Madonna Dominates MTV VMAs 2026 Nominations – See the Complete List

Madonna leads MTV VMAs 2026 nominations with 11 nods, including Video of the Year for Confessions II – The Film.

When it comes to the MTV Video Music Awards, the excitement is real, and 2026 is no exception. The nominations have dropped, and guess who’s stealing the spotlight? None other than the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, who’s commanding attention with a whopping 11 nominations. From dazzling visuals to chart-topping collaborations, this year’s VMAs promise to be a star-studded celebration you won’t want to miss.

Madonna Takes Center Stage with 11 Nominations

Madonna’s latest studio album, Confessions II, has been turning heads, but it’s the cinematic masterpiece accompanying it, Confessions II – The Film, that’s racking up major nods. This epic visual journey, packed with star power and breathtaking artistry, has earned a Video of the Year nomination alongside a slew of other technical categories like Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Choreography, and Best Visual Effects.

Not stopping there, Madonna is also vying for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year with her infectious single ‘Bring Your Love’, a vibrant collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, which is also nominated for Best Collaboration. It’s like watching a pop icon reinvent herself and remind the world why she’s still the reigning queen.

Taylor Swift Follows Closely Behind with Nine Nods

Right on Madonna’s heels is Taylor Swift, who’s earned nine nominations. Her hauntingly beautiful song ‘The Fate Of Ophelia’ is nominated for both Artist of the Year and Video of the Year and is also recognized in categories such as Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography. Swift’s creative video for ‘Opalite’ is also in the spotlight for Best Direction, showcasing her continuous evolution as a visual storyteller.

If Swift bags even one win this year, she will eclipse Beyoncé to become the most awarded artist in MTV VMA history, ending their current 30-win tie. That’s a milestone worth watching closely on September 27.

Other Big Names and Rising Stars in the Mix

The Artist of the Year category is packed with powerhouse performers like Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, and Sabrina Carpenter. Ariana’s emotional ballad ‘Hate That I Made You Love Me’ is also nominated for Video of the Year, Best Direction, and several other categories, proving her versatility and emotional depth.

Bruno Mars, who’s no stranger to awards, is nominated for Artist of the Year and Best R&B with his track ‘I Just Might’. Meanwhile, Harry Styles brings his flair to the Best Dance category with his single ‘Aperture’, and Charli XCX is in the running for Best Pop and Best Art Direction for her edgy tune ‘SS26’.

The music spectrum is beautifully diverse across categories like Best Alternative, featuring artists like Geese, Tame Impala, Olivia Rodrigo, and Noah Kahan, and Best Hip-Hop with heavyweights such as Cardi B & Kehlani, Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tyler, the Creator.

A Closer Look at Some Must-Watch Categories

Video Of The Year Nominees:

• Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me
• Bruno Mars – I Just Might
• Gener8ion – Storm starring Yung Lean
• Madonna – Confessions II – The Film
• Sabrina Carpenter – Tears
• Taylor Swift – The Fate Of Ophelia

Song Of The Year Highlights:

• BTS – Swim
• Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas
• Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love
• Olivia Dean – Man I Need
• PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson – Stateside
• Raye – Where Is My Husband!

Best New Artist Candidates:

• Bella Kay
• Cortis
• Magnus Ferrell
• Malcolm Todd
• Myles Smith
• Sienna Spiro
• Stella Lefty

Best Dance Picks:

• Bebe Rexha & Faithless – New Religion
• Harry Styles – Aperture
• Lady Gaga & Doechii – Runway
• Madonna – Confessions II – The Film
• PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson – Stateside
• Slayyyter – Dance…
• Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

Celebrating Madonna Beyond the VMAs

Fans have even more to celebrate with an immersive exhibition honoring Madonna’s 68th birthday recently launched in London. It’s a fitting tribute to a legend who continues to shape pop culture decades into her career. Moreover, speculation swirls around a potential Glastonbury Pyramid Stage headline slot for Madonna next year, a tantalizing prospect for music lovers worldwide.

Earlier this month, Madonna reunited with Kylie Minogue for the ‘Love Sensation (Afterhours Mix)’, blending two pop icons in a fresh, danceable track. The singer also paid a heartfelt tribute to her late producer William Orbit, calling him "my ray of light," reminding us all of the deep connections behind the music.

Ariana Grande’s emotional performances keep her in the spotlight year after year.

How to Cast Your Vote

The MTV VMAs 2026 will unfold live at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, airing simultaneously on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. Fan voting is now open, and every vote counts in shaping the night’s winners.

Head over to the official voting page to support your favorites and be a part of this electric celebration of music and visuals.

