Snoop Dogg Takes Credit for Bringing VMAs to L.A. in Opening Monologue: ‘Biggest Party the VMAs Has Ever Seen’
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Snoop Dogg hosted the MTV Video Music Awards at Los Angeles's Peacock Theatre on Sunday, 27 September, marking the ceremony's return to the West Coast after being based on the East Coast since 2018. During his opening monologue, the legendary rapper joked that he had negotiated the show's relocation to his home city, claiming he had initially declined the hosting role until organisers agreed to move the event to Los Angeles. He promised attendees an unprecedented celebration, declaring it would be "the biggest party the VMAs has ever seen."
The 54-year-old entertained the crowd with various comedic moments, including announcing a special surprise for all award winners—a reference to his signature "sticky icky." Snoop welcomed fellow performers and guests including Madonna, who opened the show, and Taylor Swift. He concluded his monologue with a knock-knock joke about "Deez Nuts." The article notes his extensive history with the VMAs, dating back to 1993 when he performed "Murder Was the Case" from his debut album Doggystyle.
- Snoop Dogg hosted the VMAs in Los Angeles, claiming he negotiated the show's West Coast return
- He promised the biggest party in VMA history and gifted all winners his signature product
- His VMA involvement spans three decades, beginning in 1993
Full account
Snoop Dogg took the stage as host of the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on 27 September, adding hosting duties to his storied career spanning several decades. The event marked a notable return for the prestigious award ceremony to the West Coast, representing its first Los Angeles edition since 2017. The hip-hop icon, who boasts a rich history with the VMAs dating back to his 1993 debut performance, presided over the evening in what proved to be a significant cultural moment.
During his opening address, Snoop Dogg recounted his negotiations with event organisers regarding the show's location. He claimed to have initially refused to participate unless the ceremony relocated to his hometown, recalling that producers subsequently called back to confirm the move to Los Angeles. The rapper capitalised on this moment, pledging an uncommonly extravagant celebration and proclaiming the evening would rank among the most elaborate parties the VMAs had ever hosted. He further announced that he would bestow special gifts upon all award winners throughout the night.
The host's contributions extended beyond ceremonial duties, encompassing musical performances and comedic moments. He opened his remarks with a tribute to Madonna, the evening's opening performer and multiple award recipient, before introducing fellow artists to the stage. This included British singer Raye, making her VMA debut with performances from her recent releases. Snoop himself performed portions of his own recordings, encouraging audience participation in completing familiar lyrics. His performance repertoire and comedic interludes maintained momentum throughout the broadcast.
The ceremony received wide distribution across multiple platforms, including traditional television broadcasts and digital streaming services. Snoop Dogg's hosting assignment underscored his continued prominence within the music industry; his career has yielded thirteen VMA nominations and three wins to date. His selection as host represented not merely a recognition of his historical significance but also a symbolic affirmation of the music industry's relationship with the West Coast as a centre of cultural production.
Where outlets differ
Source 2 provides historical context that the 2017 Los Angeles ceremony was hosted by Katy Perry at The Forum, whilst Source 1 only notes the VMAs have been on the East Coast since 2018, without specifying the previous LA date.
Source 2 includes a specific joke Snoop made about Madonna ('ain't a virgin no more'), which Source 1 omits entirely.
Source 1 emphasizes Snoop's stand-up attempt concluding with a 'Deez Nuts' joke; Source 2 does not mention this.
Source 2 provides extensive detail about other performers and attendees (Shaboozey, Lisa, Bruno Mars, Raye), whilst Source 1 mentions only Madonna and Taylor Swift.
Source 2 specifies broadcast outlets (CBS, MTV, Paramount+ Premium), whilst Source 1 does not include transmission information.
Source 1 includes Snoop's age (54), which Source 2 does not mention.
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