See Every Celebrity Arrival on the VMAs 2026 Red Carpet

Jason Sargent Sunday, September 27, 2026

Ariel WodarcykSun, September 27, 2026 at 9:20 PM UTC

Credit: Getty ImagesThe Gist -

The VMAs red carpet is officially underway at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Madonna, who has the most nominations of any artist in 2026, will open the show for the first time in 23 years.

See all of the celebrity arrivals on the red carpet, from music industry veterans to budding stars, ahead.

The MTV Video Music Awards are finally here. On September 27, stars began arriving at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles in their red-carpet best for one of music’s biggest nights.

The VMAs have always been synonymous with bold style risks: Madonna sent shockwaves through the world with her risqué bridal-inspired ensemble at the first-ever VMAs in 1984, while Lady Gaga sparked a thousand think pieces (and countless Halloween costume recreations) with her meat dress in 2010. Tonight, the show is set to be just as jaw-dropping, continuing its 40-plus-year streak of breaking style rules and ushering in a mix of rising and legendary musical talent.

Madonna returns to open the show for the first time in 23 years as the most-nominated artist of the year, while Taylor Swift follows closely behind with nine nominations. Swift is set to receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors at the show, and she’ll also debut the music video for her latest single, “Patient Zero.” 2025’s big winner Ariana Grande has eight nominations, and could become one of the top 5 most-awarded artists at the VMAs. Other nominees include Lisa—who is confirmed to perform tonight—Tate McRae, Zara Larsson, Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress, and Shakira. Kacey Musgraves will be paying tribute to Dolly Parton, and Raye, Sienna Spiro, Sombr, and more are also set to perform.

As stars start to trickle in, we already have our eyes on JoJo in a midriff-baring black two-piece for best dressed, andBob the Drag Queen in a polka-dotted ensemble with matching hat for most memorable look of the night. Ahead, see photos of every celebrity arrival on the red carpet, including Charli XCX, Teyana Taylor, and Troye Sivan, just to name a few.

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JoJo