Complete Nominations List:

Artist Of The Year

• Ariana Grande
• Bruno Mars
• Madonna
• Morgan Wallen
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Taylor Swift

Best Collaboration

• Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T & Malice – Chains & Whips
• French Montana & Max B – Ever Since U Left Me
• Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love
• PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson – Stateside
• Shakira & Burna Boy – Dai Dai
• Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye – Hard Part

Best Pop

• Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me
• Charli XCX – SS26
• Lisa & Kentara Sakaguchi – Dream
• Olivia Rodrigo – Drop Dead
• Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour
• Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl
• Taylor Swift – The Fate Of Ophelia

Best Hip-Hop

• Cardi B & Kehlani – Safe
• Don Toliver – E85
• Drake – Janice STFU
• Megan Thee Stallion – Lover Girl
• Travis Scott – Dumbo
• Tyler, the Creator – Sugar on My Tongue

Best R&B

• Bruno Mars – I Just Might
• Chris Brown – It Depends/Obvious
• Dave & Tems – Raindance
• Justin Bieber – Yukon
• Kehlani – Folded
• Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis – Is It a Crime

Best Alternative

• Geese – Taxes
• MGK & Fred Durst – Fix Ur Face
• Noah Kahan – The Great Divide
• Olivia Rodrigo – The Cure
• Sombr – Homewrecker
• Tame Impala – Dracula
• Twenty One Pilots – Drag Path

Best Dance

• Bebe Rexha & Faithless – New Religion
• Harry Styles – Aperture
• Lady Gaga & Doechii – Runway
• Madonna – Confessions II – The Film
• PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson – Stateside
• Slayyyter – Dance…
• Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

Best Latin

• Anitta & Shakira – Choka Choka
• Bad Bunny – Nuevayol
• Fuerza Regida – Tu Sancho
• Karol G – Papasito
• Rosalía & Yahritza y Su Esencia – La Perla
• Ryan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta – La Villa
• Shakira & Burna Boy – Dai Dai

Best K-Pop

• Blackpink – Jump
• BTS – Swim
• Cortis – RedRed
• Katseye – Pinky Up
• Le Sserafim & J-Hope of BTS – Spaghetti
• Lisa & Kentara Sakaguchi – Dream

Best Country

• Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas
• Kacey Musgraves – Dry Spell
• Lainey Wilson – Somewhere Over Laredo
• Luke Combs – Back in the Saddle
• Shaboozey – Cowgirl
• Stella Lefty – Boston
• Tucker Wetmore – Brunette

Best Direction

• Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me
• Bruno Mars – I Just Might
• Gener8ion – Storm starring Yung Lean
• Madonna – Confessions II – The Film
• Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour
• Taylor Swift – Opalite

Best Art Direction

• Charli XCX – SS26
• Lady Gaga & Doechii – Runway
• Madonna – Confessions II – The Film
• PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson – Stateside
• Sombr – My Body Isn’t Ready
• Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

Best Cinematography

• A$AP Rocky – Punk Rocky
• Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me
• Lisa & Kentara Sakaguchi – Dream
• Madonna – Confessions II – The Film
• Shaboozey – Cowgirl
• Taylor Swift – The Fate Of Ophelia

Best Editing

• Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me
• Bruno Mars – I Just Might
• Lisa & Kentara Sakaguchi – Dream
• Madonna – Confessions II – The Film
• Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour
• Taylor Swift – The Fate Of Ophelia

Best Choreography

• Gener8ion – Storm starring Yung Lean
• Harry Styles – Dance No More
• Katseye – Pinky Up
• Madonna – Confessions II – The Film
• Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl
• Taylor Swift – The Fate Of Ophelia

Best Visual Effects

• Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me
• Jisoo & Zayn – Eyes Closed
• Madonna – Confessions II – The Film
• PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson – Stateside
• Raye & Hans Zimmer – Click Clack Symphony
• Taylor Swift – The Fate Of Ophelia

FAQ

• Which artist leads the MTV VMAs 2026 nominations?
  Madonna leads with 11 nominations, including Video of the Year.
• When and where will the 2026 MTV VMAs take place?
  The ceremony is scheduled for September 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
• Who are the main contenders for Artist of the Year?
  Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift.
• Can fans vote for their favorite nominees?
  Yes, fan voting is open now on the official MTV voting site.
• What notable collaborations are nominated?
  Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Bring Your Love’ and PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson’s ‘Stateside’, among others.

Celebrate this iconic music season by surrounding yourself with the artistry of your favorite stars. Why not bring the vibe home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and immortalize these moments on your walls at Architeg Prints.