The list of award categories and nominees for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) has been unveiled, marking a significant shift in the event’s long-standing format. Notably absent this year is the Best Rock category, a staple of the VMAs since its inception. While the Best Alternative category remains, it seems to cater to a different musical landscape, one that diverges from the traditional heavy and loud sounds typically associated with rock music.
Changes to the Rock Category
Inquiries made by Loudwire to MTV’s parent company, Paramount, regarding the elimination of the Best Rock category went unanswered, although the company did acknowledge the queries. This change ends a nearly 40-year legacy for the category, which has seen numerous influential artists take home the award.
A Brief History of the Best Rock Category
The journey of rock representation at the VMAs began in 1989 with the introduction of the Best Heavy Metal Video award. Over the years, this category evolved, but it consistently recognized the genre’s most iconic acts, including Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Pearl Jam. However, since around 2010, the nominees have leaned heavily towards alt-rock and pop-rock, with artists like Coldplay and Imagine Dragons frequently occupying the nomination slots, while modern hard rock has been noticeably absent.
Best Alternative Category for 2026
With the removal of the rock category, the Best Alternative category will be the closest representation for fans of heavier music in 2026. The nominees for this category are:
- Geese – “Taxes” – Partisan Records/Play It Again Sam
- mgk & Fred Durst – “FIX UR FACE” – EST 19XX LLC/Interscope Records
- Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide” – Mercury Records
- Olivia Rodrigo – “the cure” – Geffen Records
- SOMBR – “Homewrecker” – SMB Music/Warner Records
- Tame Impala – “Dracula” – Columbia Records
- twenty one pilots – “Drag Path” – Fueled By Ramen
Last Year’s Best Rock Nominees
In 2025, the Best Rock award was claimed by Coldplay for their song “All My Love,” outperforming notable contenders like Evanescence, Green Day, and Linkin Park.
- Coldplay – “All My Love” (WINNER)
- Evanescence – “Afterlife” (From the Netflix Series Devil May Cry)
- Green Day – “One Eyed Bastard”
- Lenny Kravitz – “Honey”
- Linkin Park – “The Emptiness Machine”
- Twenty One Pilots – “The Contract”
A Tribute to Rock
The 2025 VMAs featured a memorable tribute to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, showcasing performances by Yungblud, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, and more, highlighting the genre’s continuing influence despite its reduced representation this year.
Conclusion
The absence of a dedicated rock category at the 2026 MTV VMAs raises questions about the future of rock music within popular culture. As the music industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how fans and artists respond to these changes in recognition and representation at one of music’s biggest events.
FAQs
Why was the Best Rock category removed from the MTV VMAs?
The specific reasons for the removal of the Best Rock category have not been disclosed by MTV’s parent company, Paramount.
What is the Best Alternative category?
The Best Alternative category is a new focus for the 2026 VMAs, recognizing artists and songs that fall within the alternative music spectrum.
When are the 2026 MTV VMAs taking place?
The 2026 MTV VMAs will occur on September 27, returning to the Los Angeles area for the first time since 2017, held at the Peacock Theater.
Who won the Best Rock award in 2025?
Coldplay won the Best Rock award in 2025 for their song “All My Love.”
