Slayyyter, LISA, Charli xcx & More Rock the 2026 MTV VMAs Red Carpet: See the Best Photos

It was a rockin’ mix of iconic and up-and-coming when the stars began to arrive on the red carpet for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday (Sept. 17) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Among the musical acts showing off their looks were the surviving members of Nirvana (Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear), who struck a pose in rocker chic black, ready to accept the Video Vanguard Award; Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav showed up prepared to fight the power; BLACKPINK’s LISA — who is set to perform and is nominated for four Moon People — was spicy in a red ensemble; sombr, who will perform a tribute to the late George Michael, showed off his appeal with a belt buckle that declared “sex”; and performer RAYE, who will also honor George Michael, dazzled in a figure-hugging silver number.

Going into the evening, legendary artist Madonna leads in VMA nominations with a lucky 13, while Taylor Swift — who will be premiering the video for her new single, “Patient Zero” during the ceremony — is close on her heals with 11. Other top nominees include Sabrina Carpenter with nine; Ariana Grande with eight; Bruno Mars at seven; Ella Langley, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson boasting five a piece; and Charli xcx, LISA, Olivia Rodrigo, Yung Lean and GENER8ION with four each.

Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg hosts the 2026 ceremony, which airs live from coast to coast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. In addition to the Moon People who will be handed out during the ceremony, there will also be special tributes, including the aforementioned nod to George Michael by sombr, RAYE as well as Teddy Swims. Late, great country icon Dolly Parton, who died Aug. 25 at age 80, will also be honored with a performance by Kacey Musgraves.

See some of the best photos from the 2026 VMAs red carpet below: