How to Watch the 2026 VMAs—Plus, the Huge Star Who's Opening the Show

The 2026 VMAs will be airing Sunday, September 27, starting at 7:30 PM E.T. on CBS, MTV and Paramount+.

Though the easiest method is to watch in real time on CBS or Paramount, you can also stream the awards show with a live subscription service, including Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV and Fubo.

Rap icon and Martha Stewart BFF Snoop Dogg is set to host the VMAs this year.

In a statement Snoop said, “MTV and the VMAs have been part of my story since the beginning. Some of the biggest moments of my career happened on that stage and on MTV – they gave hip-hop a place to be loud, fearless and seen by the whole world. So to come back now and host the VMAs, all these years later, that’s a full-circle moment for me. And doing it with my brother Van Toffler [the show’s producer] makes it even more special. Van was there during those early MTV days when we were changing the culture in real time, and we’ve got a whole lot of history together. Now we get to make some new history. The VMAs have always been about those moments you don’t forget – and trust me, we’re gonna give y’all a few more. See you at the VMAs.”

First of all (and most importantly), Madonna will be opening the VMAs this year in her first live performance at the ceremony since 2003 (you know, when she kissed Britney and Christina and we all lost our minds). Impressively, this will be Madonna's fifth time opening the awards show.

Also performing are LISA, Shaboozey, Sienna Spiro, and RAYE—though more big names are sure to take the stage as well.

Madonna has the most nominations this year with 11, followed by Taylor Swift with 9, Sabrina Carpenter with 7, Ariana Grande with 7, Zara Larsson with 5, Bruno Mars with 5, PinkPantheress with 5 and LISA with 4.

Who will take home the most moon men? You'll have to tune in on Sunday, September 27 to find out.