> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Madonna and Taylor Swift Lead MTV Video Music Awards Filled With Tributes - URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/mtv-vmas-2026-complete-winners-nominees-performances/ - Published: 2026-09-28T04:04:42.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-28T04:12:30.000Z - Description: Madonna won seven awards, Taylor Swift claimed Video of the Year, and tributes honored Dolly Parton and George Michael. A full recap of the 2026 MTV VMAs, with performances, nominees, winners and acceptance-speech highlights. - Author: News Desk - Tags: Entertainment, California, #lead-today, #taq-lead-active Madonna turned a long-awaited return into the biggest competitive haul of the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, while Taylor Swift took Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” at a ceremony that paired contemporary pop spectacle with tributes to Dolly Parton, George Michael and Nirvana. The [final results](https://ew.com/mtv-vmas-2026-winners-list-12134882?ref=theamericanquorum.com) gave Madonna seven awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Album for *Confessions II*. Swift won Best Direction for “Opalite” as well as the evening’s top video prize, and received the inaugural Artist Director Honors. BTS earned three competitive awards: Song of the Year, Best K-Pop and Best Group. Snoop Dogg hosted the September 27 ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. Beyond its largest winners, the show gave Sienna Spiro a Best New Artist breakthrough and LISA the Best Pop award, while performances moved between elaborate choreography, country songs and vocal tributes. The full results below include awards that were not the focus of the televised presentations. ## A Madonna comeback built around collaboration ![Archival photo of Madonna performing in London on October 14, 2023.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/Madonna_%2853264440026%29.jpg) FILE PHOTO — Madonna at the O2 Arena, London, October 14, 2023\. “Madonna” by Alex Ellison, via [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Madonna%5F%2853264440026%29.jpg?ref=theamericanquorum.com). [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). No changes. Madonna’s first VMA performance since 2003 opened with Sabrina Carpenter on “Bring Your Love” and continued with Charli xcx on the “Danceteria” remix. The production recreated the club world of *Confessions II*, moving from a piano-led opening into a bathroom set. Julia Garner, Debi Mazar, Seth Rogen and Sombr joined the spectacle, as documented by [Entertainment Weekly](https://ew.com/madonna-mtv-vmas-2026-performance-celebrity-cameos-12137301?ref=theamericanquorum.com) and [Stereogum](https://stereogum.com/2512675/vmas-2026-madonna-opens-the-show-with-her-first-vmas-performance-in-23-years-joined-by-sabrina-carpenter-charli-xcx-more/news?ref=theamericanquorum.com). The collaboration carried into the awards: Madonna and Carpenter won for “Bring Your Love.” Madonna also collected Best Dance, Best Cinematography, Best Choreography and Best Long-Form Video for *Confessions II – The Film*, alongside her artist and album victories. Accepting Best Dance, she distilled the night’s club imagery into a statement of belonging: “We’re all equal on the dance floor,” according to the [Associated Press](https://www.theheraldreview.com/entertainment/article/the-mtv-vmas-are-here-with-taylor-swift-making-22451103.php?ref=theamericanquorum.com). ## Every main-show performance The telecast’s nine musical segments are listed below. Guest singers are included within their respective performances; Swift’s music-video premiere is covered separately. The rundown draws on [Pitchfork’s coverage](https://pitchfork.com/story/vmas-2026-all-of-the-performances/?ref=theamericanquorum.com), contemporaneous reports and the organizer’s [announced lineup](https://www.paramount.com/news/the-mtv-video-music-awards-are-back-legends-return-and-new-voices-take-the-stage?ref=theamericanquorum.com). | Artists / segment | Songs and performance | | ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx | “Bring Your Love” with Carpenter and “Danceteria Afterhours” with Charli xcx anchored the opening medley. It also incorporated elements of “Good for the Soul” and choreography associated with “One Step Away,” according to the [set rundown](https://www.justjared.com/2026/09/27/madonna-2026-mtv-vmas-opening-performance-songs-special-guests/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). | | Kacey Musgraves — Dolly Parton tribute | Musgraves sang “I Will Always Love You.” The choice put Parton’s songwriting at the center of the tribute, with Musgraves