The 5 Best 2026 VMAs Performances, Ranked

5Kacey MusgravesCBS Photo Archive//Getty ImagesThough Kacey Musgraves kept things simple with her Dolly Parton tribute, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t incredibly moving. It started with vintage footage of the late pop culture icon singing “I Will Always Love You” before Kacey’s deeper harmonies seamlessly blended in. She honored her hero with big hair, pastel purple eyeshadow, massive diamond hoop earrings, a long shimmering hot pink feathered gown, and a stunning emotional vocal performance that definitely tugged at my heartstrings. Standing on the shoulders of a giant like Dolly is no easy feat, and Kacey proved she’s carrying her legacy in country music and beyond.4RAYEKevin Winter//Getty ImagesRAYE has been a superstar, and her VMA debut was all the proof. (Not that I needed any.) She opened her performance with “I Will Overcome.” and a tension-building string orchestra in a tight shot with strategic spotlight. Her theatricality, undeniable bravado, and killer vocals never faltered as she removed her Old Hollywood faux-fur coat to reveal a sparkling lacy red gown with a high slit.Of course, she remained barefoot as she kicked into high gear with a full jazz band and background vocalists to sing her fan-favorite hit “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” The musician even included elements from Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown” before closing out with a crazy vocal run. RAYE, my darling, you will always be famous.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Sombr, RAYE, Teddy Swims, Adam Lambert, Saint Harison, MNEK, and MeekKevin Winter//Getty ImagesAt first glance, this group of artists seems totally random—but it’s actually not that far-fetched since the late George Michael blazed the path they all walk on. In the ’90s, George launched a history-making high-profile legal battle against Sony Music to fight for creative control and ownership of his work. In other words, he’s the Father Figure of pop music as we know it today, and his efforts walked so Taylor’s Version could run.40 years after George dropped his legendary album, FAITH, Sombr opened his VMAs tribute with “Faith” and “Father Figure.” Then, RAYE returned to the stage for a gorgeous rendition of George’s 1987 duet with Aretha Franklin, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” before Teddy Swims took over to perform one of his most iconic hits, “Careless Whisper, with his powerhouse vocals.After receiving backlash from fans online for being “too straight,” MTV enlisted queer artists to honor the late artist’s impact in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. That’s when Adam Lambert commanded the stage in fringe and studded leather to perform “Freedom! 90” with Meek, MNEK, and Saint Harrison. It was a close call, but a stunning save on the network’s part to honor George’s iconic legacy ahead of his upcoming concert film, George Michael: The Faith Tour.2LISAKevin Winter//Getty ImagesWhen LISA deemed herself “La La Lisa, la diva” on “SaWaDiKa,” she fully meant it. I didn’t know what to expect from the K-Pop giant other than greatness, especially after her epic “Rockstar” performance at the 2024 VMAs. She somehow outdid herself with this year’s electric performance, packed with intense choreography, pyros, The Fast and the Furious-inspired visuals, and Thai streetlights.Though it was dizzying at times for viewers at home (largely due to the show’s camera work), it was definitely a highlight of the evening. Her energy never wavered, even through the most insane dance break I’ve ever seen. LISA won the Best Pop award for a reason: She knows how to make a hit and execute it even better!Advertisement - Continue Reading Below1MadonnaStewart Cook//CBSMadonna’s 11 nominations (and several wins!) didn’t come out of nowhere. Not only is she the reigning Queen of Pop but a pillar of the VMAs since its inception. This marked her first performance at the show since her notorious on-stage kisses with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera 23 years ago and her sixth time opening the entire show.She kicked things off with her Confessions II hit, “Bring Your Love,” and proved her blonde ambition has carried into several generations with surprise appearances from Sabrina Carpenter and her “Danceteria Afterhours” collaborator, Charli xcx. Of course, Madonna’s confidence, choreography, and charisma have carried her decades-long pop iconography, and this performance was no different. That gospel choir and celeb cameos from Sombr, Seth Rogen, Julia Garner, and her longtime bestie, Debi Mazar, didn’t hurt either.