Madonna emerged as the artist with the highest number of nominations for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, earning 11 mentions across the categories announced on Tuesday. Her slate of nominations includes a contest for video of the year with "Confessions II - The Film" and a nomination for artist of the year.
Taylor Swift follows closely with nine nominations. Swift is also in the running for video of the year for "The Fate of Ophelia," a track from her most recent album, "The Life of a Showgirl." Both singers already possess multiple VMA Moon Person trophies from prior ceremonies.
Madonna’s history at the VMAs dates back decades: she received the Video Vanguard Award in 1986 for her role in advancing music video as an art form, and in 1987 she took home the best female video prize for "Papa Don’t Preach." Over the course of her career she has accumulated 20 VMA wins.
One of the show’s most enduring images originated with Madonna’s appearance at the inaugural VMAs in 1984. Wearing a wedding gown accented by a "Boy Toy" belt buckle, she rolled on the stage floor while performing "Like a Virgin," a moment that challenged the boundaries of what was commonly aired on cable television at the time.
This year Madonna and Swift are among the headline contenders. Swift recently completed what has been described as the highest-grossing concert tour to date. She is tied with Beyonce for the record of most lifetime VMA wins, with 30 apiece.
Other artists receiving multiple nominations include Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter, who each secured seven nominations this year. The awards process includes fan participation: supporters can cast votes online in 13 of the categories.
The winners of the nominated categories will be revealed on September 27 during a live ceremony to be broadcast on CBS and MTV and streamed on Paramount+.
Context and implications
The nominations highlight enduring commercial and cultural prominence for artists spanning multiple generations. For broadcasters and streaming services carrying the awards show, the lineup of nominees and the extent of fan engagement will be key factors in viewership performance for the Sept 27 telecast.
Notable nominations and historical notes
- Madonna - 11 nominations, including video of the year for "Confessions II - The Film" and artist of the year.
- Taylor Swift - 9 nominations, including video of the year for "The Fate of Ophelia." Swift has 30 lifetime VMA wins, tied with Beyonce.
- Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter - 7 nominations each.
- Madonna’s VMA milestones include the 1986 Video Vanguard Award and a 1987 win for best female video; she has 20 total VMAs.