Who is performing at the vmas was one of the biggest questions surrounding the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, and the confirmed lineup featured Madonna, LISA, RAYE, Sienna Spiro, Shaboozey, Gunna, GENER8ION, Yung Lean, Kacey Musgraves, SOMBR and Teddy Swims.
The 2026 VMAs took place Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The show was hosted by Snoop Dogg and broadcast live in the United States on CBS and MTV, with streaming available through Paramount+.
The performance lineup combined major pop stars, rising artists, hip-hop acts and special tribute performances. Madonna opened the ceremony, while several other artists made their VMAs performance debuts.
The official lineup also included two tribute segments. Kacey Musgraves was announced for a Dolly Parton tribute, while RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims were set to honor George Michael.
Who is performing at the 2026 VMAs?
The confirmed 2026 VMAs performers were:
- Madonna
- LISA
- RAYE
- Sienna Spiro
- Shaboozey
- Gunna
- GENER8ION
- Yung Lean
- Kacey Musgraves
- SOMBR
- Teddy Swims
Some performers appeared individually, while others were part of collaborations or tribute segments.
Madonna had the night’s opening performance. LISA was scheduled for a major solo performance, while Shaboozey and Gunna were paired for performances connected to their collaboration.
GENER8ION and Yung Lean were also scheduled to appear together. Their performance was particularly notable because it was announced as a world premiere.
RAYE had multiple roles in the performance lineup. She was scheduled for a solo performance and was also part of the George Michael tribute with SOMBR and Teddy Swims.
Madonna opened the 2026 VMAs
Madonna was the opening performer for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.
Her appearance marked her first live performance at the VMAs in 23 years. The official announcement described the appearance as her return to the VMAs stage after a lengthy absence.
It also represented a record fifth time that Madonna opened the ceremony.
Madonna entered the night as one of the central figures of the 2026 event. She was the leading nominee and was returning to the ceremony at a significant point in her career.
Her opening slot gave the broadcast a major performance at the very beginning of the ceremony.
The appearance also carried historical significance for longtime VMAs viewers. Madonna has been closely associated with the awards throughout the show’s history, making her return one of the most closely watched performances of the night.
LISA performed her new single
BLACKPINK member LISA was another major name in the 2026 performance lineup.
LISA was scheduled to perform her new single, “SaWaDiKa,” during the ceremony. The performance was announced as the television debut of the song.
The track is associated with LISA’s forthcoming EP, PRESS PLAY, which is scheduled for release October 23.
Her appearance was also significant because of her history at the VMAs. LISA has already established herself as one of the ceremony’s most recognized K-pop solo performers.
She became the first K-pop soloist to win a VMA in 2022. She also returned to the winners’ circle in subsequent years.
At the 2026 ceremony, LISA had four nominations. That made her performance part of a broader presence at the event rather than a standalone guest appearance.
Her television debut of “SaWaDiKa” gave the VMAs another opportunity to introduce a new release to a large U.S. television audience.
RAYE had two performance roles
RAYE was one of the busiest performers on the 2026 VMAs lineup.
She was scheduled to perform solo and also participate in the George Michael tribute alongside SOMBR and Teddy Swims.
The solo performance marked RAYE’s VMAs performance debut.
The British singer-songwriter arrived at the ceremony with two nominations. One of those nominations was for Song of the Year for “Where Is My Husband!”
Her appearance also connected the VMAs to her broader 2026 touring activity. RAYE had completed a North American tour and was touring stadiums with Bruno Mars.
Her dual role made her one of the most prominent performers in the ceremony’s music lineup.
Sienna Spiro made her VMAs performance debut
Sienna Spiro was also confirmed as a performer at the 2026 VMAs.
The British singer-songwriter was a first-time VMAs performer and nominee. She was competing in the Best New Artist category.
Spiro’s inclusion gave the performance lineup a rising-artist component alongside established names such as Madonna and LISA.
She had also released her debut album, Visitor, before appearing at the ceremony.
Her performance was one of the opportunities for the VMAs to spotlight an emerging artist during a broadcast dominated by established international performers.
Shaboozey and Gunna joined forces
Shaboozey and Gunna were confirmed for a joint performance during the ceremony.
