Madonna has emerged as the leading nominee for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, earning 11 nominations across a range of categories. The pop icon, whose career spans five decades, is up for honors that include Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Dance, Direction, Art Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Choreography and Visual Effects.
Her record‑breaking run could see her tie Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history, with each artist currently holding 30 awards. If Madonna were to win every category, she would join that elite group.
Taylor Swift close behind
Taylor Swift follows Madonna with nine nominations, making her the second‑most nominated artist this year. Swift’s nods cover Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Pop, Direction, Art Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Choreography and Visual Effects. Even a single win would make her the most‑awarded artist in VMA history, surpassing the current record.
Other notable nominees
Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each received seven nominations, while Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson earned five each. Blackpink’s LISA garnered four nods, and Shakira, Tate McRae, GENER8ION and Yung Lean tied with three nominations.
The Artist of the Year category includes Grande, Mars, Carpenter and Morgan Wallen alongside Madonna and Swift.
Video of the Year showdown
The top prize, Video of the Year, pits Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” against Madonna’s “Confessions II — The Film,” Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” Mars’s “I Just Might,” Carpenter’s “Tear” and GENER8ION’s “Storm” featuring Yung Lean.
Broadcast details
The ceremony will be televised live on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern / 4:30 p.m. Pacific, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will also simulcast on MTV and stream on Paramount+ in the United States, with global streaming the following day.
First‑time nominees and category returns
This year introduces 26 first‑time nominees, including the K‑pop boy band CORTIS, viral singer Stella Lefty, and artists Don Toliver, Kali Uchis, Noah Kahan, Olivia Dean, Tucker Wetmore and Sienna Spiro. The Best Dance category returns after a seven‑year hiatus, featuring entries from McRae, Bebe Rexha, Faithless, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Doechii, Madonna, PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson and Slayyyter.
Fan voting began Tuesday across 13 categories and will close on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. Eastern / 3 p.m. Pacific. Voting for Best New Artist will remain open during the live broadcast.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
