Nirvana is set to be honored with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
The grunge icons—led by Kurt Cobain, who died by suicide in April 1994 at 27—will receive the esteemed prize on September 27.
Wednesday (09.09.26) marked 34 years since Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, and Krist Novoselic performed Smells Like Teen Spirit and Lithium at the 1992 VMAs. The Come As You Are rockers also collected Best New Artist and Best Alternative Video for Smells Like Teen Spirit at that ceremony.
The band has a long relationship with MTV, highlighted by an iconic MTV Unplugged In New York performance in 1993 that surfaced as a live album the following year.
MTV wrote on social media: “This day in 1992, Nirvana took to the VMAs stage for the first time – shaping music, culture, and MTV forever. Nirvana is our 2026 #VMAs Video Vanguard recipient!!! Join us as we celebrate Nirvana‘s incredible legacy on Sunday, September 27 on @CBStv, @MTV, and streaming on @ParamountPlus.”
Madonna again leads MTV’s biggest night, with 11 nominations in total.
The network unveiled the full list last month, noting that her latest haul spans the breadth of her career—encompassing 19 competitive VMAs and the distinction of being the first solo woman to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1986.
In addition to Artist of the Year, Madonna is nominated for Video of the Year and Song of the Year for Bring Your Love, her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, and for Video of the Year for Confessions II – The Film.
Taylor Swift sits just behind with nine nominations, positioning her for a potential record as the most decorated artist in VMA history. A single win could push her past the current mark. Taylor’s nominations include Video of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia, Artist of the Year, and Best Pop.
Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each earned seven nominations, with Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson close behind on five. LISA received four nominations, while Shakira, Tate McRae, GENER8ION and Yung Lean each earned three.
The Artist of the Year shortlist also features Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter and Morgan Wallen.
The 2026 MTV VMAs will broadcast live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, starting at 7.30pm ET / 4.30pm PT. The show will be simulcast on MTV and streamed on Paramount+ in the US.
