All the 2026 VMAs Performances Ranked From Worst to Best
Which artists stood out at this year's MTV Video Music Awards?
The 2026 VMAs started off on a weak note, with the show airing 22 minutes late due to an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens. Donnie Wahlberg hosted a retrospective of previous VMAs, which aired to viewers who were already watching the football match or tuning in through CBS/MTV or Paramount+. However, the show quickly regained momentum with a strong opening act.
A legendary MTV artist brought out a group of surprise guests for a high-energy dance routine, setting the tone for the evening. As the night progressed, Madonna dominated the stage, winning seven Moon Person trophies, including three during the telecast. Taylor Swift took on the role of Artist Director and premiered her self-directed "Patient Zero" music video, which is now available on Spotify, and also won the prestigious Video of the Year award for her song "The Fate of Ophelia."
The surviving members of Nirvana paid tribute to the late Kurt Cobain by accepting the MTV Video Vanguard Award three decades after the musician's death. The ranking of the performances varied, with some standing out and others falling flat. The full ranking of the 2026 VMAs performances, from weakest to strongest, is provided below.
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