MTV Video Music Awards removes Best Rock category for 2026

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have removed the ‘Best Rock’ category from its 2026 lineup, ending nearly four decades of continuous recognition for the genre. The decision was confirmed by Paramount, the network's parent company, following the release of the official nominees list in August 2026.

The category has undergone several name changes since its inception in 1989, originally appearing as ‘Best Heavy Metal Video’ before evolving into ‘Best Hard Rock Video’ and eventually ‘Best Rock’ in 2017. Previous winners include prominent acts such as Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Pearl Jam, with Coldplay receiving the final award in 2025.

The 2026 ceremony will feature 13 fan-voted categories, including Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Latina, K-Pop, and Alternative. Madonna leads the nominations with 11, followed by Taylor Swift with nine. The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, airing on MTV, CBS, and Paramount+.