# 2026 VMAs Top 5 Performances

> Kacey Musgraves, RAYE, and Madonna lead 2026 VMAs with emotional tributes and high-energy shows.
- Title: 2026 VMAs Top 5 Performances · Cosmopolitan | Shortify
- Summary: Kacey Musgraves, RAYE, and Madonna lead 2026 VMAs with emotional tributes and high-energy shows. Kacey Musgraves honored Dolly Parton, RAYE performed a jazz…
- Keywords: kacey musgraves, raye, madonna, vmas 2026, dolly parton, george michael, lisa, 2026, VMAs, Top, Performances, Cosmopolitan
- Source: Cosmopolitan — https://cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/a73917304/best-performances-2026-vmas
- Author: Samantha Olson
- Published: 2026-09-28T02:25:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kacey musgraves, raye, madonna, vmas 2026, dolly parton, george michael, lisa
## Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves honored Dolly Parton with vintage footage and emotional vocals in a tribute performance.

> I Will Always Love You
## RAYE
RAYE performed a jazz tribute with a red gown, pyros, and a fan-favorite hit.

> WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
## George Michael Tribute
Sombr, RAYE, Teddy Swims, Adam Lambert, and others paid tribute to George Michael with his iconic songs.

> Faith
## LISA
LISA delivered a high-energy K-Pop performance with pyros and The Fast and the Furious visuals.

> SaWaDiKa
## Madonna
Madonna returned after 23 years with surprise guests and a gospel choir performance.

> Bring Your Love
## George Michael Tribute
George Michael’s tribute included a performance of 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)' and 'Careless Whisper'.

> I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)
## George Michael Tribute
The tribute honored George Michael’s legacy ahead of his upcoming concert film, George Michael: The Faith Tour.

> George Michael: The Faith Tour
## Key takeaway

Kacey Musgraves honored Dolly Parton, RAYE performed a jazz tribute, and Madonna returned after 23 years with surprise guests.