The MTV VMAs: Taylor Swift is set to make history; Madonna leads the nominations
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards have begun, and Swifties have cause for celebration. Taylor Swift is poised to make history at the event, receiving the inaugural Artist Director Honors. This accolade makes her the most decorated artist in VMA history, with a total of 31 awards. Swift is currently tied with Beyoncé at 30, while Eminem holds the record for most VMAs with 15.
She will also premiere the music video for her new single, "Patient Zero," featuring Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson. The 2026 VMAs will take place on September 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marking the first time the event has been held outside of New York or New Jersey since 2017. Snoop Dogg, a 13-time VMA nominee and three-time winner, will host the show.
Madonna leads the nominations with 11 awards up for grabs, followed closely by Taylor Swift with nine. Other notable nominees include Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress, and Zara Larsson, each with five nominations. Madonna will kick off the show, marking her first appearance at the VMAs in 23 years. Kacey Musgraves will pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton, while Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims will honor George Michael.
Other performers include GENER8ION with Yung Lean, Shaboozey with Gunna, as well as Lisa and Sienna Spiro.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
