Musician Bruno Mars skipped the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in person to deliver a virtual performance during the broadcast, broadcasting live from his concert at Falcon Stadium at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado.
The performance was part of his ongoing “The Romantic Tour.” During the awards show, Mars delivered a live rendition of his track “Dance With Me” straight from the Colorado stage.
Mars earned nominations across several major categories for the annual ceremony, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer, and Best Album. These nods follow his 2025 Song of the Year win alongside Rosé for their hit single “APT.”
Although he was not present on the main VMA stage in person, the singer spoke about the importance of live music during an interview. He highlighted the irreplaceable value that physical concerts hold, drawing a clear contrast between traditional live events and modern technological developments.
Falcon Stadium, nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, served as the backdrop for the virtual appearance during a busy tour schedule that features extensive stops across North America, Europe, and upcoming dates in international markets.
