Dolly Parton tribute, Madonna performs, Lisa wins: What to know about 2026 MTV VMAs

NEW YORK — There was always going to be a moment for Dolly Parton. Kacey Musgraves paid homage to the late, great country music icon at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards Sunday night, with a cover of Parton's “I Will Always Love You."

Parton, whose soaring vibrato vocals, poignant songwriting and sparkling costumes defined her rise from a log cabin in the Tennessee mountains to the height of stardom and acclaim, died in Nashville of cancer in August. She was 80.

The two-hour MTV Video Music Awards show is currently being broadcast live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The VMAs are also simulcast on MTV and available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.

Here’s what else to know about the award show.

Madonna opened the starry award show

“It's mother," were the first words uttered by Madonna as she opened the VMAs with her 2026 single “Bring Your Love" alongside her collaborator Sabrina Carpenter.

If her aim was to bring the dance floor to the award show stage, she did exactly that — and then some, when Charli xcx emerged from a club bathroom to perform their reworked version of “Danceteria.” Around them? A trove of dancers and various famous friends, including actor Debi Mazar, Sombr and Julia Garner.

The show, which was delayed 20 minutes by a tight NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys, wasted no time getting heart rates up.

Snoop Dogg, a 13-time VMAs nominee and three-time winner, emerged as host shortly thereafter .

“Now that is an icon,” Dogg said of Madonna, before pivoting to a joke: “She ain't a virgin no more.”

Then Teyana Taylor presented the first award for best pop to Lisa for “Dream” feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi.

“Thank you MTV for this amazing award,” she said while holding back tears. “All those late-night dreams brought me here today.”

Performers followed fast and furious: Raye delivered a medley of her throwback soul, starting with “I Will Overcome” into “Where Is My Husband!” Bruno Mars slowed things down with “Dance With Me.” Shaboozey launched into his saloon single “Cowgirl,” before being joined by Gunna for some hybrid country-rap with their crossover track, “High Noon.”

Taylor Swift will make history at the 2026 MTV VMAs

Swifties, it looks like the night is already yours.

Earlier this week it was announced that Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors , becoming the most awarded artist in VMA history.

Swift is currently 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.

She will also debut the music video for her new song, “Patient Zero,” during the award show. Swift directed the visual, which stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.

“Patient Zero” is also her first single since marrying Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in July.

Who's nominated at the 2026 MTV VMAs

Madonna leads the 2026 MTV Video Music Award nominations. The pop superstar has been nominated in every decade of her musical career. She has 19 competitive MTV VMA wins and in 1986 became the first solo female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award.

She is up for 11 awards at this year’s ceremony, including video, artist and song of the year, as well as best collaboration, dance, direction, art direction, cinematography, editing, choreography and visual effects.

Taylor Swift follows with the second-most nominations with nine.

Madonna and Swift are followed by Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter with seven nods each to their names, 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.

Who’s performing at the 2026 MTV VMAs

Madonna's show opener marked her first performance at the VMAs in 23 years.

Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims will pay tribute to George Michael, who died 10 years ago on Christmas Day. He was 53.

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