Shaboozey was scheduled to perform “Cowgirl,” his hit song that received two nominations at the 2026 VMAs.
He was also set to join Gunna for the first broadcast performance of their collaboration “High Noon.”
The pairing brought country and hip-hop influences together on the VMAs stage.
Shaboozey entered the ceremony with five career VMA nominations, including two in 2026. Gunna had two career nominations.
Their collaboration was therefore connected directly to the year’s nominated music rather than being a separate promotional appearance.
GENER8ION and Yung Lean presented a world premiere
GENER8ION and Yung Lean were another major performance pairing.
The two artists were announced to take the VMAs stage for the first time with a world premiere performance of “STORM II.”
The performance was especially notable because the song was already connected to several 2026 VMA nominations.
GENER8ION and Yung Lean were first-time nominees at the ceremony. Their nominations included Video of the Year, Best Direction and Best Choreography.
The world premiere therefore combined a new live performance with the artists’ first major appearance on the VMAs stage.
Kacey Musgraves honored Dolly Parton
Kacey Musgraves was confirmed for a special tribute performance honoring Dolly Parton.
The tribute gave the 2026 VMAs a country music centerpiece and brought Musgraves back to the ceremony after a five-year absence from the performance stage.
Musgraves had three career VMA nominations entering the 2026 ceremony. She was also nominated that year in the Best Country category for “Dry Spell.”
Her role was different from the standard promotional performances elsewhere in the lineup.
Instead, Musgraves was specifically announced as part of a tribute to Parton, making her performance one of the ceremony’s special musical moments.
RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims honored George Michael
The second major tribute featured RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims.
The three artists were announced for a George Michael tribute during the 2026 VMAs.
The tribute was connected to the 40th anniversary period surrounding Michael’s landmark album Faith.
RAYE brought her newly established VMAs performance presence to the segment. SOMBR returned to the VMAs stage, while Teddy Swims also returned after previously appearing at the ceremony in 2024.
The combination gave the tribute three distinct contemporary voices while recognizing one of the most influential artists associated with the VMAs era.
Full 2026 VMAs performance lineup at a glance
| Performer | Performance role |
|---|---|
| Madonna | Opening performance |
| LISA | Solo performance of “SaWaDiKa” |
| RAYE | Solo performance and George Michael tribute |
| Sienna Spiro | Solo performance |
| Shaboozey | “Cowgirl” and collaboration with Gunna |
| Gunna | “High Noon” with Shaboozey |
| GENER8ION | “STORM II” with Yung Lean |
| Yung Lean | “STORM II” with GENER8ION |
| Kacey Musgraves | Dolly Parton tribute |
| SOMBR | George Michael tribute |
| Teddy Swims | George Michael tribute |
This list reflects the officially announced performers associated with the 2026 VMAs broadcast.
Why Madonna’s performance stood out
Madonna’s return was one of the biggest performance stories attached to the 2026 ceremony.
She had not performed at the VMAs since 2003. Her 2026 appearance therefore represented a return after more than two decades.
The opening position added another historical element.
Madonna had previously opened the VMAs four times. Her 2026 appearance became her fifth opening performance, setting a new ceremony record.
Her role also connected the modern ceremony with several decades of VMAs history.
That combination of a long-awaited return and a record-setting opening made Madonna’s performance central to the show’s music programming.
Why LISA’s performance was important
LISA’s appearance represented another major part of the ceremony’s international reach.
The BLACKPINK star has become a prominent solo performer at the VMAs, and her 2026 appearance continued that connection.
Her scheduled performance of “SaWaDiKa” also gave viewers an early opportunity to hear the song in a major televised setting.
Because the track was connected to her forthcoming EP, the performance was part of a new chapter in her solo music career.
Her four 2026 nominations further strengthened her presence at the event.
Rising performers added variety to the lineup
The 2026 performance lineup was not limited to established superstars.
Sienna Spiro and RAYE were both making their VMAs performance debuts. GENER8ION and Yung Lean were also announced for their first performance appearance at the ceremony.
That created a mixture of veteran and newer performers.
Madonna represented one of the most established names in the show’s history. LISA represented the global K-pop audience. Shaboozey and Gunna brought together country and hip-hop influences.
RAYE, Sienna Spiro, SOMBR and Teddy Swims added contemporary singer-songwriter and pop sounds.
