Madonna Dominates 2026 MTV Video Music Awards Nominations, Swift Close Behind
Madonna leads the pack with 11 nominations for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, surpassing Taylor Swift, who follows closely with nine nods. This year's nominations mark Madonna's longstanding connection with the VMAs since its inception in 1984. She is up for video, artist, and song of the year, among other technical and performance categories.
Swift's nine nominations include video and artist of the year, with recognition for "The Fate of Ophelia," while Madonna competes for video of the year with "Confessions II — The Film." Swift, with 30 career VMA wins, is tied with Beyoncé for the most wins in the show's history. A single win this year would make Swift the record holder. If Madonna secures all 11 nominations, she would also reach 30 career wins.
Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter follow closely with seven nominations each. Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress, and Zara Larsson received five nods, while LISA of Blackpink garnered four. Shakira, Tate McRae, GENER8ION, and Yung Lean each earned three nominations. The artist of the year category also includes Grande, Mars, Carpenter, and Morgan Wallen alongside Madonna and Swift.
The 2026 ceremony will introduce 26 first-time nominees, including Noah Kahan, Kali Uchis, Olivia Dean, and Don Toliver. The best dance category is making a comeback after a seven-year hiatus. Fan voting is currently open in 13 categories and will continue until September 25, just two days before the ceremony.
The two-hour VMAs will take place on September 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, airing live on CBS and MTV, with streaming available on Paramount+ in the United States. This year's ceremony marks the VMAs' return to Los Angeles after several years of being held in New York and New Jersey.