Watch VMAs 2026 Free: Taylor Swift Video Premiere & Nominees Revealed!

Tonight, the 43rd annual MTV Video Music Awards will recognize the year’s top music videos.

This marks the second consecutive year that the awards will air on CBS, in addition to its usual spot on MTV, broadening the accessibility for viewers at home.

This year’s VMA event will be hosted by Snoop Dogg, a three-time VMA recipient who last performed at the ceremony in 2022. Announced on August 18, the nominations are led by Madonna, who has equaled Lady Gaga’s record for the most nominations received by a single artist in one year with 13 nominations.

Following Madonna in the number of nominations are Taylor Swift with 11; Sabrina Carpenter with nine; and Ariana Grande with eight. Swift, with her 11 nominations, will also be honored with the first-ever MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. This award will be her 31st VMA, making Swift the most decorated individual in the history of the VMAs, surpassing Beyoncé who has 30.

Just this week, Swift shared that the music video for her new song “Patient Zero” will debut during the VMAs tonight. A recent teaser featured stars Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell.

“The timing was perfect with the release,” an insider shared with Page Six. “She was eager to be there, and the network worked to create a special moment in the show just for her, ensuring she wasn’t merely a backdrop, so MTV orchestrated this opportunity.”

The iconic Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award will also be presented to the ’90s rock band Nirvana during tonight’s show.

What Time Do the VMAs Start Tonight?

The VMAs will commence at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 27.

Where to Watch the VMAs for Free Online

If you’re without cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to watch the 2026 VMAs at no cost.

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Our preferred choice is DIRECTV because of its flexible options and excellent offers. Currently, CBS is included in two discounted genre packs: MyNews ($39.99/month for two months) and MySports ($44.99/month for six months), each with a five-day free trial before payments start.

VMAs Red Carpet Details

This year, the VMAs red carpet will not be broadcast in the traditional manner, but fans across the country can watch the CBS Los Angeles live stream at 6 p.m. ET for their coverage of the red carpet events.

2026 VMAs Host

For the first time, rapper Snoop Dogg will take on hosting duties at the VMAs. He is a three-time VMA winner and has previously performed at the ceremony in 1994, 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2022.

VMAs Performers Lineup

Madonna, leading this year’s nominations, will kick off the ceremony, marking her first VMA performance in 23 years. Other artists set to perform include Gener8io, Yung Lean, Lisa, Raye, Shaboozey, Gunna, and Sienna Spiro.

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Kacey Musgraves will perform a tribute to the late Dolly Parton, while Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims will commemorate George Michael, a decade after his death, with a medley.

Top Nominees at the 2026 VMAs

A total of 23 awards will be presented tonight; 17 of these will be determined through fan votes, while the remaining, including technical categories like direction, cinematography, and choreography, will be judged by industry professionals.

These are just a few of the main categories, but the complete list of nominees for the 2026 VMAs is available on the official MTV website.

Presenters at the 2026 VMAs

The list of presenters for this year’s VMAs includes Alex Warren, stars from “Off Campus” Belmont Cameli and Ella Bright, Charli XCX, Chuck D, Ciara Miller, David Corenswet, Emma Bunton, Isabel May, Jeff Probst, Orville Peck, Paris Hilton, Rachel Dratch, Teyana Taylor, Tyla, and Troye Sivan.

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This article was authored by Angela Tricarico, the Commerce Streaming Reporter for the New York Post, Page Six, and Decider. Angela provides up-to-date information on how to stream all your favorite reality shows and movies across various services. Not only does she assess and compare these streaming options to guarantee you receive the best deals, but she’s also an expert in blending shopping, technology, sports, celebrity, and pop culture insights. Before joining The Post in 2023, she covered streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.