2026 MTV Video Music Awards: Madonna and Taylor Swift Lead the Pack
Madonna leads the nominations for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, with 11 nominations this year. She has a total of 19 competitive wins and was the first solo female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1986. Following Madonna is Taylor Swift with nine nominations, and if she wins, she will become the most-awarded artist in VMA history. Other top nominees include Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress, and Zara Larsson.
The artist of the year category includes Madonna, Swift, Grande, Mars, Carpenter, and Morgan Wallen. The video of the year category features Swift's “The Fate of Ophelia,” Madonna’s “Confessions II — The Film,” Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” Mars' “I Just Might,” Carpenter’s “Tear,” and GENER8ION’s “Storm” starring Yung Lean. The show will air live on CBS on September 27 and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.
This year's Video Music Awards includes 26 first-time nominees, such as GENER8ION, Yung Lean, CORTIS, and Stella Lefty. The best dance category has returned after seven years, with nominees like Tate McRae, Bebe Rexha, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Madonna, PinkPantheress, and Slayyyter. Fan voting is open online until September 25, with the best new artist category remaining active during the show.
In conclusion, the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards promise an exciting lineup of nominees and performances, with Madonna and Taylor Swift leading the pack. Fans can look forward to a night of celebration and recognition for the best in music videos and artists.