Madonna tops 2026 MTV VMA nominations with 11 nods, Swift follows with nine

Madonna leads the nominations for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with 11 nods, marking a historic high for the pop icon and setting the stage for a competitive ceremony. The nominations were announced on August 18, with Taylor Swift following closely behind with nine nominations. The awards show is scheduled to be broadcast live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27.

Madonna's 11 nominations are her most ever and represent the first time she has led the field since 1998. Her nods are largely anchored by "Confessions II The Film," a 14-minute visual work nominated for Video of the Year, and her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, "Bring Your Love," which is up for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration. She also received a nod for Artist of the Year. This achievement adds to a resurgent year for the artist, whose album Confessions II debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.

Taylor Swift, who holds the record for most VMA wins with 30, earned nine nominations. Her video "The Fate of Ophelia" is nominated for Video of the Year, and she is also a contender for Artist of the Year. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter follow with seven nominations...