The result was a performance slate that covered several areas of modern popular music.
The special tribute performances
The 2026 VMAs included two major tribute performances.
The first was Kacey Musgraves’ tribute to Dolly Parton.
The second featured RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims honoring George Michael.
These performances were separate from the artists’ regular solo appearances.
RAYE therefore appeared in both a solo capacity and as part of the George Michael tribute. The arrangement gave her an unusually prominent musical role during the ceremony.
The tributes also reflected the VMAs’ tradition of combining current performers with major figures from music history.
Who was not announced as a performer?
The official performer list should be distinguished from the nominee and presenter lists.
Being nominated for a VMA did not automatically mean an artist was scheduled to perform.
Likewise, appearing as a presenter did not mean an artist was part of the musical lineup.
Taylor Swift, for example, was a major part of the 2026 ceremony. She received the inaugural Artist Director Honors and had her “Patient Zero” music video premiere during the broadcast.
However, she was not listed among the officially announced live musical performers.
Nirvana was also a major part of the ceremony because the band received the Video Vanguard Award. That honor did not itself establish a live musical performance.
Keeping those categories separate is important when answering the question of who performed at the 2026 VMAs.
When and where were the 2026 VMAs held?
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards were held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The ceremony aired Sunday, September 27, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
CBS carried the U.S. broadcast, while MTV simulcast the ceremony. Paramount+ also provided streaming access in the United States.
The event marked the VMAs’ return to Los Angeles after the ceremony had been held in New York and New Jersey in recent years.
Snoop Dogg served as host and executive producer.
The final confirmed answer
So, who is performing at the vmas in 2026?
The officially announced performers were Madonna, LISA, RAYE, Sienna Spiro, Shaboozey, Gunna, GENER8ION, Yung Lean, Kacey Musgraves, SOMBR and Teddy Swims.
Madonna opened the ceremony. LISA performed “SaWaDiKa.” Shaboozey and Gunna appeared together for their collaborative performance, while GENER8ION and Yung Lean presented “STORM II.”
Kacey Musgraves performed as part of the Dolly Parton tribute. RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims were part of the George Michael tribute, with RAYE also performing solo.
The lineup combined major returning stars, first-time performers, rising artists and tributes to influential musicians.
As the 2026 VMAs move into the record of completed ceremonies, these performers remain the key names connected to the show’s officially announced musical lineup.
Which 2026 VMAs performance was your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for the latest confirmed updates.
What artists performed at the 2026 VMAs?
The announced performers were Madonna, LISA, RAYE, Sienna Spiro, Shaboozey, Gunna, GENER8ION, Yung Lean, Kacey Musgraves, SOMBR and Teddy Swims.
Did Madonna perform at the 2026 VMAs?
Yes. Madonna opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. It was her first VMAs performance in 23 years and her fifth time opening the ceremony.
Did LISA perform at the 2026 VMAs?
Yes. LISA performed her new single “SaWaDiKa.” The performance was announced as the song’s television debut.
Did RAYE perform at the VMAs?
Yes. RAYE had a solo performance and also joined SOMBR and Teddy Swims for the George Michael tribute.
Did Shaboozey and Gunna perform together?
Yes. Shaboozey was scheduled to perform “Cowgirl” and join Gunna for their collaboration “High Noon.”
Did Kacey Musgraves perform at the 2026 VMAs?
Yes. Kacey Musgraves performed as part of a special Dolly Parton tribute.
Who performed the George Michael tribute?
RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims were announced for the George Michael tribute at the 2026 VMAs.
Did Sienna Spiro perform at the VMAs?
Yes. Sienna Spiro was announced as a performer and made her VMAs performance debut.
Did GENER8ION and Yung Lean perform together?
Yes. GENER8ION and Yung Lean were announced for a world premiere performance of “STORM II.”
Where were the 2026 VMAs held?
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards were held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27, 2026.
Who hosted the 2026 VMAs?
Snoop Dogg hosted the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.
Was Taylor Swift a performer at the 2026 VMAs?
Taylor Swift had major roles at the ceremony, including receiving the inaugural Artist Director Honors and having the world premiere of her “Patient Zero” music video. She was not included in the officially announced live musical performer lineup.