The 2026 MTV VMAs got a delayed television start on CBS on Sunday, September 27, due to the Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys NFL game running over. The awards broadcast aired on a 22-minute delay, though the ceremony proceeded on schedule in person at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The Ravens-Cowboys game was scheduled to conclude before the VMAs’ 7:30 p.m. ET start time, but the fourth quarter extended into the awards programming. The Ravens held a 34-31 lead as the Cowboys appeared poised to attempt a field goal that could have tied the game and sent it to overtime.
Viewers tuned in to see the final moments of the NFL game instead of the VMAs opening. The VMAs announced the delay via X at 7:33 p.m. ET, stating the ceremony would begin after the football game finished. Madonna’s show-opening performance, featuring cameos from Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx, sombr, Julia Garner and Seth Rogen, aired 22 minutes after the live audience saw it.
Social media users expressed frustration with the delay. “This is ridiculous and beyond frustrating,” one viewer wrote on X. “Should have aired live immediately on MTV,” another posted. Some viewers said they planned to cancel Paramount+ subscriptions over the scheduling conflict.
The 2026 VMAs continued as planned following the delay. Taylor Swift was expected to premiere her “Patient Zero” music video during the ceremony and accept the inaugural artist director of the year award. Nirvana was set to receive the Video Vanguard honor.
See Charli XCX live
Upcoming Charli XCX events with tickets available:
- Sep 28, 2026 — Capital One Arena, Washington, District Of Columbia · Get tickets
- Oct 6, 2026 — State Farm Arena – GA, Atlanta, Georgia · Get tickets
- Oct 14, 2026 — Viejas Arena At Aztec Bowl, San Diego, California · Get tickets
- Oct 17, 2026 — The Kia Forum, Inglewood, California · Get tickets
- Oct 18, 2026 — The Kia Forum, Inglewood, California · Get tickets
Tickets are sold by GetUrTix. Code GTIX20 takes 20% off the ticket price at checkout — no minimum, no expiry.
Source: Billboard
