Bruno Mars won Best R&B at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards for his hit song “I Just Might.” Bruno Mars added another MTV Video Music Award to his career on Sunday, September 27, after “I Just Might” won Best R&B at the 2026 VMAs.
The award was Mars’ second win in the Best R&B category. His first came in 2021, when Silk Sonic, his group with Anderson .Paak, won the award for “Leave the Door Open.”
Mars was not at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to receive the award. He was performing the same night at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as part of his The Romantic Tour.
Even though he was away from the ceremony, Mars still appeared during the VMAs through a pre-recorded performance of “Dance With Me” from his tour. His performance was included among the night's major musical moments.
“I Just Might” faced competition from Chris Brown’s “It Depends/Obvious,” Dave and Tems’ “Raindance,” Justin Bieber’s “YUKON,” Kehlani’s “Folded,” and Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis’ “Is It a Crime.”
The award adds to a strong year for Mars. “I Just Might” was released in January 2026 as the lead single from his album The Romantic. The song later reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Mars entered the 2026 VMAs with nominations in major categories, including Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, Best R&B, Best Direction and Best Editing. “I Just Might” was also nominated for Video of the Year, but Taylor Swift won that award for “The Fate of Ophelia.”
The 2026 VMAs were hosted by Snoop Dogg at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Madonna and Taylor Swift were among the biggest winners of the night, while Mars left the ceremony with the Best R&B award for “I Just Might.”
