2026 MTV VMAs: Live streaming deals to watch free without cable

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.Look out, music fans. The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are here. The ceremony airs tonight, Sunday, Sept. 27, and brings together some of the industry’s biggest stars, including Madonna, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, LISA, RAYE, Shaboozey, and more. Rap icon Snoop Dogg takes over hosting duties this year. If you’re hoping to watch the 2026 MTV VMAs live without cable, you can choose between multiple free streaming options that carry CBS and MTV.TL;DREvent: 2026 MTV Video Music AwardsDate: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern / 4:30 p.m. PacificChannel: CBS and MTVFree live streaming options: Philo (free trial), DIRECTV (free trial), and Fubo (free trial)Host: Snoop DoggOpening performance: MadonnaSpecial honors: Nirvana (Video Vanguard Award), Taylor Swift (Artist Director Honors)Most nominations: Madonna (13), followed by Taylor Swift (11)Notable performers: Madonna, Lisa, Shaboozey, Gunna, RAYE, Teddy Swims, Kacey Musgraves, and moreMajor exclusive moment: Premiere of Taylor Swift’s new “Patient Zero” music video during the broadcast.When are the VMAs red carpet?This year’s official pre-show red carpet coverage begins at 6 p.m. Eastern / 3 p.m. Pacific and broadcasts live on CBS and MTV.Who is performing at the 2026 MTV VMAs?Madonna, who is making her first VMA appearance in more than two decades, is scheduled to open the telecast.Additional performers announced for the ceremony include:LISARAYEShaboozeyGunnaGENER8IONYung LeanSienna SpiroTeddy SwimsSombrKacey MusgravesSeveral special performances have also been planned.Kacey Musgraves is scheduled to perform a tribute honoring Dolly Parton, while RAYE, Sombr, and Teddy Swims will participate in a tribute celebrating the legacy of George Michael. Taylor Swift’s new music video for “Patient Zero” premieres during the broadcast as well.Who are the top nominees?Madonna enters the night as the most-nominated artist at 11 nominations, followed closely by Taylor Swift who has 9.Among the most discussed categories:Video of the Year NomineesAriana Grande, “hate that i made you love me”Bruno Mars, “I Just Might”GENER8ION featuring Yung Lean, “Storm”Madonna, “Confessions II – The Film”Sabrina Carpenter, “Tears”Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”Artist of the Year NomineesAriana GrandeBruno MarsMadonnaMorgan WallenSabrina CarpenterTaylor Swift Fans can learn more about categories and voting through MTV’s official voting portal at Vote.MTV.com. What special awards will be presented?The VMAs will spotlight several major honors.Nirvana will receive the Video Vanguard Award, honoring the band’s enduring influence on music and popular culture. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift will receive the MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, a newly created recognition celebrating artists who have advanced music-video storytelling through their work behind the camera.Who’s presenting?Confirmed presenters include:Charli XCXTeyana TaylorTylaTroye SivanAlex WarrenCiara MillerBelmont CameliElla BrightDavid CorenswetJeff ProbstRachel DratchIsabel MayAdditional presenters announced shortly before the ceremony include:Paris HiltonEmma BuntonOrville PeckChuck D2026 MTV Video Music Awards: How to watch live for free without cableBrent Faiyaz tickets: Best verified resale prices for sold-out 2026 concertsHow to watch ‘The Traitors: New Blood’ episodes 3, 4 free ICYMI live‘American Horror Story’ season 13 premiere: How to watch 3 episodes free today‘Big Brother’ season 28, episode 39 Final 3 Live Eviction: How to watch freeAbby L’Bert (she/her) is an entertainment commerce writer for cleveland.com. She graduated from The University of Akron and was raised in Northeast Ohio. Abby has extensive commerce writing experience from her...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.