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New York — NEW YORK (AP) – Taylor Swift is breaking records again. At the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, she will receive the first Artist Director Honor, becoming the most honored artist in VMA history.
Currently, Swift is tied with Beyoncé for the title of the most decorated performer 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, recognizes artists “whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music videos and advanced the art of visual storytelling,” bringing her total to 31.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming awards show.
The two-hour MTV Video Music Awards show will air live on CBS on Sunday, September 27, at 7:30 PM Eastern and 4:30 PM Pacific, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, it will also simulcast on MTV and will be available to stream on Paramount+ in the US
The show will be available for worldwide broadcast the following day on Paramount+ and MTV.
CBS is home to several award shows, including the Tony Awards and the American Music Awards. It has broadcast the Grammys since 1973, though that show will move to ABC in 2027.
Madonna leads this year’s ceremony, with 11 nominations including video, artist and song of the year as well as best collaboration, choreography, direction, art direction, cinematography, editing, choreography and visual effects.
Swift follows Madonna with the second most awards, with nine.
Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter follow these pop powerhouses with seven nods to their name as well as Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson with five. LISA Blackpink has four and Shakira, Tate McRae, GENER8ION and Yung Lean are tied for three.
Rounding out the nominees in the artist of the year category are Grande, Mars, Carpenter and Morgan Wallen, as well as Madonna and Swift.
This year’s Video Music Awards feature 26 first-time nominees, including GENER8ION and Yung Lean (for their collaboration “Storm”) and K-pop boy band CORTIS and viral “Boston” singer Stella Lefty with two each. Other notable first-time nominees include Don Toliver, Kali Uchis, Noah Kahan, Olivia Dean, Tucker Wetmore and Sienna Spiro.
The best dance category is back for the first time in seven years. Nominees include “Nobody’s Girl,” Bebe Rexha and Faithless’ “New Religion,” Harry Styles’ “Aperture,” Doechii’s “Lady Gaga” and “Runway,” Madonna’s “Confessions II – The Film,” Larsson’s “PinkPantheress,” “Stateside” and Slayyter’s “Dance…”
Madonna will open the show. It will mark her first performance at the VMAs in 23 years.
Other acts include GENER8ION featuring Yung Lean, Shaboozey featuring Gunna as well as Lisa, Raye and Sienna Spiro.
Nirvana will receive the 2026 Video Vanguard Award.
Past recipients include Shakira, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Missy Elliott, Katy Perry and many more.
Online fan voting began in mid-August across 13 regions and ends on September 25 at 6pm Eastern and 3pm Pacific.
Voting in the Best New Artist category will remain active throughout the show.
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For more coverage of this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, visit
