2026 MTV VMAs Add Lisa, RAYE, and Shaboozey to Star-Studded Performer Lineup

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are getting even more exciting, and MTV is making sure fans have plenty of reasons to tune in. On Thursday, Sept. 17, the network announced seven additional performers who will take the stage at this year's ceremony, adding fresh faces, new collaborations, and a few highly anticipated firsts to the lineup.

Lisa, RAYE, Sienna Spiro, Shaboozey, GENER8ION, Gunna, and Yung Lean are all set to perform at the awards show later this month. With new music, live debuts, and a world premiere in the mix, the VMAs are shaping up to be a busy night for music fans.

Lisa is preparing to give fans the first live television performance of her new single “SaWaDiKa.” The song comes from her upcoming PRESS PLAY EP, which is scheduled for release on Friday, Oct. 23.

The performance will give viewers an early taste of Lisa's next musical chapter before the EP officially arrives. For fans following her solo work, the VMAs stage offers a major opportunity to see the new track brought to life.

Meanwhile, RAYE and Sienna Spiro will both make their VMAs performance debuts at this year's ceremony. While the two artists have been building their own musical paths, their first appearances on the VMAs stage give them a chance to introduce their performances to an even wider audience.

The new lineup also includes a collaboration between Shaboozey and Gunna. Shaboozey will make his VMAs performance debut alongside Gunna as the pair perform their new hit song “High Noon.”

The collaboration adds another layer of excitement to the evening, especially for listeners who enjoy seeing artists bring their studio tracks to the stage. Whether the performance includes any surprises remains to be seen, but the two artists will have the spotlight when they perform together.

For Shaboozey, the appearance marks his first time performing at the VMAs, making the moment an important milestone in his career.

GENER8ION and Yung Lean are also scheduled to perform at the awards show for the first time. The artists will join forces for the world premiere performance of their song “STORM II.”

A world premiere performance means viewers will be among the first to see the artists perform the song live. That makes the appearance particularly interesting for fans who want to experience the collaboration as it makes its debut on the VMAs stage.

And there's another connection shared by all seven newly announced performers: Lisa, RAYE, Sienna Spiro, Shaboozey, GENER8ION, Gunna, and Yung Lean are all nominated at the 2026 MTV VMAs. So, they will not just be performing. They will also have a reason to stick around and see whether they take home some hardware.

The latest performer announcement follows another major reveal from MTV earlier this week. Madonna will open the 2026 VMAs with her first performance on the show in 23 years.

The Queen of Pop leads this year's nominations with 11 nods across categories that include Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for Confessions II – The Film, and Song of the Year for “Bring Your Love,” her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter.

After more than two decades away from the VMAs performance stage, Madonna's return is one of the night's biggest talking points. Her opening appearance also adds a major piece of pop history to a ceremony filled with artists from different generations.

Madonna isn't the only major name receiving attention at this year's awards. Taylor Swift follows with nine nominations, while Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each earned seven.

Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress, and Zara Larsson received five nominations each. Lisa earned four nominations, while Shakira and Tate McRae each received three.

The wide range of nominees reflects the mix of established stars and newer artists recognized by this year's ceremony. With several of the nominated performers also scheduled to perform, the show will combine awards competition with live musical moments.

Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the 2026 MTV VMAs will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT).

Viewers in the United States can watch the ceremony on CBS, with a simulcast on MTV and streaming available on Paramount+. The show will be available globally on Paramount+ and MTV the following day.

With Madonna opening the ceremony, new artists making their VMAs debuts, and collaborations like “High Noon” and “STORM II” on the schedule, the 2026 VMAs are bringing together plenty of musical moments. Now, fans just have to wait for the lights to come on and the performances to begin.