Snoop Dogg is set to take over hosting duties at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, bringing one of hip-hop’s most recognisable personalities back to the VMAs stage in a new role.
The rapper and entrepreneur will host the ceremony on September 27, 2026, live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event will air on CBS, simulcast on MTV and stream on Paramount+ in the United States.
The announcement also marks the VMAs’ return to the West Coast for the first time since 2017, making Snoop an especially fitting choice for a ceremony taking place in Los Angeles.
A Full-Circle Moment for Snoop
Snoop Dogg’s connection to the VMAs stretches back more than three decades.
The rapper made his first appearance on the VMAs stage in 1994 and has since become a familiar figure at the ceremony. He is a 13-time VMA nominee and three-time winner, with memorable appearances including his 1999 performance alongside Dr. Dre and Eminem, a 2005 tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. and his 2022 performance with Eminem.
Speaking about his new hosting role, Snoop described the opportunity as a “full-circle moment,” reflecting on MTV’s role in giving hip-hop a global platform.
His long history with the network makes the appointment particularly fitting as the VMAs prepare for another major edition.
Snoop Will Also Serve as Executive Producer
Snoop’s involvement will go beyond simply presenting the awards.
The hip-hop icon will also serve as an executive producer on the broadcast, working alongside producers including Sara Ramaker and Jasmin Ratansi.
That means Snoop will have a role in shaping the overall presentation of the ceremony, potentially bringing his personality and extensive experience in music, entertainment and television to the production.
Nirvana to Receive the Video Vanguard Award
The 2026 VMAs will also honour legendary rock band Nirvana with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award.
The recognition celebrates the band’s lasting influence on music, visual culture and MTV. Nirvana’s relationship with the VMAs dates back to their first appearance at the ceremony in 1992.
The award adds another major historical element to this year’s ceremony as the VMAs return to Los Angeles.
Madonna Leads the Nominations
The ceremony is also shaping up to be a major night for Madonna, who leads this year’s nominations with 11 nods.
Taylor Swift follows with nine nominations, while Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter have seven each. Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson each received five nominations.
With major names competing across the categories and Nirvana receiving the Video Vanguard honour, the ceremony already has plenty of storylines before the live show.
Performers, presenters and additional special guests are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
When Are the 2026 MTV VMAs?
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will take place on Sunday, September 27, live from Los Angeles.
The ceremony will air from 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT on CBS, with a simultaneous broadcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. The show will also become available internationally on Paramount+ and MTV the following day.
With Snoop Dogg at the helm, the VMAs are preparing for another night of major performances, unexpected moments and the kind of unpredictable entertainment the awards show has become known for.
For Snoop, however, the 2026 ceremony represents something even bigger: a return to the MTV stage that helped introduce his generation of hip-hop to the world, this time as the man in charge.
