Snoop Dogg to Host VMAs as Show Returns to West Coast

"Some of the biggest moments of my career happened on that stage and on MTV," said the rap mogul

Snoop Dogg will host the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, marking the show’s return to the West Coast for the first time since 2017.

“MTV and the VMAs have been part of my story since the beginning,” said Snoop Dogg in a statement. “Some of the biggest moments of my career happened on that stage and on MTV – they gave hip-hop a place to be loud, fearless and seen by the whole world. So to come back now and host the VMAs, all these years later, that’s a full-circle moment for me.”

Snoop added that hosting the show with veteran MTV producer Van Toffler “makes it even more special.” He added, “Van was there during those early MTV days when we were changing the culture in real time, and we’ve got a whole lot of history together. Now we get to make some new history. The VMAs have always been about those moments you don’t forget – and trust me, we’re gonna give y’all a few more. See you at the VMAs.”

The rap star is a 13-time VMAs nominee and has received three awards. Snoop made his debut to the VMAs stage in 1994 and later closed the show with Dr. Dre and Eminem in 1999. He returned for a tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. and again for a metaverse-inspired performance with Eminem of their collab track “From the D 2 the LBC” in 2022.

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This year, Madonna leads all nominees with 11, thanks largely to the short film she made for her acclaimed new album, Confessions II. Swift follows with nine nominations. For Video of the Year, the Confessions II short film and “The Fate of Ophelia” will face off with Ariana Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” Bruno Mars’ “I Just Might,” Gener8ion and Yung Lean’s “Storm,” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears.”

The VMAs are scheduled to broadcast live from Los Angeles on Sept. 27, airing simultaneously on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+.