Some of the biggest names in music skipped the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on September 27, despite racking up multiple nominations.

Ariana Grande was a no-show amid reports she is taking a public break, while Harry Styles and Zara Larsson also stayed away. Their absences were the talk of the night, with fans speculating about the reasons behind each decision.

The nominations had been led by Madonna, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter, setting up what promised to be a star-studded showdown. Instead, several of the night’s most-nominated artists watched from afar.

Award-show absences have become increasingly common as artists weigh the promotional value of attending against packed schedules. The VMAs still delivered viral moments, but the empty seats told their own story about music’s shifting priorities.

The night’s winners will dominate coverage in the coming days. For the absent stars, the skipped ceremony is unlikely to dent their standing, with fan bases that dwarf the awards’ television audience.