appearing in a sparkling magenta outfit. Both [Pitchfork](https://pitchfork.com/story/watch-kacey-musgraves-sing-dolly-partons-i-will-always-love-you-at-the-2026-vmas/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) and [EW](https://ew.com/mtv-vmas-2026-best-and-worst-moments-12138900?ref=theamericanquorum.com) documented the performance. | | RAYE | “I Will Overcome” led into “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” with strings and a large band. She shed a white coat to reveal a red dress and performed barefoot. [Rolling Stone](https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/raye-where-is-my-husband-vmas-performance-101583/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) also documented a “Funkytown” interpolation and an updated recording of her grandmother’s voice. | | Bruno Mars | “Dance With Me,” presented in a prerecorded tour performance, featured an extended guitar solo. This was a remote musical contribution, rather than a live performance inside the Peacock Theater. | | LISA | “SaWaDiKa” brought boxing-inspired movement and coordinated dancers to the stage. A moving platform formed part of the production. Her [performance](https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lisa-sawadika-vmas-performance-101589/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) followed the emotional Best Pop acceptance for “Dream.” | | Shaboozey and Gunna | Shaboozey began with “Cowgirl”; Gunna joined for “High Noon.” Their pairing connected country and hip-hop, with flames and a Western-style set surrounding the act. The two-song sequence was confirmed by [event coverage](https://www.justjared.com/2026/09/27/shaboozey-is-joined-by-gunna-for-mtv-vmas-2026-performance/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). | | Sienna Spiro | Spiro sang “Great Expectation” with band accompaniment. Her performance and subsequent Best New Artist victory gave the broadcast one of its clearest introductions to an emerging performer. | | George Michael tribute | Sombr sang “Faith” and “Father Figure”; RAYE followed with “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)”; Teddy Swims performed “Careless Whisper”; and Adam Lambert led “Freedom! ’90.” MNEK, Meek and Saint Harison joined the finale, confirmed by [Stereogum](https://stereogum.com/2512809/vmas-2026-raye-sombr-teddy-swims-adam-lambert-pay-tribute-to-george-michael/news?ref=theamericanquorum.com) and [event photographs](https://www.justjared.com/2026/09/27/adam-lambert-makes-surprise-appearance-during-george-michael-tribute-at-mtv-vmas-2026-with-sombr-raye-teddy-swims/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). Orville Peck introduced the tribute. | | GENER8ION and Yung Lean | “STORM” translated its music video’s school-uniform choreography into a large ensemble performance. Dancers in suits and ties surrounded Yung Lean, preserving the video’s contrast between his stillness and their movement. [Stereogum’s report](https://stereogum.com/2512824/vmas-2026-yung-lean-makes-his-us-tv-debut-performing-with-gener8ion/news?ref=theamericanquorum.com) describes the recreation. | ## Swift’s directing honor and a new video Dakota Johnson presented Swift with the first Artist Director Honors. The award recognized the work of a musician behind the camera, giving the ceremony a distinct occasion to address how music videos are made as well as who appears in them. Swift directed her thanks toward viewers: “You make it so rewarding, because you actually care about what we’re making,” she said, as reported by [EW](https://ew.com/taylor-swift-receives-inaugural-mtv-vma-artist-director-honors-12137390?ref=theamericanquorum.com). The [AP account](https://www.theheraldreview.com/entertainment/article/the-mtv-vmas-are-here-with-taylor-swift-making-22451103.php?ref=theamericanquorum.com) likewise recorded her emphasis on fans’ engagement with her videos. She used that moment to introduce the premiere of “Patient Zero,” starring Johnson and Colin Farrell alongside Swift. CBS and MTV had [announced](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/mtv/shows/2026-mtv-video-music-awards-vmas/releases/?view=113292-taylor-swifts-new-single-patient-zero-music-video-to-world-premiere-during-the-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-vmas-sunday-sept-27-on-cbs&ref=theamericanquorum.com) the premiere before the ceremony. [EW’s recap](https://ew.com/taylor-swift-debuts-patient-zero-music-video-dakota-johnson-colin-farrell-12138123?ref=theamericanquorum.com) describes Swift and Johnson playing women connected by a relationship with Farrell’s character. When Swift accepted Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia,” she dedicated it