Los Angeles – At the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards held at the Peacock Theater, Madonna emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home seven trophies. The pop icon secured the top honor of Artist of the Year, adding Best Collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter for “Bring Your Love” and Best Dance for “Confessions II – The Film.”
Opening performance and other highlights
Madonna opened the ceremony with a high‑energy set featuring Sabrina Carpenter on “Bring Your Love” and Charli XCX on “Danceteria,” marking her first VMAs performance in 23 years. Guest appearances by Julia Garner, Sombr, Debi Mazur and Seth Rogen added to the spectacle.
During her acceptance speech, Madonna thanked her fingers for helping her count, joked about a shoe mishap that led to an accidental flash, and reflected on her career’s evolution from dancing in New York to becoming a global music icon.
Other award winners
Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for the self‑directed “The Fate of Ophelia,” dedicating the award to Dolly Parton, who was honored in a tribute by Kacey Musgraves. Swift also received the inaugural Artist Director Honors from Dakota Johnson and the award for Best Direction for “Opalite.”
Kacey Musgraves paid homage to the late Dolly Parton, performing “I Will Always Love You” in a pre‑taped segment. The ceremony also featured a tribute to Nirvana, which received the Video Vanguard Award.
Other notable winners included Lisa, who took Best Pop Award, and Sienna Spiro, who was named Best New Artist. Bruno Mars, Sombr and Shaboozey also performed during the evening.
Fans took to X to share mixed reactions to Madonna’s performance, with some praising her stage presence and others criticizing the choreography and lip‑sync. Despite the varied commentary, Madonna’s sweep of the awards underscored her enduring influence in the music industry.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
