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NEW YORK, July 9, 2026 — Tate McRae’s 2025 MTV Video Music Awards performance has earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography. It is only the second VMA performance in history to achieve this. Michael Jackson’s 1995 appearance was the first.
The nomination is for a medley of “Sports Car” and “Revolving Door.” The choreography, executed live at the 2025 VMAs, was submitted for the 2026 Emmy Awards in the variety or reality program category. Jackson’s 1995 medley of “Dangerous” and “You Are Not Alone” won the Emmy in 1996.
McRae’s performance channeled Jackson’s iconic legacy through precision and theatricality. Sharp transitions, crowd engagement, and emotional storytelling through dance were key elements. Billboard Canada confirmed the nomination details, noting the medley’s structure. InMusicBlog explicitly framed the achievement as “a historic milestone” and “only Michael Jackson achieved before.”
The 2025 VMA stage saw McRae blend contemporary pop with Jackson-esque athleticism. Her dance moves included sudden stops, isolated body rolls, and synchronized group formations. The staging used minimal props, forcing focus on the choreography itself. This mirrors Jackson’s 1995 approach, where lighting and camera work amplified his physicality.
| Performer | Year | VMA Medley | Emmy Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Jackson | 1995 | “Dangerous” / “You Are Not Alone” | Won (1996) |
| Tate McRae | 2025 | “Sports Car” / “Revolving Door” | Nominated (2026) |
The Emmy nomination elevates live television performance as an art form. It gives McRae credibility as a performer and signals a new career trajectory. The stakes are high. Just as the World Cup showcases athletic excellence—Spain faced Belgium in a second quarterfinal on the same day the nomination was announced—the Emmys spotlight choreographic excellence. Both are global stages for peak human performance.
Fan reactions on social media immediately compared McRae’s athleticism to Jackson’s. “She moved like he did in the 90s,” one user wrote. Critics praised the seamless blend of “Sports Car” and “Revolving Door,” calling it a masterclass in pop choreography. The InMusicBlog source noted that Doja Cat and Post Malone also performed at the 2025 VMAs, but only McRae’s set received the Emmy nod.
Can McRae win? The category is competitive. But the historical context is stark: only two VMA performances have ever been nominated, and one won. If McRae wins, she will cement her status as a dance-pop icon. If she loses, the nomination alone has already linked her name to Jackson’s legacy.
The journey from the 2025 VMAs to the 2026 Emmy nomination is complete. McRae’s performance is now part of Emmy history. Watch the medley online. Follow the awards ceremony in September.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Which Emmy category is Tate McRae nominated for?
- A: Outstanding Choreography for variety or reality program.
- Q: Who else achieved this VMA-to-Emmy feat before McRae?
- A: Michael Jackson, for his 1995 VMA performance of ‘Dangerous’ and ‘You Are Not Alone’, which won the Emmy in 1996.
- Q: What songs did Tate McRae perform in the nominated medley?
- A: A medley of ‘Sports Car’ and ‘Revolving Door’.
- Q: How did McRae’s performance channel Michael Jackson’s legacy?
- A: Through sharp transitions, crowd engagement, emotional storytelling, sudden stops, isolated body rolls, and synchronized formations, emphasizing choreography over props.
Extended Reading
- Tate McRae’s 2025 VMA Performance Earns an Emmy Nomination — Billboard Canada
- Tate McRae Reaches an Emmy Milestone Only Michael Jackson Achieved Before — InMusicBlog
- World Cup updates: Spain take on Belgium in second quarterfinal — ESPN
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