Nirvana follow in the footsteps of the likes of Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, The Beatles, Guns N’ Roses and Kanye West in be bestowed with the honour.
Nirvana will receive the Video Vanguard Award at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
The grunge legends – whose frontman, Kurt Cobain, died by suicide in April 1994 at the age of 27 – will be honoured with the prestigious accolade on September 27.
Wednesday (09.09.26) marked 34 years since Kurt, Dave Grohl, and Krist Novoselic performed Smells Like Teen Spirit and Lithium at the 1992 VMAs. The Come As You Are rockers also took home Best New Artist and Best Alternative Video for Smells Like Teen Spirit at the ceremony.
The group has a history with MTV, having played an iconic MTV Unplugged In New York set in 1993 that was released 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 is once again at the forefront of MTV’s biggest night, with 11 nominations in total.
The network confirmed the full list last month, noting that her latest sweep stretches across the entire span of her career – which includes 19 competitive VMAs and the honour of being the first solo woman to receive the Video Vanguard Award back in 1986.
As well as Artist of the Year, Madonna is nominated for Video of the Year and Song of the Year for her Sabrina Carpenter collaboration Bring Your Love and Video of the Year for Confessions II – The Film.
Taylor Swift sits just behind her with nine nominations, giving her a clear path to becoming the most decorated artist in VMA history. A single win would push her past the current record. Taylor’s nods include Video of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia, Artist of the Year, Best Pop.
Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each scored seven nods, with Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson close behind on five. LISA followed with four nominations, while Shakira, Tate McRae, GENER8ION and Yung Lean all picked up three.
The Artist of the Year shortlist also features Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter and Morgan Wallen.
The 2026 MTV VMAs will air live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, beginning at 7.30pm. ET / 4.30 p.m. PT. The show will simulcast on MTV and stream on Paramount+ in the US.
