Ariana Grande was one of the biggest winners at the MTV Video Music Awards 2026, held Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles — but she was not in the room. Grande skipped the ceremony after announcing, in August 2026, a planned break from public-facing work following the close of her Eternal Sunshine Tour, saying she wanted to step away from the endless, ongoing public scrutiny that comes with life in the spotlight.
Key facts
- Grande entered the 2026 VMAs with eight nominations: Video of the Year, Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Visual Effects, Song of the Summer and Best Artist.
- She won two awards: Song of the Summer and Best Visual Effects, both for "hate that i made you love me."
- Her Eternal Sunshine Tour concluded on September 1, 2026, at London's O2 Arena.
- In August 2026, her team announced that she would be taking a break from public-facing work and appearances.
What she and her team said
Her representative said Grande looked forward to "taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny."
Grande told fans on tour that the decision was "not a reactive or impulsive thing," but something "I had decided to plan that I had quietly made a long time ago," made from "a thoughtful and empowered place."
The bigger picture
According to reports, coverage of the pause has framed it around the ongoing body-focused public scrutiny she has faced. The Barbican has confirmed she has withdrawn from the West End revival of "Sunday in the Park with George." She remains committed to promoting her upcoming film "Focker-in-Law." For the full recap of the night, see the MTV Video Music Awards 2026 winners list and show highlights.
FAQ
Why did Ariana Grande skip the 2026 VMAs?
She had already announced in August 2026 that she was stepping back from public-facing work after her Eternal Sunshine Tour ended, describing it as a planned, thoughtful break.
Did Ariana Grande win anything at the 2026 VMAs?
Yes — Song of the Summer and Best Visual Effects for "hate that i made you love me."
When did the Eternal Sunshine Tour end?
The tour concluded on September 1, 2026, at London's O2 Arena.
Is Ariana Grande retiring from music?
No; coverage describes a planned break from public appearances, not retirement; she remains committed to promoting her upcoming film "Focker-in-Law."
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