to Parton, calling her the “ultimate showgirl.” Her speech praised Parton’s storytelling and her appreciation for audiences, according to [TheWrap](https://www.thewrap.com/industry-news/awards/vmas-winners-list-2026/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). The dedication brought the evening’s tribute to Parton into its highest-profile competitive award. ## The acceptance speeches: gratitude and remembrance LISA’s Best Pop win supplied an early emotional moment. “All those late night dreams brought me here today,” she said in an acceptance speech documented by [Rolling Stone](https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lisa-sawadika-vmas-performance-101589/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) and the [AP](https://www.theheraldreview.com/entertainment/article/the-mtv-vmas-are-here-with-taylor-swift-making-22451103.php?ref=theamericanquorum.com). The win recognized “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi,” distinct from the new song she performed later in the broadcast. Nirvana’s Video Vanguard Award brought Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear together onstage, with Chuck D presenting. Novoselic spoke about Kurt Cobain and the continuing connection listeners feel to the band. “Kurt was one of one,” he said. His tribute described the audience’s enduring appetite for “something real, something uncompromising,” according to [EW’s account](https://ew.com/nirvana-reunite-vmas-video-vanguard-award-2026-12135781?ref=theamericanquorum.com), corroborated by the [AP](https://www.theheraldreview.com/entertainment/article/the-mtv-vmas-are-here-with-taylor-swift-making-22451103.php?ref=theamericanquorum.com). It was an acceptance and remembrance segment; Nirvana was not part of the night’s live performance roster. The Best Collaboration presentation also offered a lighter exchange. Madonna explained that she had contacted Carpenter directly after waiting for a response through their teams. Carpenter then defended her team while suggesting a direct message was the quickest way to reach her. [EW reported](https://ew.com/what-sabrina-carpenter-said-bleeped-speech-mtv-vmas-12144348?ref=theamericanquorum.com) that a swear word accounted for the broadcast’s brief audio bleep. Madonna’s account of initiating the collaboration was also covered by [Pitchfork](https://pitchfork.com/story/watch-madonna-bring-out-sabrina-carpenter-and-charli-xcx-at-the-2026-vmas/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). ## All winners and nominees The winner appears in the middle column; the final column contains the other nominees. These 23 competitive categories combine the organizer’s [nomination record](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/mtv/shows/2026-mtv-video-music-awards-vmas/releases/?view=113133-nominations-revealed-for-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-vmas-airing-live-from-los-angeles-sunday-sept-27-on-cbs&ref=theamericanquorum.com) with the later social-category fields reported by [Us Weekly](https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/mtv-vmas-2026-nominees-and-winners-see-complete-list/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) and [People](https://people.com/mtv-vmas-2026-winners-list-12135520?ref=theamericanquorum.com). Results were cross-checked against the final lists from [EW](https://ew.com/mtv-vmas-2026-winners-list-12134882?ref=theamericanquorum.com) and [ELLE Australia](https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/mtv-vmas-nominees-winners-2026/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). Song and video names are retained as award-entry titles; label credits are omitted for readability. ### Major awards | Category | Winner | Other nominees | | ------------------ | --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Video of the Year | Taylor Swift — The Fate of Ophelia | Ariana Grande — hate that i made you love meBruno Mars — I Just MightGENER8ION — STORM starring Yung LeanMadonna — Confessions II – The FilmSabrina Carpenter — Tears | | Artist of the Year | Madonna | Ariana GrandeBruno MarsMorgan WallenSabrina CarpenterTaylor Swift | | Song of the Year | BTS — Swim | Ella Langley — Choosin’ TexasHUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI — GoldenMadonna & Sabrina Carpenter — Bring Your LoveOlivia Dean — Man I NeedPinkPantheress — Stateside + Zara LarssonRAYE — WHERE IS MY HUSBAND! | | Best New Artist | Sienna Spiro | Bella KayCORTISMagnus FerrellMalcolm ToddMyles SmithStella Lefty | | Best Collaboration | Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter — Bring Your Love | Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice — Chains & WhipsFrench Montana