Shaboozey brings out Gunna for VMAs debut in Los Angeles

Shaboozey made his MTV Video Music Awards debut in Los Angeles on Sept. 27 with two songs and one guest.

The singer opened with "Cowgirl" before Gunna walked out mid-set. The pair then performed "High Noon" together, with Gunna delivering his guest verse live. It was the first broadcast performance of the collaboration, Yahoo Entertainment reported ahead of the show.

"Cowgirl" comes from Shaboozey's latest album, The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales. He released the record on July 31 via EMPIRE, the independent label and distributor. It debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, the United States albums chart that combines sales and streams, and reached No. 1 on the Independent Albums chart for releases outside the major-label system, Billboard reported.

Both songs arrived with visuals. Shaboozey released cinematic video versions of "Cowgirl" first, then followed with a video for "High Noon" featuring Gunna, according to Country Standard Time.

Shaboozey entered the night with two nominations. He was shortlisted for best country. The "Cowgirl" visual was shortlisted for best cinematography, the award for camera work.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards aired as a live programme on CBS and Paramount+ from Los Angeles. Shaboozey and Gunna were part of a performance line-up that also included Lisa.

For fans, this means two new-album songs now have a live version on record. "Cowgirl" opened the set alone. "High Noon" closed it as a duet.