Which artists will perform at this year’s MTV VMA awards?
The MTV VMA awards remain a marquee night for music fans, pulling together headline names to celebrate the year in video and performance. The 2021 edition captured that energy at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on September 12, with a lineup that mixed established stars and breakout voices. Viewers tuned in to see who would claim the trophies and who would deliver the most talked-about set.
Bieber Fever?
Justin Bieber returned to the VMA stage after a six-year absence, marking his first appearance since 2015. He performed “Stay” with The Kid Laroi and solo on “Ghost,” delivering the kind of polished pop moment the show is built around. Bieber arrived as the most-nominated artist with nine nods, including Artist of the Year, Best Pop, and Best Collaboration for “Peaches.” He ultimately took home two awards, including Best Pop, confirming the comeback carried both critical and commercial weight.
Other artists
The 2021 performer roster read like a snapshot of pop’s dominant voices at the time. Olivia Rodrigo brought the momentum of her debut album SOUR, while Lorde returned with Solar Power. Lil Nas X previewed material ahead of his debut album release, and Doja Cat handled hosting duties in addition to performing. The bill also featured Shawn Mendes, Machine Gun Kelly, Kacey Musgraves, Camila Cabello, Foo Fighters, and Chlöe, giving the night a wide stylistic range from indie to rock to hip-hop.
Doja Cat's Evolving VMA Role
Doja Cat’s 2021 hosting gig established her as a VMA fixture, and she has maintained a steady presence since. She performed the live debut of “Jealous Type” at the 2025 show and has remained both a nominee and stage regular since her 2020 debut. Her continued appearances illustrate how the franchise rewards artists who treat the VMAs as an ongoing platform rather than a one-off stop.
Notable VMA Performances Since 2021
Later editions have kept the bar high. The 2025 lineup included Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, and Post Malone, each delivering sets that leaned into spectacle and surprise. Venue shifts and evolving production have changed the visual language of the show, but the emphasis on live debuts and high-stakes collaborations has stayed consistent.
VMAs Venue and Broadcast Changes
The 2021 event anchored itself at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. By 2025 the production moved to UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The 2026 show is scheduled for September 27 in the Los Angeles area, the first return to that market since 2017. These location changes reflect both logistical needs and the network’s interest in rotating the spotlight across different regional audiences.
Impact of 2021 Winners on Artist Careers
Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo, and BTS each collected three awards that night, a haul that accelerated their mainstream trajectories. Justin Bieber’s two wins added to an already dominant year. The results underscored how VMA recognition can translate into sustained chart presence and touring leverage in the years that follow.
How to Watch Recent and Upcoming VMAs
Recent and upcoming broadcasts have expanded reach through simulcasts on CBS and Paramount+. The show airs live on both coasts, allowing viewers to choose between linear and streaming options. This multi-platform approach keeps the VMAs accessible whether fans prefer traditional television or on-demand replays.
The 2021 VMAs captured a particular moment when a new generation of artists shared the stage with proven headliners. Tracking how those performers have evolved since, and how the show itself has adapted its venues and distribution, gives a clearer picture of the franchise’s staying power. The awards continue to serve as both a year-end snapshot and a forward-looking stage for the artists who keep returning.
