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The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are currently underway, showcasing some of the biggest names in music at one of the year’s most anticipated award ceremonies.
However, fans were left disappointed and frustrated after a tribute to the late George Michael featured performances by Sombr, Raye, and Teddy Swims. Michael, a four-time VMA winner and recipient of the prestigious Video Vanguard Award in 1989, is celebrated as one of music’s all-time greats.
His iconic album Faith marked its 40th anniversary this year, making the tribute especially significant. Despite this, viewers expressed strong dissatisfaction with the tribute, following a similar backlash to Madonna’s opening performance.
On social media platform X, reactions poured in quickly. One user wrote, “They killed George Michael all over again in his VMA tribute.”
Another commented, “Waited to see the MTV tribute to George Michael. Some clown named Sombr started it off singing Faith.
To say he sucked would be an insult to sucking.” Many fans were critical of Sombr’s involvement, questioning the choice to have him perform such an important homage.
“Out of all people to do the George Michael tribute, you’re telling me they got SOMBR to perform one???! DO NOT piss me off,” said another user.
Additional comments described the tribute as “borderline offensive” and lamented that it failed to do justice to George Michael’s legacy.
One viewer respectfully advised, “Stay in your lane, SOMBR. R.I.P. George Michael, and we’re sorry,” while others simply called the performance “disrespectful.”
The ceremony, hosted by Snoop Dogg, includes a blend of live performances, special tributes, and awards honoring achievements in music and music videos. Snoop Dogg, who has received 13 VMA nominations and three wins, reflected on his history with MTV ahead of the event: “MTV and the VMAs have been part of my story since the beginning.
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.”
Madonna made a notable return, performing at the VMAs for the first time in 23 years. Other artists featured throughout the night include Lisa, Raye, Shaboozey, Gunna, Sienna Spiro, Gener8ion, and Yung Lean.
Several special tributes are part of the evening’s program. Kacey Musgraves honors Dolly Parton, while George Michael’s legacy is celebrated through performances by Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims.
Among the ceremony’s major honors, Nirvana is set to receive the Video Vanguard Award, and Taylor Swift will be recognized with the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. Madonna leads the nominations with 11, followed closely by Swift with nine, and Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter, each with seven.
As the night progresses, the VMAs continue to celebrate the diverse talents and legacies within the music industry, even as some moments spark passionate debate among fans.