2026 MTV VMAs: Madonna wins seven awards, Taylor Swift takes Video of the Year

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Snoop Dogg. According to Pitchfork, Madonna led the field with 13 nominations, tying Lady Gaga’s record for the most in a single night, and won seven of them.

Taylor Swift took Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and also received the inaugural Artist Director Honors award. Madonna was named Artist of the Year, and her “Confessions II” won Best Album. BTS won Song of the Year for “Swim” and Best Group, while Sienna Spiro took Best New Artist. Olivia Rodrigo won Best Alternative for “The Cure,” and Ella Langley won Best Country for “Choosin’ Texas.”

Madonna opened the show, her first VMAs performance since 2003. Kacey Musgraves performed a tribute to Dolly Parton, and Nirvana received the Video Vanguard Award, Loudwire reports.