Madonna Dominates VMA Nominations; Taylor Swift on Verge of History
Madonna Leads 2026 MTV Video Music Awards Nominations with 11 Nods
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) nominations are here, and pop legend Madonna is leading the pack with a whopping 11 nominations. The awards show celebrates the best music videos and artists of the year.
Madonna’s Historic Career at the VMAs
Madonna isn’t just leading this year—she’s made VMA history multiple times:
- Nominated in every decade of her musical career (that’s 40+ years!)
- 19 competitive VMA wins under her belt
- First solo female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award (1986) — this is basically a lifetime achievement award for music video excellence
Important Point: If Madonna wins all 11 awards this year, she’ll tie Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins ever — 30 each. Eminem holds the record for male artists with 15 wins.
Taylor Swift Close Behind with 9 Nominations
Taylor Swift follows Madonna with 9 nominations. Here’s why that’s a big deal:
- If Swift wins even one award, she becomes the most-awarded artist in VMA history (breaking the 30-win tie)
- She’s up for major categories like Video of the Year and Artist of the Year
Other Top Nominees
| Artist | Nominations |
|---|---|
| Ariana Grande | 7 |
| Sabrina Carpenter | 7 |
| Bruno Mars | 5 |
| PinkPantheress | 5 |
| Zara Larsson | 5 |
| LISA (BLACKPINK) | 4 |
| Shakira | 3 |
| Tate McRae | 3 |
| GENER8ION | 3 |
| Yung Lean | 3 |
Artist of the Year Nominees
These six artists are competing for the top honor:
- Madonna
- Taylor Swift
- Ariana Grande
- Bruno Mars
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Morgan Wallen
Video of the Year Nominees (The Biggest Prize)
The most prestigious award of the night goes to one of these videos:
- Taylor Swift – "The Fate of Ophelia"
- Madonna – "Confessions II — The Film"
- Ariana Grande – "Hate That I Made You Love Me"
- Bruno Mars – "I Just Might"
- Sabrina Carpenter – "Tear"
- GENER8ION – "Storm" (starring Yung Lean)
When & Where to Watch
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, September 27, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM Eastern / 4:30 PM Pacific |
| Location | Peacock Theater, Los Angeles |
| TV Broadcast | CBS (live) |
| Simulcast | MTV |
| Streaming (US) | Paramount+ (live) |
| Global Streaming | Paramount+ & MTV (next day) |
Exciting New Additions This Year
26 First-Time Nominees!
Fresh faces getting their first VMA recognition include:
- K-pop boy band CORTIS
- Viral "Boston" singer Stella Lefty
- Don Toliver, Kali Uchis, Noah Kahan, Olivia Dean, Tucker Wetmore, Sienna Spiro
Best Dance Category Returns!
After a 7-year hiatus, the Best Dance category is back with nominees like:
- Tate McRae – "Nobody’s Girl"
- Bebe Rexha & Faithless – "New Religion"
- Harry Styles – "Aperture"
- Lady Gaga & Doechii – "Runway"
- Madonna – "Confessions II — The Film"
- PinkPantheress – "Stateside" (with Zara Larsson)
- Slayyyter – "Dance …"
Fan Voting Details
You can help decide the winners!
- Voting opened: Tuesday (announcement day)
- Voting closes: September 25 at 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT
- Categories open for fan voting: 13 categories
- Special note: Best New Artist voting stays open during the live show
Important Point: Fan votes count! Make your voice heard before the deadline.
CBS & Award Shows
CBS is becoming an awards show powerhouse:
- Home to the Tony Awards and American Music Awards
- Has aired the Grammys since 1973
- Note: Grammys move to ABC in 2027
Summary
- Madonna leads with 11 nominations, potentially tying the all-time win record
- Taylor Swift has 9 nominations and could become the sole record-holder with just one win
- 26 first-time nominees bring fresh energy to the ceremony
- Best Dance category returns after 7 years
- Watch live on CBS September 27 at 7:30 PM ET from LA’s Peacock Theater
- Fan voting open now through September 25 for 13 categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the most VMAs ever?
Currently a three-way tie between Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Madonna (if she sweeps) at 30 wins each. Eminem leads male artists with 15.
Can I vote for the winners?
Yes! Fan voting is open for 13 categories until September 25 at 6 PM ET. Best New Artist voting continues during the live show.
Where can I watch if I don’t have cable?
Stream live on Paramount+ (US) or watch next day globally on Paramount+ and MTV.
What’s the Video Vanguard Award?
It’s MTV’s lifetime achievement award for music video innovation. Madonna was the first solo female recipient in 1986.
Why is the Best Dance category special this year?
It’s returning after a 7-year absence, recognizing dance/electronic music videos — a genre that’s huge right now!
Article based on Associated Press reporting. Corrections noted: Lady Gaga and Doechii’s song is titled "Runway" (not "Runway" as previously misspelled).