Madonna reigned supreme at the MTV Video Music Awards, with Taylor Swift once again making her mark in history. The 2026 edition, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated pop superstars from different generations, alongside tributes to iconic music figures.
Madonna dominated the awards, taking home seven trophies. She was named Artist of the Year and won Best Album for "Confessions II" and Best Dance for "Confessions II – The Film."
Her collection also included Best Collaboration for "Bring Your Love," featuring Sabrina Carpenter, and accolades for Best Long Form Video, Best Cinematography, and Best Choreography.
On stage, Madonna was joined by guests like Debi Mazar and Sombr. While accepting the Artist of the Year award, she reflected on her musical comeback over the past year and a half, encouraging new artists to stay true to themselves and create music they believe in.
Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for "The Fate of Ophelia," marking her fifth victory in this category and further cementing her record at the VMAs. From the stage, Swift dedicated her award to Dolly Parton, praising her as a role model and entertainment icon.
Swift also received the Best Direction award for "Opalite" and was the first-ever recipient of the MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, presented by Dakota Johnson, recognizing her work in directing and visual storytelling.
Following the awards, Swift premiered her new video, "Patient Zero," which she directed, featuring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell.
BTS took home Song of the Year for "Swim," and also won Best Group and Best K-Pop, both for "Swim."
The Best Pop award went to LISA for "Dream," featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi, while Sienna Spiro was named Best New Artist.
In other categories, Cardi B and Kehlani won Best Rap for "Safe," and Bruno Mars took Best R&B with "I Just Might." Olivia Rodrigo triumphed in the alternative category with "the cure," Bad Bunny in Latin with "NUEVAYoL," and Ella Langley in country with "Choosin’ Texas."
A highlight of the ceremony was the Nirvana tribute, as they received the Video Vanguard Award. Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear took the stage, with Novoselic remembering Kurt Cobain and thanking fans for their enduring support more than thirty years after Cobain's passing.
With this honor, Nirvana became the first band to receive the Video Vanguard Award since Duran Duran in 2003.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the event also featured tributes to Dolly Parton and George Michael.
Among the standout performances was Yung Lean and GENER8ION, making their VMA debut with "STORM II." The Swedish rapper began his act with a provocative gesture, smashing a Moon Person trophy on the ground before performing surrounded by uniformed dancers.
(Associated Medias) - Tutti i diritti sono riservati