Snubs & Surprises at the 2026 VMAs
You can't have an awards show without them.
The 2026 MTV VMAs took place on Sunday, September 27, with Snoop Dogg serving as the show's host. Madonna made history by winning her fifth consecutive award for best long-form video, a feat that set a new record for most VMAs openings. BTS secured their three anticipated victories, marking a triumphant comeback year. However, not all was as predicted at the event.
Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to country legend Dolly Parton, while RAYE, SOMBR, Teddy Swims, and Adam Lambert honored the late George Michael. Nirvana, who disbanded following the suicide of Kurt Cobain, received the video vanguard award. Taylor Swift was honored with the inaugural VMA Artist Director honors, and her new single "Patient Zero" premiered as the music video of the night.
Despite the expected wins and tributes, the VMAs were not without their surprises. Notable snubs included the absence of certain artists and songs, leaving fans questioning the seemingly arbitrary decisions of the award show's producers.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
