A delay, lip-sync claims and a pre-taped set: the VMAs 2026 controversies
Fans complained about Bruno Mars’ pre-recorded performance and the 17 awards cut from TV.
The 2026 VMAs started about 20 minutes late because of the Ravens–Cowboys NFL game that aired before it on CBS.
During the opening, some viewers online accused Madonna of lip-syncing. Bruno Mars also drew fire: his “Dance With Me” performance was filmed at a tour stop in Colorado Springs rather than live in Los Angeles, angering fans.
The format was another complaint: only six awards were presented on TV. The other 17, including Song of the Year and Best Album, were handed out off-air — leaving all three of BTS’s wins off screen.
