2026 MTV VMAs Guest List: Who’s Expected to Attend the Show’s Big Return to LA

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards air live on Sunday, September 27, 2026, simulcast on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+ — and it’s a genuinely big deal in awards-show terms. This marks the first time since 2017 that the VMAs have returned to the Los Angeles area, breaking a nearly decade-long run of ceremonies in New York and New Jersey.

Important note before you read further: as of this writing, MTV has not yet released the official nominee list, confirmed performers, or a host for the 2026 show. That announcement typically lands 5 to 7 weeks before the ceremony — for reference, the 2025 nominees were revealed on August 5 for a September 7 show. Based on that pattern, expect the real 2026 nominee list sometime in mid-to-late August 2026.

So rather than inventing a fake “leaked” list, this article breaks down who is realistically expected to attend, based on three things: who dominated VMA nominations and wins in 2025, who has a major album or single cycle running through 2026, and who reliably shows up to VMA-caliber events regardless of nominations. Bookmark this and check back once MTV’s official list drops.

Why This Year’s VMAs Are a Bigger Story Than Usual

Two things make the 2026 show unusually newsworthy:

1. The Los Angeles return. After eight straight years in New York/New Jersey, moving back to LA changes the entire red-carpet ecosystem — expect heavier film and TV crossover attendance than the show has seen in years, since LA-based actors, showrunners, and industry figures tend to turn out for major award shows held in their backyard.
2. The all-time wins record is on the line. Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are currently tied at the top of the VMA all-time wins leaderboard with 30 trophies each. Any VMA nomination for either artist this year instantly becomes the headline of the ceremony.

Predicted VMA 2026 Attendees: 100+ Names to Know

A. Artists Likely to Be Top Nominees (based on 2026 chart dominance and 2025 VMA history)

1. Kendrick Lamar — led 2025 VMA nominations with 10 nods; remains a dominant chart and cultural force into 2026.
2. Bruno Mars — 2025’s most-nominated artist with 11 nods, riding continued success from his collaborations.
3. Lady Gaga — 2025’s biggest VMA winner (4 awards); “Abracadabra” era momentum likely continues.
4. Sabrina Carpenter — consistent top-tier nominee two years running.
5. ROSÉ — breakout global pop presence following “APT.” with Bruno Mars.
6. Ariana Grande — repeat Video of the Year contender.
7. The Weeknd — perennial nominee, frequent VMA fixture.
8. Billie Eilish — multiple-category nominee in 2025, likely again.
9. Charli XCX — “brat” cultural wave continues to fuel nominations.
10. Bad Bunny — global streaming dominance, Super Bowl halftime headliner for 2026.
11. Doechii — breakout hip-hop crossover success with “Anxiety.”
12. Tate McRae — rising pop nominee two years running.
13. Morgan Wallen — country-pop crossover strength.
14. Miley Cyrus — consistent VMA presence.
15. Jelly Roll — country/rock crossover nominee in recent cycles.
16. Ed Sheeran — reliable multi-category nominee.
17. Taylor Swift — tied for most VMA wins ever; any nomination is a headline.
18. Beyoncé — tied for most VMA wins ever; a rare VMA appearance would dominate coverage.

B. Rising Artists Fans Are Hoping to See Recognized

19. Sombr — breakout indie-pop artist gaining major 2026 buzz.
20. Addison Rae — pivoting from influencer fame to a legitimate pop career.
21. Lola Young — critically buzzed-about UK artist.
22. The Kid Laroi — continued streaming success.
23. Conan Gray — dedicated fanbase pushing for recognition.
24. Katseye — global girl group with a rapidly growing following.
25. Chappell Roan — awards-season momentum carrying into 2026.

C. Global and K-Pop Crossover Stars Likely on the Radar

26. Jungkook (BTS)
27. Jimin (BTS)
28. Karol G
29. Shakira
30. Rosalía
31. J Balvin
32. Feid
33. Peso Pluma

D. VMA Veterans and Reliable Red-Carpet Regulars

34. Nicki Minaj — former VMA host and multi-time nominee.
35. Cardi B
36. Megan Thee Stallion
37. Drake
38. Post Malone
39. Travis Scott
40. Playboi Carti
41. Metro Boomin
42. Don Toliver
43. Chris Brown
44. Usher
45. SZA
46. Halsey
47. Camila Cabello
48. Shawn Mendes
49. Dua Lipa
50. Zayn
51. Niall Horan
52. Selena Gomez — likely attendee given her ongoing music career with husband Benny Blanco.
53. Benny Blanco
54. Justin Bieber
55. Rihanna — rare but always headline-making when she shows up.
56. A$AP Rocky
57. Doja Cat
58. Olivia Rodrigo
59. Gracie Abrams
60. Noah Kahan
61. Kacey Musgraves
62. Shaboozey
63. J. Cole
64. Kid Cudi
65. 21 Savage
66. Future
67. Lil Baby
68. Gunna
69. Ice Spice
70. GloRilla
71. Latto
72. Flo Milli
73. Victoria Monét
74. Muni Long
75. Teyana Taylor
76. Jack Harlow
77. Lil Nas X

E. Country and Alt-Crossover Names to Watch

78. Ella Langley
79. Zach Bryan
80. Luke Combs
81. Chris Stapleton
82. Post Malone (country crossover era)

F. Actors and Presenters Historically Tied to VMA Appearances

MTV award shows regularly bring in actors, comedians, and TV personalities as presenters — especially with the ceremony now on CBS. Likely categories of presenters include late-night hosts, reality TV stars, and film/TV actors promoting fall releases:

83. Jacob Elordi
84. Zendaya
85. Timothée Chalamet
86. Sydney Sweeney
87. Michael B. Jordan
88. Quinta Brunson
89. Conan O’Brien (recent Oscars host, plausible awards-circuit presenter)
90. Druski (2026 BET Awards host, active in the awards circuit)
91. Hunter Schafer
92. Gwendoline Christie
93. Chase Sui Wonders
94. Alix Earle — influencer/red carpet regular.
95. Charli D’Amelio

G. Industry and Legacy Figures Who Could Appear for Special Honors

MTV frequently uses the VMAs to bestow legacy honors like the Video Vanguard and Visionary Awards on major artists. Potential honorees or presenters in that vein include:

96. Mariah Carey — 2025 Vanguard honoree, could return to present.
97. Busta Rhymes — 2025 Visionary honoree.
98. Ricky Martin — inaugural 2025 Latin Icon honoree.
99. LL Cool J — hosted in 2025, could return in some capacity.
100. Anna Wintour — occasionally crosses over into major music/culture events tied to fashion moments.

What We Still Don’t Know

• Host: Not yet announced.
• Performers: Not yet announced.
• Official nominees: Not yet announced (expected mid-to-late August 2026).
• Red carpet arrivals: Impossible to confirm until the day of the show — actual attendance always includes surprises and last-minute additions that prediction lists can’t capture.

FAQ

When do the 2026 VMA nominees come out? MTV hasn’t set an exact date, but based on 2025’s timeline (nominees announced about 5 weeks before the show), expect the list in mid-to-late August 2026.

Where are the 2026 VMAs being held? Los Angeles — the first time the ceremony has been held there since 2017.

Who has won the most VMAs ever? Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are tied at the top with 30 wins each.

Is there an official 2026 VMA guest list yet? No. As of this writing, no official guest list, nominee list, host, or performer lineup has been released by MTV or CBS.

This article will be updated once MTV releases the official 2026 VMA nominees and confirmed attendees. All names above reflect informed predictions based on recent VMA history and current music industry activity as of late July 2026 — not a confirmed or leaked list.