Madonna leads the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations with 11 nods, marking the first time the legendary star has topped the leaderboard since 1998, according to announcements from CBS and MTV. The milestone comes alongside Taylor Swift pulling in nine nominations as the ceremony prepares to broadcast live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27, according to network scheduling details.
Madonna Leads 2026 VMA Nominations Field
According to CBS and MTV reports, Madonna’s 11-node tally represents a personal best for the artist, who first stole the show at the inaugural 1984 VMAs with a performance of “Like a Virgin.” Her 14-minute “Confessions II – The Film” earned a video of the year nomination alongside key placements in best dance, best direction, best art direction, best cinematography, and best editing. Madonna is also up for artist of the year and song of the year for “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter, which is additionally nominated for best collaboration.
Taylor Swift Chases Historic Wins Record
Taylor Swift sits second on the leaderboard with nine nominations, including video of the year and artist of the year for “The Fate of Ophelia,” while her visual for “Opalite” vies for best direction. Swift has won a record 30 Moon Person trophies.
Top Contenders Across Genre and Technical Categories
According to network data, Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter follow closely with seven nominations each, while Bruno Mars leads male nominees with five nods, placing him alongside PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. Grande secured her sixth artist of the year nomination—a record-extending tally—competing alongside Swift, Mars, Carpenter, Morgan Wallen, and Madonna, according to CBS announcements. The video of the year category rounds out its contenders with Grande’s “hate that i made you love me,” Mars’ “I Just Might,” Carpenter’s “Tears,” and Gener8ion’s “Storm” starring Yung Lean.
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Ceremony Details and Broadcast Information
According to official production announcements, the 2026 VMAs will air live on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and stream on Paramount+ from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27, between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. ET.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the 2026 MTV VMA nominations?
According to CBS and MTV, Madonna leads the field with 11 nominations.
When and where are the 2026 VMAs taking place?
According to network schedules, the ceremony broadcasts live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27.
How can fans vote for the 2026 VMAs?
According to MTV, fan voting is hosted on MTV’s Instagram Stories and at vote.MTV.com through Sept. 25.
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