Raye Makes Solo VMAs Debut With Two-Song Set
Raye performed as a solo artist for the first time at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on 28 September.
She opened with “I Will Overcome,” a song that references the legacy of Amy Winehouse. She then moved straight into “Where Is My Husband?” The two-song set was the centre of her solo debut at the awards, Rolling Stone.
She began in a floor-length white fur coat. She changed into a glimmering red dress for “Where Is My Husband?” She sang the full set barefoot.
The staging stayed simple and let the music carry the shift between songs. The second song included an updated recording from her grandmother, whose voice is also heard on the original studio version. The performance also wove in part of “Funkytown.”
“Where Is My Husband?” was the lead single from her second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope, released in March. The track was nominated for Song of the Year at this year’s VMAs. It peaked at Number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, the US singles chart. That result gave her a new career high on that chart.
Raye took on a second role later in the ceremony. She joined Sombr and Teddy Swims for a tribute to George Michael. Adam Blackstone served as musical director for the tribute, which was organised as one of the night’s ensemble moments, Billboard.
She arrived with two nominations at the 2026 ceremony. She was already a two-time VMAs winner before the night began. She had been announced as an additional performer alongside LISA and Sienna Spiro, Billboard.
What makes this stand out for people watching at home is the family thread. The updated recording from her grandmother linked the live version directly to the studio cut. For fans, this means the solo debut carried both new material and a personal connection that was easy to hear in the room.
