Snoop Dogg to host 2026 MTV Video Music Awards as ceremony returns to West Coast

Snoop Dogg is set to host the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards as the ceremony prepares to return to the West Coast for the first time since 2017.

MTV announced the news on September 10, confirming that the rapper will take on hosting duties when the VMAs are staged in Los Angeles on September 27. The event will mark a major return for the ceremony after last year’s show was hosted by LL Cool J in New York.

For Snoop Dogg, the hosting job adds another major live television role to an already extensive list of entertainment appearances. The rapper has worked with NBC on coverage surrounding both the Summer and Winter Olympics, served as a coach on The Voice and fronted his own New Year’s Eve special for the network. He also joined Dr Dre for the star studded West Coast performance at the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

The VMAs also hold personal significance for Snoop, who has been connected to MTV since the early stages of his career. In a statement announcing his hosting role, he described the opportunity as a full circle moment and reflected on the platform MTV gave hip hop during his rise to prominence.

Snoop also highlighted his relationship with Van Toffler, who is serving as a producer for this year’s ceremony. Toffler held senior positions at MTV during an important period in the network’s history and has a longstanding professional connection with Snoop.

The 2026 VMAs are also shaping up as a major night for several of music’s biggest names. Madonna leads this year’s nominations with 11 nods, including Video of the Year for “Confessions II: The Film”, as well as Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Bring Your Love”.

Taylor Swift follows closely with nine nominations. Her song “The Fate of Ophelia” is nominated for Video of the Year, Best Pop and Best Cinematography, while Swift is also competing for Artist of the Year.

Another major announcement involves Nirvana, which will receive the Video Vanguard Award during the ceremony. The honour adds a significant rock music presence to an event otherwise dominated by some of the biggest names in contemporary pop.

The 2026 VMAs will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27. The ceremony is scheduled to air on CBS from 7:30pm to 9:30pm ET and will be simulcast on MTV. In the United States, the event will also stream on Paramount+ Premium, with the ceremony becoming available internationally on Paramount+ and MTV the following day.

Snoop Dogg is taking on additional responsibilities beyond hosting, as he is also listed among the executive producers for the ceremony. Van Toffler serves as producer, while Jesse Ignjatovic, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer are among the executive producers.