Why Didn't Bruno Mars Perform Live at the MTV VMAs 2026? Here's Where He Was | Just Jared

Bruno Mars made an appearance during the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, but he wasn’t actually performing live from Los Angeles!

The 40-year-old superstar was featured during the awards show on Sunday night (September 27), despite being unable to attend the ceremony in person.

So, why wasn’t Bruno at the VMAs?

Why Wasn’t Bruno Mars Performing Live at the 2026 VMAs?

The answer is pretty simple: Bruno had another concert to perform on Sunday night.

While the VMAs were taking place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Bruno was scheduled to perform a stop on his The Romantic Tour at Falcon Stadium at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

That meant Bruno could not be in Los Angeles for a live VMAs performance, so his appearance during the broadcast did not take place on the awards show’s stage.

Watch the VMAs performance below.

Bruno Mars Had a Big Night at the VMAs Despite Being Absent

Bruno still entered this year’s ceremony as one of its most-nominated artists.

He entered the night with seven nominations, while his song “I Just Might” was among the contenders for major awards including Video of the Year and he was also nominated for Artist of the Year.

“I Just Might” also received nominations for Best R&B, Best Direction and Best Editing in the initial nominations announcement.

His absence had already been expected ahead of the show because of the Colorado Springs tour date.

Find out which other celebrities skipped the 2026 MTV VMAs and why.

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