The MTV Video Music Awards have removed the Best Rock category from the 2026 nominations, according to NME. The category is not part of this year’s slate, which was announced on Wednesday, August 19.
In its place, the VMAs have added Best Alternative. That category includes nominations for Geese, Tame Impala, Olivia Rodrigo, Sombr, Noah Kahan and more.
Rock categories have been part of the VMAs since 1989, when Best Heavy Metal Video was first introduced. Over the years, it changed names several times before becoming Best Rock in recent years.
The update comes one year after the awards show paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with performances from Yungblud and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. This year’s ceremony is set for September 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will air live on CBS, MTV and Paramount+.
