunna, GENER8ION and Yung Lean.
Madonna leads this year’s nominations
Fourty-two years after Madonna gave an incredible performance of Like a Virgin at the very first MTV VMAs, she returns in 2026 as the most-nominated artist of the year.
The night is all about the Queen of Pop, who will open the show and is up for 11 awards including Video of the Year and Artist of the Year.
Madonna hasn’t performed at the VMAs since THIS! FilmMagic
She’s closely followed by Taylor Swift with nine noms and Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter with seven each.
Swift is also become the first recipient of the newly created Artist Director Honours, recognising her work behind the camera directing her own music videos.
With this award, she will break the record for most solo VMAs, overtaking Beyonce.
Our first look at the where all the stars are sitting
Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre will soon have the biggest names in music gracing its halls, and we’ve got a first look at its seating plan.
Unsurprisingly, Madonna is quite literally front and centre with a front-row seat.
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are due to kick off soon with plenty of big names on the way, like Madonna. Photo by Matthew Taplinger/CBS via Getty Images
Ciara and Tyla join her in the front row, while seats directly behind her are marked for Blackpink’s Lisa, Aussie Troye Sivan and Survivor host Jeff Probst next to him. I am fascinated by that choice!
Stars like Teddy Swims, Raye, Charli XCX and Alex Warren will sit a couple of rows back as well. Sound like a party!
Why Travis Kelce will be a no show during wife Taylor Swift’s big honour
Being a Hollywood power couple sounds all well and good, until your very high-profile jobs happen at the exact same time.
While Taylor Swift is set to have a big night at the LA ceremony, being honoured for her music video self-direction on the same night she debuts her latest, husband Travis Kelce is quite literally on the opposite side of the country.
We won’t be seeing this tonight, sadly. Billboard via Getty Images
His Kansas City Chiefs took on the Dolphins in Miami overnight, with a comprehensive 24-10 victory.
At least they’ll both have wins to celebrate when they’re united!
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