x Max B — Ever Since U Left MePinkPantheress — Stateside + Zara LarssonShakira & Burna Boy — Dai DaiTeyana Taylor & Lucky Daye — Hard Part | ### Genre awards | Category | Winner | Other nominees | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Best Pop | LISA — Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi | Ariana Grande — hate that i made you love meCharli xcx — SS26Olivia Rodrigo — drop deadSabrina Carpenter — House TourTate McRae — Nobody’s GirlTaylor Swift — The Fate of Ophelia | | Best Hip-Hop | Cardi B ft. Kehlani — Safe | Don Toliver — E85Drake — Janice STFUMegan Thee Stallion — LOVER GIRLTravis Scott — DUMBOTyler, the Creator — SUGAR ON MY TONGUE | | Best R&B | Bruno Mars — I Just Might | Chris Brown — It Depends/ObviousDave & Tems — RaindanceJustin Bieber — YUKONKehlani — FoldedMariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis — Is It a Crime | | Best Alternative | Olivia Rodrigo — the cure | Geese — Taxesmgk & Fred Durst — FIX UR FACENoah Kahan — The Great DivideSombr — HomewreckerTame Impala — DraculaTwenty One Pilots — Drag Path | | Best Dance | Madonna — Confessions II – The Film | Bebe Rexha & Faithless — New ReligionHarry Styles — ApertureLady Gaga & Doechii — RUNWAYPinkPantheress — Stateside + Zara LarssonSlayyyter — DANCE…Tate McRae — Nobody’s Girl | | Best Latin | Bad Bunny — NUEVAYoL | Anitta with Shakira — Choka ChokaFuerza Regida — TU SANCHOKAROL G — PapasitoRosalía ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia — La PerlaRyan Castro, Kapo & GANGSTA — LA VILLAShakira & Burna Boy — Dai Dai | | Best K-Pop | BTS — SWIM | BLACKPINK — JUMPCORTIS — REDREDKATSEYE — PINKY UPLE SSERAFIM feat. j-hope of BTS — SPAGHETTILISA — Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi | | Best Country | Ella Langley — Choosin’ Texas | Kacey Musgraves — Dry SpellLainey Wilson — Somewhere Over LaredoLuke Combs — Back in the SaddleShaboozey — CowgirlStella Lefty — BostonTucker Wetmore — Brunette | ### Video craft awards | Category | Winner | Other nominees | | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Best Direction | Taylor Swift — Opalite | Ariana Grande — hate that i made you love meBruno Mars — I Just MightGENER8ION — STORM starring Yung LeanMadonna — Confessions II – The FilmSabrina Carpenter — House Tour | | Best Art Direction | PinkPantheress — Stateside + Zara Larsson | Charli xcx — SS26Lady Gaga & Doechii — RUNWAYMadonna — Confessions II – The FilmSombr — My Body Isn’t ReadyTaylor Swift — The Fate of Ophelia | | Best Cinematography | Madonna — Confessions II – The Film | A$AP Rocky — PUNK ROCKYAriana Grande — hate that i made you love meLISA — Dream feat. Kentaro SakaguchiShaboozey — CowgirlTaylor Swift — The Fate of Ophelia | | Best Editing | Sabrina Carpenter — House Tour | Ariana Grande — hate that i made you love meBruno Mars — I Just MightLISA — Dream feat. Kentaro SakaguchiMadonna — Confessions II – The FilmTaylor Swift — The Fate of Ophelia | | Best Choreography | Madonna — Confessions II – The Film | GENER8ION — STORM starring Yung LeanHarry Styles — Dance No MoreKATSEYE — PINKY UPTate McRae — Nobody’s GirlTaylor Swift — The Fate of Ophelia | | Best Visual Effects | Ariana Grande — hate that i made you love me | JISOO x ZAYN — Eyes ClosedMadonna — Confessions II – The FilmPinkPantheress — Stateside + Zara LarssonRAYE ft. Hans Zimmer — Click Clack Symphony.Taylor Swift — The Fate of Ophelia | ### Group, album, long-form and summer awards | Category | Winner | Other nominees | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Best Group | BTS | BLACKPINKCORTISFLOFuerza RegidaGeeseKATSEYETwenty One Pilots | | Best Album | Madonna — Confessions II | Drake — IcemanOlivia Dean — The Art of LovingOlivia Rodrigo — You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in LoveSabrina Carpenter — Man’s Best FriendTaylor Swift — The Life of a Showgirl | | Best Long-Form Video | Madonna — Confessions II – The Film | Charli xcx — Music, Fashion, FilmElla Langley — Choosin’ TexasGENER8ION — STORM starring Yung Lean | | Song of the Summer | Ariana Grande — hate that i made you love me | Bruno Mars — Risk It AllCharli xcx — CameraElla Langley — Choosin’ TexasKATSEYE — Hootie FruttiLatto ft. Doja Cat — OkayyyMorgan Wallen — Been By NowOlivia Dean — So Easy (to Fall in Love)Olivia Rodrigo — Stupid SongSabrina Carpenter — House TourSlayyyter — Brand New Chanel$Sombr — HomewreckerStella Lefty — BostonTame Impala & JENNIE — DraculaTaylor Swift — I Knew It, I Knew You | ### Honorary awards | Award | Recipient | | ---------------------- | ---------------- | | Video Vanguard Award | **Nirvana** | | Artist Director Honors | **Taylor Swift** | These were special honors, without a competitive nominee field.