Taylor Swift will premiere the music video for her new single "Patient Zero" during tonight's 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, CBS and MTV announced, adding a headline moment to a show that is already packed with tributes and star turns.
The VMAs air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 PM ET on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ Premium in the US. The show will be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.
"Patient Zero" is the latest single from Swift's new album "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore," which began streaming on Friday. The video is directed by Swift herself and stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson, with cinematography by Academy Award winner Emmanuel Lubezki, whose credits include "The Revenant," "Birdman" and "Gravity."
CBS Mornings offered viewers an exclusive first look at the video earlier in the week, building anticipation for the premiere. The announcement leans on a long VMAs tradition of turning the show into a launchpad for major music moments.
Tonight's ceremony is hosted by Snoop Dogg and features a tribute performance to George Michael by RAYE, sombr and Teddy Swims, marking 40 years since his career-defining album "Faith."
CBS and MTV also confirmed the presenter lineup, which includes Alex Warren, Belmont Cameli, Brandon Sklenar, Charli xcx, Ciara Miller, David Corenswet, Ella Bright, Isabel May, Jeff Probst, Rachel Dratch, Teyana Taylor, Troye Sivan and Tyla.
Sources:
- The Futon Critic: Taylor Swift's New Single "Patient Zero" Music Video to World Premiere During the "2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)" Sunday, Sept. 27 on CBS — http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/...s-sunday-sept-27-on-cbs-609413/20260924cbs01/
- The Futon Critic: Presenters Announced for the "2026 Video Music Awards (VMAs)" Airing Sunday, Sept. 27 on CBS — http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2026...ng-sunday-sept-27-on-cbs-78515/20260924cbs03/
The VMAs air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 PM ET on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ Premium in the US. The show will be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.
"Patient Zero" is the latest single from Swift's new album "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore," which began streaming on Friday. The video is directed by Swift herself and stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson, with cinematography by Academy Award winner Emmanuel Lubezki, whose credits include "The Revenant," "Birdman" and "Gravity."
CBS Mornings offered viewers an exclusive first look at the video earlier in the week, building anticipation for the premiere. The announcement leans on a long VMAs tradition of turning the show into a launchpad for major music moments.
Tonight's ceremony is hosted by Snoop Dogg and features a tribute performance to George Michael by RAYE, sombr and Teddy Swims, marking 40 years since his career-defining album "Faith."
CBS and MTV also confirmed the presenter lineup, which includes Alex Warren, Belmont Cameli, Brandon Sklenar, Charli xcx, Ciara Miller, David Corenswet, Ella Bright, Isabel May, Jeff Probst, Rachel Dratch, Teyana Taylor, Troye Sivan and Tyla.
Sources:
- The Futon Critic: Taylor Swift's New Single "Patient Zero" Music Video to World Premiere During the "2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)" Sunday, Sept. 27 on CBS — http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/...s-sunday-sept-27-on-cbs-609413/20260924cbs01/
- The Futon Critic: Presenters Announced for the "2026 Video Music Awards (VMAs)" Airing Sunday, Sept. 27 on CBS — http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2026...ng-sunday-sept-27-on-cbs-78515/20260924cbs03/
