Taylor Swift and Madonna dominated the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards as the star-studded ceremony delivered major wins, emotional tributes and memorable performances in Los Angeles.
Swift made history during the ceremony after becoming the most-awarded artist in MTV VMA history. She entered the night tied with Beyoncé at 30 wins but moved ahead after collecting three awards, taking her career total to 33.
The biggest moment came when Swift won Video of the Year for her hit “The Fate of Ophelia,” earning her a record-breaking sixth victory in the category.
While accepting the award, Swift turned her attention to the late country music icon Dolly Parton, dedicating the honour to her and describing her as “the ultimate showgirl.”
Swift praised Parton’s songwriting and storytelling, saying she felt fortunate to have shared the world with her. Parton died in August at the age of 80.
Swift’s historic night did not end with Video of the Year. She also received the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, recognising artists whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music videos and visual storytelling. She additionally won Best Direction for “Opalite.”
Another major moment came when Swift premiered the music video for “Patient Zero,” a new song featuring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell. Swift directed the visual, continuing her increasing involvement in the creative direction of her music videos.
Meanwhile, Madonna proved once again why she remains one of the most recognisable names in VMA history.
The pop icon led the night’s winners with seven awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Dance Video for “Confessions II – The Film.” She also shared the Best Collaboration award with Sabrina Carpenter for their song “Bring Your Love.”
Madonna opened the ceremony alongside Carpenter, performing “Bring Your Love,” before Charli XCX joined her for “Danceteria Afterhours.” Her return to the VMA stage came more than two decades after her previous appearance.
During her acceptance speeches, Madonna looked back at her first VMAs appearance in 1984 and recalled the infamous wardrobe and shoe mishap that nearly convinced her then-manager that her career was over.
She also spoke about spending the past year and a half rediscovering herself and creating music that reflected what she wanted as an artist.
Her collaboration with Carpenter also produced one of the evening’s lighter moments. Madonna revealed that after waiting several days for a response from Carpenter’s team about working together, she eventually sent Carpenter a direct message herself.
Carpenter appeared surprised by the revelation and later clarified that her team does respond to messages.
The night also delivered a major honour for rock legends Nirvana, who received the Video Vanguard Award.
Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and touring guitarist Pat Smear accepted the honour, with Novoselic remembering late frontman Kurt Cobain and describing him as “one of one.” The award recognised the band’s lasting influence on music videos and popular music.
Elsewhere, Sienna Spiro was named Best New Artist following a breakthrough year that included her hit “Die on This Hill” and debut album “Visitor.”
BLACKPINK’s Lisa also secured the Best Pop Video award for her solo song “Dream,” while a star-studded tribute celebrated the music of the late George Michael.
Sombr, RAYE, Adam Lambert and Teddy Swims took part in the tribute, performing songs associated with the British pop legend.
The ceremony also featured a tribute to Dolly Parton, with Kacey Musgraves performing “I Will Always Love You” in honour of the late singer.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the 2026 VMAs brought together some of the biggest names in music at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
But by the end of the night, two names stood out above the rest: Madonna, who led the awards haul with seven trophies, and Swift, whose latest victories pushed her to an unprecedented 33 MTV Video Music Awards and cemented another record in her already historic career.
